Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround 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. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas ethanol fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm 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 which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean 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 another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces electric. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood fireplaces-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall fires in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a variety of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, 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 and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you plan to use an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide suggestions on this.