24 Hours For Improving Fireplace Surrounds
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 fireplace or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is one option that can fit into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily taken down after the holidays.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be placed some distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it not only blends in 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 faster and at a greater price.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including granite and marble. Both are highly durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create an original design element.
Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace electric surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor plans. They add elegance and sophistication while bringing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or shrink as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect design to suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them first in a safe 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 alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living room.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration.
If your clients are looking for a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. 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 element that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and it is very easy to maintain. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for cheap fireplaces (https://flores-bishop-2.blogbright.net) that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are brushed and polished for an elegant appearance. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have simple or stepped designs to give more dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may take over the room.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you are using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.