Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an
electric fire or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit 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 important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well 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 to create your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your
fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or
fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. marble fireplaces -
you can find out more, are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a
modern fireplace-designed gas
fireplace suite. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design 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 for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.
