Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
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 fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time 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 selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired 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 fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could 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 does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.