Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an
electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to
modern fireplace. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to 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. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to match your style.
If you're considering a
marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room.
white fireplace marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any
fireplace insert. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some
tabletop fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.
