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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it’s important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood fireplaces that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don’t crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won’t change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you’re planning to install a marble fireplace electric, you’ll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don’t want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning ethanol fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed 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 grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it’s very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is important 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 away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn’t be safe or look good). If you’re using a combustible material as your surround, you’ll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.