Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to add a warm and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with 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. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic look for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.