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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for size and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can increase the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.