20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Fireplace Surrounds
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 electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for those who are on a tight budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that could otherwise be empty. Additionally, a wood surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When choosing a wood fireplace suites surround, it is important to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that fit in with 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 placed flush against the wall. Some are designed as a mantel that is positioned away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and beautiful. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these are relatively inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow sell them frequently.
When buying a wood fireplace surround, it is crucial to keep in mind that it should be positioned a certain distance away from the firebox opening for safety reasons. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to create an inviting and rustic appearance to your home. It's not just a way to blend in with your style of interior design, but it can also improve the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well constructed fireplace can help your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. Additionally, they are often cheaper than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can pick from a wide range of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your space. You can even choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, making it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and do not shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and affordable choice for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the house.
One drawback of a 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. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire risk.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your design. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not 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 is available in a myriad of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style.
If you're going with a marble fireplace you'll need to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble looks great when paired with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It is a durable stone that is able to withstand high temperatures and wear. This makes it an ideal option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which could fall and cause damage to the structure.
Your clients can choose from a wide array of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning ethonal fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a range of styles and themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone should be sealed regularly to protect it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It features oceanic ripples in shades of White fireplace, grey and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.
Granite is an natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, which is why it naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under pressure granites can endure a lot of stress without breaking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to last for centuries.
Steel
A fireplace surround made of steel is a great way to add modern style to your home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is incredibly easy to maintain. It can be used on its own or combine it with other materials such as wood to create a traditional appearance.
A metal surround is beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces electric that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to create a more elegant appearance, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you've selected for your space.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like vases or plants. The style of the mantel may differ but the majority of them have simple designs or a one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install a surround only, without the mantel. This option is usually less costly and is best for smaller rooms, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to consider the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which isn't safe nor look nice). If you're planning to install a combustible surround, you'll need to consider the local codes and regulations. A professional can help you on this.