24 Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric fireplace or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners on a budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to match the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace suite. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are many choices for design and size. For instance, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a dense, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround, it is crucial to remember that it must be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your area.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to add a rustic and warm appearance to your home. Not only does it blend into your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at more money.
There are a variety of types of stone that you can use for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between different shades, patterns and textures to create an original design for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One disadvantage of the stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could result in an illness or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it doesn't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of finishes and colors, so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, it is recommended to test them first in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic style for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace can be a wonderful addition to any home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood for a classic look.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that provide an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme that you have chosen for your room.
Some fireplace electric surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with 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 is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide advice on this.