11 Ways To Completely Revamp Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes to suit any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces wood. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. It is important to clean your fireplace regularly to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace inserts that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with a variety of design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as vases or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace Stove.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.