Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape 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 area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance 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 may also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer advice on this.