Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior
biofireplace Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.