Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn’t always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden fireplaces surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It’s not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used for your fireplace’s surround, Marble Fireplace such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it’s easy to find a marble surround that coordinates 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.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won’t change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the 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 match for your style.
If you’re considering a marble fireplace you’ll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don’t want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it’s extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces wood that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add 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 fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 material for your surround, then you’ll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.
