Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up the wall that might otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panels included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. 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 fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your home more quickly and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone fireplaces can be used for your fireplace's surround, including marble fireplaces and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
stone fireplaces surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces electric. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
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. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/6942/livivo-retro-styled-1-8kw-electric-led-log-fire-effect-fire-with-freestanding-modern-design-and-independent-heat-and-light-controls-white-6942.jpg)It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can offer guidance on this.(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/2044/3226/klarstein-bergamo-electric-fireplace-electric-fire-electric-fire-place-2-heating-levels-thermostat-realistic-flame-illusion-independent-led-flame-effect-with-resin-logs-granite-grey-3226.jpg)
