Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right 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 choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard 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.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will 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, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration 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 doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.