Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also 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 made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look 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 wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than 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 need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.