Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or
electric fireplaces fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
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, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for
ethanol fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally,
cheap Fireplaces they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. 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, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor.
Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great 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 home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for
fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire space can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note 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 features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten 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 breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered
electric fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could 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 fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.
