24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric fireplaces or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that matches your interior style may be a bit challenging.

Brick is a popular option that is a good fit for modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget, as it is easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture since it creates an accent piece for the room and also breaks down walls that might otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.

It is crucial to fit in with the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any decor from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. For example certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat design that is to the wall fireplace flush, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set out from it.

The most well-known type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as a durable and beautiful material. It is a hard, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.

Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are available and these include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

It is essential to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your style, but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace could assist you in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used for your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are extremely durable and last for a long time with little maintenance. They are also typically less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will create an original design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don'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 sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire danger.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, making it easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble electric fireplaces work well in open floor plans, bringing elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it won't change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also insulates the heat, helping to keep the space warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're certain to find the right one to fit your style.

If you decide to install a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements of the room. White marble looks great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic style. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing to preserve its beauty. It is also necessary to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are a variety of marble fireplace cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.

Granite

Granite is natural stone that can be used to create a stunning accent in any fireplace. It is a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and harm its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can be a perfect wall feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone features light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into various design themes and styles. It is resistant against heat and can resist smoke from burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and British Fires white. This granite looks beautiful next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is the primary reason why granite structures can last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that run on gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel that can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different however, most have simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is often less expensive and works well for smaller rooms where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is safe from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, then you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can give you guidance on this.