11 Ways To Completely Redesign Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can alter the look of the room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a surround to match your style of interior isn't always straightforward.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easily painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture because it creates a focal point in the room, and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and can be easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of styles and finishes that match any style from modern to traditional. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Others are designed to be an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
Oak is the most well-known wood for fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and beautiful. It is a dense solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both materials are reasonably priced and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth as well as back panels. These are available from many home and DIY stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be located a certain distance away from the firebox opening to ensure safety. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to give a warm and rustic look to your home. It can enhance the value of your home since it not only blends in with your style, but also matches it. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. Additionally they are usually less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can pick from various patterns, colors and textures to create a unique design for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made from natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are great for wood and gas burning ethanol fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite is a popular and cost-effective option for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of the stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones can become traps for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that can transform any fireplace into an eye-catching centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in a variety of styles from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces electric (visit the website) make a wonderful addition to open floor designs. They can add style and sophistication, while also bringing harmony between the different zones.
Like other materials, marble is inert to heat, meaning it will not change color or warp when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has been removed. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're planning to install a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose one that matches other elements of design 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 rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, can be paired with earth tones and more casual styles.
If you decide to install a fireplace in marble be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is an excellent alternative to marble if you don't want to be a constant maintenance person.
Granite
Granite is natural stone that can be used to create an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, making it a perfect option for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which keeps the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your customers can pick from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that will complement 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 fireplace with wood burning can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. It is available in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness. This means that it's extremely difficult to scratch or chip. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This longevity is a key element that allows granite structures to remain intact for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral design is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround may also be used to aid in draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes through the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds can be found in different styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others are rougher to bring more contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you have chosen for your room.
Some fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to hold decorative objects like vase or even plants. The design of the mantel may differ, but most feature a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.
Alternately, you can opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms where a large surround may overwhelm the space.
It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible material as your surround then you will have to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can give you guidance on this.