Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and
fireplace surround sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the
wall mounted fireplace.
The most well-known type 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 resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble
bio-ethanol fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is 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 might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to 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, white and grey. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes.