Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap fireplaces and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, simply click the next document, you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, biofireplace like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also important to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance 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 spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and fires blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the primary reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.