Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that matches your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be 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 can break up the wall that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your style of interior design, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning
ethanol fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective 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 in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to
modern fireplace. marble fireplaces (
relevant web site) work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements 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 classy look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a
marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white, and blue. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can advise you on this.
