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 style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive 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. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area 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 colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.