Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into 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 fireplace surround made of wood is an important piece of furniture as it creates an accent piece for the room and breaks 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 fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, Fireplacesandstoves.Uk which can be used to hold decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you advice on this.