A Vibrant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the space. Finding a surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick is a great option that can fit into 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 can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room and breaks walls that might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of finishes and styles to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are many designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.

The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong thick and dense wood that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic. This means it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against damage caused by fungi and fungus.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

It is essential to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a rustic and warm style to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it blends with your interior style but also complements it. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your house faster and at an increased price.

There are many kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest quality of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create an original look for your home. You can choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This will create a unique design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any accumulation that could cause an hazard to fire or health hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds come in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.

Marble is resistant to heat and, unlike other materials, it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps to keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to wipe the marble down regularly to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone fireplaces that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces electric. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area around the fire free of ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the structure.

You can provide your customers with a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces wood. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living area.

Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic aesthetic for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it's important to note that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. This granite is stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking gorgeous.

Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand massive amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to last for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and blends with many different types of decor. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.

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 is especially beneficial for fireplaces electric that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have a rougher texture that adds contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround without mantel. This option is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

When installing a new surround, it is essential to take into consideration the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you plan to use a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.