11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option 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 can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial 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 that match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. 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.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are usually 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 crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. 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 stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a rustic and warm style to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.
You can choose from a wide range of stones for your fireplace stove's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone freestanding fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble Fireplaces Electric make a wonderful option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select 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 style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean 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 add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire space can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to assist with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without the mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.