Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to 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 decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it’s crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace electric surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace’s surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper 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 choose between various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you’re sure to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you’re planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and Electric Firesuite (Puming.Net) water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. 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 focal point in a traditional living area.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white fireplace, grey and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it’s also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or 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 the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft 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 gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.
