Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be used in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood
free standing fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it blends with your interior
near design but also complements it. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them 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 be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning 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's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or
near other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to chip or
near scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the key 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 is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.