Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
wood fireplacesA wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning
fireplaces wood. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of
marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to
marble fireplace if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand
Cheap Fireplaces high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
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, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
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Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.