11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing freestanding fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can transform the space. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it serves as an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many DIY and home stores. They are also typically sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your home, as it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are many kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as marble and granite. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose between various colors, 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 makes it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for wood and gas burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the home.
One disadvantage of a stone fireplace surround is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that transforms any fireplace into an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in various styles ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace (conversational tone), you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to go with a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a hidden place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want spend a lot of time on maintenance.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone fireplaces that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option 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 variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and Fireplace electric can withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey, and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials like wood to create a traditional style.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This can be especially useful for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance while others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The type of steel you select will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme you choose for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vases or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also put in the surround alone, without mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal 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 ensure that the surround is not beyond the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround, then you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.