11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can make or break the room. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up a wall that may otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes to fit any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace insert surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it blends with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your house faster and at a higher price.
You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from different colors, British fires patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it a one-of-a-kind design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds are able to withstand extreme temperatures and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to extreme heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and cost-effective choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is 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 vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add class and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one to match 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 looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall on the surface and cause damage to it.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethanol fireplace space can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in a traditional room.
The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be used to assist with draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme that you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as pots or plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace suite opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look attractive). If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.