Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A freestanding fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily taken down after the holidays.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces - https://fireplacesandstoves45477.bloggerswise.com/, and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at more money.
You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen 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 can be more prone to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on 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 provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area around the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent 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 can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes 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 a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.