Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A ethanol fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much 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 is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it blends with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is inert to heat, which means it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the 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 featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace stove and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes 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 also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or fireplace suites - https://jacobsen-linnet-2.technetbloggers.de/this-weeks-most-popular-stories-about-freestanding-fireplace/, polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.