Don t Buy Into These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the perfect surround can transform the space. 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 tight budget, since it can be easily painted.

Wood

A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point within the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a variety of finishes and styles to complement any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be mantels that are set away from the wall.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a strong and dense wood that is resistant to shrinkage, warping and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.

Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available, and include oak veneers and pine. Both of these are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panels included. These are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.

When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for the area you live in.

Stone

A stone tabletop fireplace surround is a great option to add a warm and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your home because it is not only a part of with your interior style but also matches it. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a higher value.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also often cheaper than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it offers a higher level of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose from a wide range of patterns, colors and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it a one-of-a-kind design element.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult 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 prevent any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health problem.

Marble

Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning focal point. Marble surrounds are available in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, adding elegance and sophistication to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Unlike other materials, marble is impervious to heat, so it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the ethonal fire is out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.

If you decide to go with a marble fire place it is important to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.

If you decide to install a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching and water stains. There are a variety of marble cleaners on the market that you can utilize, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to be a constant maintenance person.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, which makes it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire free of the ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

Your customers can select from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create a focal point on one wall in an old-fashioned room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.

If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, grey and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to remain in place for centuries.

Steel

A steel fireplace surround is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles 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 can be used to aid in draft issues. It creates a smaller area for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 provide some contrast to the space. The kind of steel you select will be determined by your personal preference for aesthetics and the color scheme you choose for your space.

Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or even plants. The design of the mantel can be different but most have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.

Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is safe away from the fireplace electric opening and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can give you advice on this.