Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the
wall fireplace. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the
wall fireplace.
Oak is the most popular wood for
fireplace insert surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink when the
fireplace suites heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you choose to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for
fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.