Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which might 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 wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build
fireplace suites surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor.
Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the
ethonal fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a
marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room.
white fireplace marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson,
marble Fireplaces can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent 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 impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue.