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 space. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, Fireplacesandstove.Com can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can add a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your home faster and for an increased price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful option for open floor designs. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaners on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could 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 appearance take a look at black and white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a fire place can create a focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It comes in a variety of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in different styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items like vase or plants. The style of the mantel may differ however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can offer suggestions on this.