15 Top Pinterest Boards Of All Time About Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
Whether you have an electric fireplaces or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can really make the space. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture since it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When choosing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are a variety of options for size and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is set flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.
Oak is the most popular wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a strong solid wood that is impervious to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both are fairly inexpensive and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth as well as back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them often.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is determined by fire hazard clearance requirements that are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to give a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house since it blends with your interior design but also complements it. In fact, some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, creating unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. It is important to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your decor. marble fireplaces (web page) are great for open floor plans, bringing 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 won't change color or become warped 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 myriad of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to match your style.
If you choose to install an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more comfortable styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it frequently to avoid etching and water staining. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market that you can use however be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it a great option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and cause damage to the surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite colors to choose from for their ethanol fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance take a look at black and white fireplace swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall accent in a traditional living area.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns grays, creams and greys that can blend with various styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your customers want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, so it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it's very difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the main reason why granite structures last for centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is a great feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of styles and is easy to maintain. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which reduces the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to an area. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most have a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, where the large surround can overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the opening of the fireplace and doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look attractive). If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll be required to look into local codes and regulations. A professional can offer advice on this.