Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn’t always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, 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 non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, ethonal Fire as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
marble fireplace is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it’s easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the ethanol fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you’re certain to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white fireplace and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall fireplace accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various 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 space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could 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 ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you’ll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.