The 10 Scariest Things About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the room. But choosing a surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit tricky.
Brick is a great option that can fit into contemporary-, rustic- or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easy to paint.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that 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, and they are easily removed after the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and placed in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is known for being both a durable and beautiful material. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against damage and attack by fungal organisms.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available at numerous DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can boost the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior design but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could help you sell your home more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a wide range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are extremely 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 comes with an exceptional quality of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile cost. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that can harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or become warped as the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.
If you're going with an elegant fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to maintain its elegance. You'll also have to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaners available. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the ash and other debris that might fall and harm the structure.
You can provide your customers with the possibility of a variety of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It comes in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to note that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking gorgeous.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This durability is an important aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and Stove UK goes with many different types of decor. It is possible to use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in various styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that provide contrast to the space. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme chosen for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel is different, but most feature simple or stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is often cheaper and is suitable for smaller rooms where a large surround may take over the room.
It is essential to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you're planning to install an ignitable surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.