Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have an
electric firesuite or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a
wall fires which could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined based on
electric fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone 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 on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with 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 an elegant appearance. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a
marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, 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 area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has 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 is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for
fireplaces shop using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes.