Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace inserts could assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won’t break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces electric are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won’t change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace electric has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you’re considering a marble fireplace you’ll need 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 look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn’t be safe or look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.