Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an
electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
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, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a
ethanol fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed
fireplace insert can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
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 colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or
fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install 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 keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is also 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
electric fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as 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 is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.