Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is one 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 because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example certain
fireplace inserts surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from
wood fireplaces are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little 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 variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone,
Electric fire making 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 are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design.
Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches 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 swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive 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 stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create the perfect focal point for one
wall fireplace in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where 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 help 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 attractive). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.