Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget since it can be 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 walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the
wall fireplace. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the
wall fireplace.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost 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.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your
tabletop fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design 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 style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of
white Fireplace, grey and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue.