Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites can endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design 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 typically cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.