Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because 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 can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications 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 a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for 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 wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.