24 Hours To Improve 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 look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it serves as a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up a Wall Fires that may otherwise be empty. A wooden surround also makes it 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 festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. wooden fireplaces surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a range of options in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are also available, including oak veneers and pine. Both are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them often.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to keep in mind that it should be located at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox 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 fireplace surround made of stone can give an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home faster and for a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are extremely durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround custom made with natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. stone fireplaces surrounds are able to withstand high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise 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 hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that transforms any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone fireplaces works well in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, which makes it easy to find an elegant marble surround that works with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They add elegance and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the room warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other elements of design in the room. White marble is a popular option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to maintain its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look think about black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is abrasive to heat and can withstand the smoke of burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and it is very easy to maintain. 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 may also be used to help with drafting issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion that helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This can be especially useful for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed to give an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include mantels that can be used to display decorative items such as pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can give you suggestions on this.