Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace.
wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with 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 renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of wood
fireplace electric surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural
stone fireplaces may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with 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 an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to 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 natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can offer your customers 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 modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones,
fireplaces Shop consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing 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 has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.
