Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning
fireplace suites, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace.
wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard 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.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone
fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also typically 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 choose between various shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. 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, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or
fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor designs. They add class and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water 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 area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors 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 classic look.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for
ethanol fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the
fireplace suites surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.