Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.