Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with 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 can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a 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 the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from different patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important 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. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as 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 away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.