10 Quick Tips About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is important to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from modern to traditional. There are a myriad of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush 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 sturdy and attractive. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned some distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon codes and regulations for your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can give an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be 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 transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a variety of read more finishes and colors, so you can find the ideal design to suit your taste.
If you're considering an elegant fireplace you'll need to select the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option 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 otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create a focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can blend with various styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. It looks 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 very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial 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 design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood for a traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to help with problems with drafting. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. The design of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.