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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be 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 can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design 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 look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the 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. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.