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. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.