11 Methods To Redesign Completely Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always easy.
Brick is a great option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a tight budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall fires.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds, that include the hearth and back panels. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for security. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also boost the value of your home. 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 variety of stones to make your fireplace surround. These include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it has a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from different 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 make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and cost-effective choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to regularly clean your fireplace to prevent any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are an excellent option for open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps insulate heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're bound to find the ideal option that will suit your taste.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches 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 opt for a fireplace made of marble fireplace, be prepared for some additional maintenance. 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 and water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the ethanol fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can provide your customers with a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a ethonal fire (try what she says) space can create an eye-catching focal point on 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 that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring 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 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. You can use it on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional look.
A metal surround can be used to aid in problems with drafting. It creates a tighter area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to add contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as vase or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is usually less costly and is best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is essential to take into consideration the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.