Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety 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 several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable 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 size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.