Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an
electric wall mounted fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since 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 breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your
fireplace bioethanol. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example some
fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully constructed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles such as the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern 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 feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and
fireplace surrounds creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by 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. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.