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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. But finding a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options for dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood fireplace surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your style of interior design and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective option for fireplace suite surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, ethanol fires (fireplacesandstoves24566.blogstival.com) complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a great choice 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 on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can select from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns and creams, which can be combined with many design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it should be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.