Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to give a rustic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace inserts surround made from natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace (torus.com.ru official blog) you'll need to select the color that is compatible with 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 swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from 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 prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look and others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are using a combustible material for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.