Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have
electric fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available 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 fires.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
There are many types of stone that can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to extreme temperatures and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming 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 result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary 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, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to install a
marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and 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. However, Fireplace Inserts (
Http://Databaser.Net/) you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect
wall fires accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in problems with drafting. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish while others are rougher to bring more contrast to a room. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vase or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install the surround alone, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may be too large for 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 is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at 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 your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.