Do Not Believe In These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds
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 home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace insert. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, 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 wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture because it provides a focal point for the room, and it also helps break down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern fireplace. There are also a variety of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. 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 protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can aid in selling your house faster and at an increased price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas 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, for example, is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise harm other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble if you don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood 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, creams and grays that can blend with various design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite is stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for ethanol fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.