9 Lessons Your Parents Teach You About Fireplace Surrounds
Wiki Article
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 the style of your home isn't always easy.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight 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 within the room and breaks the wall that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that is in keeping with the style of your home. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that suit any style from modern to traditional. There are also a wide range of options available in terms of size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style that is set to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
The most well-known type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, and it is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to guard against fungal attack and damage.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from several DIY and home-based stores. They are also commonly sold through online retailers like Pureglow.
When you purchase a fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety reasons. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based on codes and regulations for your home area.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher price.
You can pick from a variety of stone options for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Although natural stone might be somewhat more expensive than other materials, it comes with an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that make it a worthwhile cost. You can pick from various colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can opt to have a custom fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This will make it an original design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. They can withstand high temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for fireplace surrounds. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals which would otherwise damage other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The crevices, as well as the concrete joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that transforms any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from modern to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your design. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the room while bringing harmony between different zones.
Marble is resistant to heat, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes out. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the right one that will suit your taste.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should select a color that compliments the other elements of design in the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the rich swirls seen in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more casual styles.
Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its elegance. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products available on the market to use however, be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. If you're not sure about committing to ongoing maintenance, you can consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone option that can provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to extreme temperatures, making it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash and other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface.
You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It comes in a range of shades that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and can resist the smoke of burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to prevent water penetration and staining.
If your clients want an icy tone, consider Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey, and blue. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It has superior strength and durability. It's rated as seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which can crack or break easily under pressure granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for centuries.
Steel
A steel fireplace surround is a great way to bring modern design to your home. Its neutral appearance works well with many types of decor and is easy to maintain. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be beneficial to prevent draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces using gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher texture to add contrast to the room. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your space.
Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary however, most have a simple design or a stepped design that adds dimension to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround it is important to consider the size of the hearth as well here as the chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the opening of the fireplace and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll have to consider the rules and codes applicable to your area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.