Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus 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 often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas
ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the 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 crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with a
marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up 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, complement earth tones and more casual 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. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any
tabletop fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a great option for
fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep 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 customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for
fireplaces wooden that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range 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 space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.