Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.
Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point to the room and breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is important to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a range of styles and finishes that match any style, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are available, and include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also improve the value of your home. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and do not crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would 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 can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a classic choice for www.Fireplacesandstoves.uk neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to wipe the marble down frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall focal point in a traditional living space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various designs and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone must be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great addition to any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It is possible to use it on its own or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a classic style.
A metal surround can also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add some contrast to the room. The type of steel that you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative items like vases or plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.