Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the space. But finding a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would 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.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as a mantel, and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong thick 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 damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces electric. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. marble Fireplaces (www.ledet.dk) work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match for your style.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. For a different look, fireplaces a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist the smoke of burning wood fireplaces. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.