Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online 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 security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from different patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
marble fireplace is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the ethanol fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you choose to install a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some 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 regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern fireplace-designed gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/2141/dimplex-zamora-freestanding-optiflame-electric-fire-black-chrome-contemporary-led-flame-effect-fire-with-a-choice-of-coal-or-white-pebble-fuel-bed-with-thermostat-and-adjustable-2kw-heater-2141.jpg)Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. 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 option for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/369/touchstone-sideline-elite-50-inch-smart-electric-fireplace-with-surround-mantel-369.jpg)
