Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces electric work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.