Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fires fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give an inviting and rustic style to your home. It’s not just a way to blend into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include 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.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround made from natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren’t warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and marble fireplace – Read Home – bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn’t change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect option to match 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 looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth 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 frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace stove surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it’s also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an solid rock that’s formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful 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 combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially 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 a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn’t be safe or look good). If you’re using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.