Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
The 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. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.