Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric fireplace or wood-burning ethanol fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern fireplace. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace’s surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don’t crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful addition to open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you’re bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery White Fireplace swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring ethanol fire, and it’s also easy to clean to keep the space looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you’ll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.