Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, fireplace Electric which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace inserts into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.