Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging. Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it can be easily painted. Wood A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended. When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. 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 to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall. The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage. Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently. When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in. Stone A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value. There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount 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 various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element. wall mount electric fireplaces are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces. One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire risk. Marble Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones. Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style. If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches 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, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles. If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative. Granite Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface. You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space. Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration. If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning. Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries. Steel A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional appearance. A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces. Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room. Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items such as vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace. Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space. It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.
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