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 home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn’t always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it’s important to keep in mind that it should be located some distance 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 with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Indeed, stone Fireplaces some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace’s surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace’s surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces electric. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don’t crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching 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 decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won’t change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re bound to find the right one to match your style.
If you decide 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 is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors 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 the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall fireplace focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it’s extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces wood that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over 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 is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you’re planning to install a combustible surround, then you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.