Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most well-known type 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, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through 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 to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also opt to have your
freestanding fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for
fireplace inserts surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary.
Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't 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 variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of
white fireplace, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.