20 Trailblazers Leading The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It’s also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor fireplacesandstove from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones you can use for your fireplace’s surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don’t shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace’s surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great option for open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of 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 style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don’t want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It’s a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It’s also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it’s important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that’s formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It’s rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral look works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially 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 are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds 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 opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you’ll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.