Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric firesuite fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hold wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it blends with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high 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 non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace - https://wavesocialmedia.Com/story3645728/the-10-most-scariest-things-about-freestanding-electric-fireplace, it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on a single wall fireplace in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is useful in reducing draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel can vary, but most feature a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.