Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn’t always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and Fireplace electric pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace’s surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of the stone fireplace insert surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, 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, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and fireplace water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don’t want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that’s formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary 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 appearance works well with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look good). If you’re using a combustible product for your surround, then you’ll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.
