13 Things About Fireplace Surrounds You May Not Have Considered
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of wood fireplace surround is oak and it is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace to ensure safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it is not only a part of with your interior design but also matches it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also helps insulate heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston work read more well with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a hidden area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning 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 surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
You can offer your customers a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for the wall of a traditional room.
Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in an area. The type of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vases or even plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is located from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.