Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplaces fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions 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 well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at several DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for Ethanol Fireplaces the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great option to give a warm and rustic style to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option 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 trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're going with a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace suite. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace insert. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes 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 are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vase or even plants. The style of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will 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 nice). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer suggestions on this.