Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose 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 rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for 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 is not more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.