Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a rustic and warm style 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. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made
ethanol fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the
fireplace suites has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a
marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for
fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a range 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 is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has 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 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. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly 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 texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.
