Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for a long time with little 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 various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. 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 can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.