Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as 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 resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best 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 as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.