24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is a great option that is a good fit for contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and breaks the wall that could otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hold garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a variety of styles and finishes that match any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed directly against the wall. Others are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used to build fireplace inserts surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. It is a sturdy thick and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is important to remember that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the regulations and codes applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior but it can also increase the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.
There are many kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
While natural stone may be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high level of durability and beauty that is worth the investment. You can choose from a wide selection of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround custom made with natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they aren't warped or cracked when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces electric work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a myriad of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose one that matches other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. You'll also need to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products on the market that you can use, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to create an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces shop. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a variety of granite color options to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will complement the geometric form of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in a traditional room.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can blend with many styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. This granite looks beautiful when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites can withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well in smaller spaces where a huge surround could be too large for the space.
It is important to consider the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for the area you live in. A professional can give you suggestions on this.