Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an
electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your
tabletop fireplace surround, including 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 slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the
ethanol fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're going with a
marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace (
ethiosmartacademy.com says) be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
