Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or ethanol fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. marble fireplaces (recommended you read) are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white fireplace swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace suites.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.