Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn’t always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it’s a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with your style of interior design, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace’s surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for Bio-Fireplace example is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap 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 luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it’s easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to 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 elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You’ll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. 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 when you don’t want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an amazing accent to any fireplace. It’s a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It’s also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring flame, and it’s easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It’s rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the tabletop fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.