Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are many choices for design and size. 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.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to add an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the ideal option to fit your style.
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 looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. 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 is the primary reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is 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 are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is important to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.