
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning
fireplace stove, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood
fireplace insert surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away 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 strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive 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 choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the
ethonal fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a
ethonal fire area can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
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 may differ however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.