Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized 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 a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant 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.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also matches it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well 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 regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. But, you must test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal 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 might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for https://www.fireplacesandstove.com any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis 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 grey, white and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials, such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.