Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric fires or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be utilized in 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 because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace’s surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won’t change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you’re considering a fireplace made of marble, you’ll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces wooden. It’s also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the ethanol fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it’s also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace insert surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
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 a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn’t extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn’t be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.
