Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it provides a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means 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 reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at several home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps 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 match to your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, 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 area.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, fireplacesandstoves.uk go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.