Will Fireplace Surrounds Never Rule The World
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is important to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the regulations and codes applicable to your home area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a warm and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also increase the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.
There are many types of stone that you can use for your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood fireplaces.
Although natural stone might be slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They also resist 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 and non-porous, as well as resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you choose to go with an open fireplace made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also important to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for cheap fireplaces (click through the next post). It's also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white fireplace and black to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into many designs and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials, such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace inserts surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds some contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without the mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.