Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This protects against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into the style of your interior and style, but it also can increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your design. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor plans. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, www.fireplacesandstove.Com so it doesn't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you're planning to install an elegant fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes 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 brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance while others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without mantel. This option is often cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer advice on this.