Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about 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 sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't 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, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.