Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have
electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a
wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design.
Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the
fire gets hotter. It also insulates 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 certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to 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 an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for
ethanol fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is 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 is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over 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 does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.
