Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up a wall which could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it’s essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace suites surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home since it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone fireplaces is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace’s surround custom made with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don’t crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it doesn’t change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you’re bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don’t want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace insert. It’s a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for Fireplaces wood that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you’re planning to install a combustible surround, then you’ll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you advice on this.