Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric fireplace wall mounted or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn’t always easy.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It’s also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you’re going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You’ll also have to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring spot before using them on your marble surround. If you’re not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single electric wall mount fireplace in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it’s extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for Fireplace Surrounds combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds (wikidot.win) come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel that you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.