Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in 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 fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be set 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 area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. 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 extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures 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 a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.