Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace insert's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the ethanol fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.