Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround 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 surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a
wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to fit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the
wall fires. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for
fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of 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, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble
freestanding fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. 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 when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.