Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. 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 shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home since it blends with your interior style but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is 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 planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help 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 are using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.