Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and breaks walls that could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall fireplace.
Oak is the most popular wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace suites's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive design for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and do not crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. marble fireplaces - visit this site, work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to fit your style.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place you should choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined 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, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma, which is why it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will need to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.