Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have
electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is renowned for being a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and
Fireplace Suites pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper 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 from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
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 accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any
fireplace insert into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace (
Global.gooseket.com) you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas
fireplace inserts. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.