Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture because 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, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned 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 strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to a ethonal fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace; Bizbi officially announced, it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace suites. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for electric fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety 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 to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for 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 extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.