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, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your customers 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 will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.