It's The Ugly Real Truth Of Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that is in line with your interior style can be a bit difficult.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners on a budget, since it can be easily painted.
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 also breaks up a wall which would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they are then easily removed once the festive season is over.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to be a mantel and are positioned away from it.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is known for being both beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Oak veneers and pine are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel as well. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.
It is important to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is 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 add an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design but it can also increase the value of your home. In fact, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can choose from a range of stone options for your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides a high level of durability and beauty that make it a worthwhile investment. You can choose from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will create a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can trap household dirt. It is essential to keep your fireplace clean to prevent any accumulation that could result in a fire hazard or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a lux material that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are a great addition to open floor designs. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the various zones.
Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, allowing it to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the perfect match to your style.
If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with 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 appearance. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to go with a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its beauty. You'll also need to clean it frequently to prevent etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in a non-glaring place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the surface.
Your customers can select from a wide array 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 gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fireplace area can create an eye-catching focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be combined with many styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma. It naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure granites can stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without breaking. This is a crucial element that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different styles of decor. It is possible to use it on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a traditional look.
A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look while others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The type of steel you select will be determined by your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.
Some steel fireplace surrounds come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also put in a surround only, Fireplaces & Stoves without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, where an enormous surround could take over the space.
It is important to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no further than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you suggestions on this.