Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive 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 choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.