Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can 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 but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates 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 heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.