Do Not Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Fireplace Surrounds
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 a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your interior style is not always easy.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic or Fireplace Inserts farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up the wall that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the holiday season is over.
It is crucial to match the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. These are available from a number of home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements which are based on codes and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it not only blends in with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, White Fireplace some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can choose between various colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to extreme heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces in the house.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. It is important to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone fireplaces that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors so you can find the ideal match to your style.
If you choose to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the 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 a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create the perfect focal point for one wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed on a regular basis to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to add dimension to your fireplace.
You can also opt to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might take over the room.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you suggestions on this.