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 room, whether you have an
electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of options for size 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 popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
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 last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing 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
biofireplace or shrink when the
fireplace suite heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable 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 it requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for
fireplaces wood. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. 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 feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.
