Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. 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 like Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection 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 unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look 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 variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without a 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 not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide suggestions on this.