Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as an accent piece for the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from contemporary to traditional. 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 mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be positioned some distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can increase the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your
fireplace inserts's surround. These include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom
fireplace insert surround made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. 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 are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra 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 wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any
tabletop fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas
fireplaces wooden. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting.
