Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood
fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for
Electric Fireplace example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary.
Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for
fireplaces wooden using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.