Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of 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 from wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a
fireplace stove with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
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 between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning
fireplaces shop. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to
ethanol fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a
marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the 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 particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.