Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
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. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. 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 a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.