10 Facts About Fireplace Surrounds That Make You Feel Instantly Good Mood
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 interior style is not always easy.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be an extremely important piece of furniture as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks the wall fireplace that might 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, and they are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is to the wall flush, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types 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 as well as back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your house since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
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 variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They can withstand high temperatures and do not break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that can transform any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.
If you're planning to install a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. It is also necessary to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which makes the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.
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. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful feature for any home. Its neutral design works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or in conjunction with other materials like wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme 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 vase or even plants. The design of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also install a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may be too large for the space.
When installing a new surround it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth as well as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.