Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will 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 that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool 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 fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.