Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible 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 a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ however, most have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable 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 ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.