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 regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a rustic and warm style to your home. It can increase 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 can assist you in selling your house faster and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your
fireplace inserts to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the
ethanol fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace [
1877`s statement on its official blog] be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also 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 essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide guidance on this.