Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. And it’s a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it’s important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. 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 shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace’s surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren’t warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you’re bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you’re planning to install a marble fireplace, you’ll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you’re not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you’ve chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative items such as vases or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm 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 ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn’t extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you’ll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.