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 space. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall fireplace while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at several DIY and home-based stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined in accordance with the ethanol fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace’s surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive 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 pick from different colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace’s surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace’s surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you’re bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you’re going with a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. But, you must test them first in a safe 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 as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces wood. It’s also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that’s formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for wooden fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible product for your surround, then you’ll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can help you on this.