Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements 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 swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension 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 in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.