Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious 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.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A
fireplace stove surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has 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 space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
marble fireplace is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a
marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their
fireplace electric surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.