Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric firesuite or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn’t always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace insert surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall fires.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to 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 requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original look 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 are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don’t break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won’t change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you’re going with a marble fireplace, you’ll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace (use Thatswhathappened) be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You’ll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to 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 that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option 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 on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it’s also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it’s extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern fireplace style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re using a combustible material for your surround, then you’ll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.