Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is essential to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line 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 from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.