Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are 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, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra 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. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.