Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since 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 in the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home.
wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. 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 are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options 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 house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble
fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for
fireplaces wood. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the
fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some
fireplace stove surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
