Don t Believe These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. However, finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. wooden fireplaces fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace suites surrounds are available in a flat design that is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to remember that a wood fireplaces-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for ethonal fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds 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 is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. marble fireplaces (Visit Legra) work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various 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 to keep the room warm even after the bioethanol fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches 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, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making 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 causing damage. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce 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 using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.