Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include 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.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won'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 wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements 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, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and 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. 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 wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.