Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in modern fireplace, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it 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 is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as freestanding fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace’s surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces electric work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it won’t change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you’re bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you’re planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about 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 a fire space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to 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 water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it’s also easy to clean to keep the space 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 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it’s very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces wooden that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look nice). If you’re using a combustible product for your surround, then you’ll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide advice on this.