Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.
Brick can be utilized in 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 fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options available in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a solid, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand cheap fireplaces, http://Rvolchansk.ru/user/snowindia3, high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not 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 fire is out. Marble comes in a range of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match for your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks beautiful 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 seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and is incredibly easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that provide some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.