A Vibrant Rant About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your home regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. The right surround to match your style of interior isn't always easy.
Brick is one option that can fit into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for those who are on a tight budget since it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be an extremely important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which might otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths, and they are easily removed after the holiday season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's essential to choose one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from traditional to contemporary. There are a range of options available in terms of size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood used to build fireplace surrounds. It is sturdy and attractive. It is a hard, solid wood that is impervious to swelling, warping and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means that it absorbs moisture in the air. This protects against fungus attack and damage.
Other types of fireplace surrounds made from wood are available and these include pine and oak veneers. Both of these are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panels included. They are available at many home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.
When purchasing a wood fireplace surround, it's important to remember that it must be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is by determining the clearance for fire hazards specifications based on codes regulations, laws and regulations for your region.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It not only blends in with the style of your interior and style, but it also can improve the value of your home. Some studies show that a beautifully designed fireplace can help you make your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a wide range of stones to make your fireplace's surround. They include granite and marble. Both are highly durable and can last an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They also resist scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most sought-after and affordable options for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, ranging from modern to traditional, which makes it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces are a great alternative to open floor plans. They can add style and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between the different zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or warp when the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a range of finishes and colors, so you can find the most suitable design to suit your taste.
If you choose to go with a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to choose a shade that complements the other design elements in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles such as the ones featured in this house by Tamsin Johnston are great with earthy tones and more relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance when you select a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. You'll also have to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners available on the market. However, you should test them first in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to provide a stunning accent in any fireplace. It's a tough stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to complement the geometric shape of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a wood-burning fireplace space can create a focal point on one wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic look for any home. It comes in a range of colors that include light browns as well as creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.
If your customers want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in Fireplaces And Stoves UK shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is amazing next to a glowing flame, and it's easy to clean to keep the area looking beautiful.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses superior durability and strength. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to endure a lot of stress without causing damage. This is the key reason why granite structures last for many centuries.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent addition to any home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. 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 can be useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes up the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as vase or plants. The design of the mantel is different but the majority of them have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
You can also install the surround alone, without a mantel. This option is usually less expensive and works best for smaller rooms, as a large 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 extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.