Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace suites. Wooden fireplace stove surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a Tabletop fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces shop are a great option for open floor plans. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might 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 help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.