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 style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.