Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively 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 sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements 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 such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.