Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect 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. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help 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 marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's 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 space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors 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 can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located 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're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.