Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn’t always easy.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a 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 an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace’s surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas cozy winter fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is 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 crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it’s easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn’t change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you’re bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and Marble fireplaces more casual 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 important to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don’t want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. 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 room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It’s rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for Marble fireplaces the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.