Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture because it creates an accent piece for the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can choose from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create an original design for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. marble fireplaces - www.fireplacesandstoves.uk, work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble it is important to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary 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 a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can complement the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a igneous rock that's formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
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 the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as the large surround can overwhelm the space.
It is essential to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.