A Vibrant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room, and also breaks up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant 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 types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. marble fireplaces [reviews over at gorillasocialwork.com] work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. white fireplace marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces wooden. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is available in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to a room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple or step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help 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 isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you guidance on this.