Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have
electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design.
Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the
fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning 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 non-combustible. which helps keep the space around 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 to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas
fireplaces wooden. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues.