Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have
electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A
wooden fireplaces surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by the clearance for
bioethanol fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a variety of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a
marble fireplace it is important to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas
freestanding fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean and keep looking stunning.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.