Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
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 can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood freestanding fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace suite. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it’s important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on Ethonal fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent addition to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won’t change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you’re sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace suites made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You’ll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean 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 another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it’s important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven of 10 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 withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace insert opening and that it doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn’t safe nor look attractive). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
