Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. But choosing a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, 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 a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace.
wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line 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 for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the
bioethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a
marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has 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 an igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is typically less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the
freestanding fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.
