Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to fit in 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 that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the
wall fires flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and
Electric Fireplaces wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed.
marble fireplaces comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select
marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to 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 another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and
white fireplace swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
