A Provocative Remark About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right 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 choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplaces surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options for dimensions and design. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set out from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplaces fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your interior style but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from various patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Like other materials, marble is resistant to heat, so it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. But, you must test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent 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 a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for wooden fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white fireplace and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can also be used to help with problems with drafting. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through 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 polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others have a rougher texture to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel that you select will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround that does not have mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
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 not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can help you on this.