Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern 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, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace it is important to select one that matches other elements of design 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 ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water 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. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. 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 isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.