Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at 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 create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your style, but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range 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 work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great 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 and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.