Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right 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 fires fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture since it creates a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace suite surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It’s not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
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 minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don’t crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it’s easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between 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 is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you’re considering a marble fireplace you’ll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace suite. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround may also be used to help with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces shop.
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 to give an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you’ll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.