Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right 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. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of 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 sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce 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 can be found in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.