11 Ways To Fully Defy Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. 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 wood fireplace surround is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine and oak veneers. Both are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from several DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace [my webpage] surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home faster and for more money.
You can pick from a range of stone options for your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you decide to install a marble fire place you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace electric. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone features light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.