Wisdom On Fireplace Surrounds From A Five-Year-Old

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can make or break the room. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is an essential piece of furniture since it serves as a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to modern. There are a myriad of choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold online by retailers like Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to remember that it must be located some distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for bioethanol fire hazards requirements which are based on the codes and regulations applicable to your area of residence.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone can add a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend in with your interior design style, but it can also increase the value of your home. A few studies have demonstrated that a well-designed fireplace can assist you in selling your home more quickly and at more money.

You can choose from a variety of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.

While natural stone is slightly more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect look for your space. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains, scratches and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among 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.

One drawback of the fireplace surround made of stone is that it can be difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can hold household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any buildup that could lead to a fire hazard or health hazard.

marble fireplaces

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that transforms any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble Fireplaces wooden are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it doesn't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. 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 sure to find the right one to match your style.

If you choose to go with a marble fire place you should select a color that compliments 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 appearance. Darker marbles, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone option that can add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which makes the area around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your clients a variety of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to match the geometric form 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 accent in a traditional living area.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, but it's important to know that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a cooler tone try Baracuda blue granite. It has oceanic ripples in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.

Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally possesses greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones that can break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to endure a lot of stress without being damaged. This is the main reason why granite structures last for hundreds of years.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design works with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or mix it with other materials like wood for a classic look.

A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-powered ethanol fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant appearance. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the room. The type of steel that you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your room.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to hold decorative items such as vase or even plants. The style of the mantel may differ, but most feature simple designs or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where an enormous surround could take over the space.

It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material for your surround, you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.