Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match the style of your home 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 on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a
wooden fireplaces surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options for size and design. For example, some
fireplace insert surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be located some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas
fireplaces shop. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern.
Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
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 against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which 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 many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled
ethanol fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes.