Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it can be easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season.
It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat design that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great option to create a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with the style of your interior but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can aid in selling your home more quickly and at a higher price.
There are a variety of kinds of stone you can use for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it provides a higher degree of durability and beauty, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is essential to clean your fireplace regularly to avoid any accumulation that could cause a fire hazard or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces [https://www.fireplacesandstoves.uk] work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're considering a fireplace made of marble you'll need to select one that matches other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable 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 durable rock that resists wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
Your customers can select from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock derived from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in drafting issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to house decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most 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 a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms 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 extends no further than the front of the hearth and is at an appropriate distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide guidance on this.