Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would 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 crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area 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're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with 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 breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.