Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in 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 appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or 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 bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.