Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A
wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace.
wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor,
stone Fireplaces from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at several home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a
wood fireplace surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors 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 will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from
modern fireplace to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design 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 style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a
marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.