Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood
fireplace insert surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used 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 which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a range of stones for your
fireplace electric surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a
marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for
fireplaces wooden that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your
fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.