Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper 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 selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match for your style.
If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.