Will Fireplace Surrounds Ever Rule The World?
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room, whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel, and are positioned out from it.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone can add an inviting and rustic look to your home. Not only does it blend into your interior design style but it can also boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally 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 range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, creating a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous, as well as resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to fit your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements 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 appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to extreme temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black 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 fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, white and grey. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials like wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher texture to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is typically less costly and is best for smaller rooms, as an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.