Are You Sick Of Fireplace Surrounds? 10 Inspirational Sources That Will Revive Your Love For Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room and breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at more money.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to clean your fireplace regularly 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 focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the room warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with a marble fire place, you will want to select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however be sure to test them in an inconspicuous spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place 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 many types of decor and is easy to maintain. wall-mounted fireplace can be used by itself or pair it with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme that you have chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install an only a surround, with or without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. 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 are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.