Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fires or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it not only blends in with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace’s surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don’t shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern fireplace to traditional, marble Fireplaces (sirketlist.com) which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in 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 shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you choose 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 combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls 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 some additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don’t want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal 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 clients the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that’s formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it’s extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces wood.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you’ll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.