The 10 Most Terrifying Things 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 look of the room regardless of whether you have a wood-burning or electric fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches the style of your home isn't always straightforward.
Brick can be utilized in contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners with a limited budget as 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 can break up a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to store garlands and wreaths. They are then easily removed once the festive season has ended.
It is essential to fit in with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that fit any decor from modern to traditional. There are also a variety of options in terms of dimensions and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set flush against the wall. Some are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most popular kind of fireplace surround made from wood is oak, which is recognized as beautiful and durable. It is a sturdy and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
The pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both materials are relatively cheap and are often sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers like Pureglow offer them regularly.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it blends with your style, but also matches it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful constructed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a greater price.
You can choose from a range of stones to make your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last a long time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it has a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between various shades, patterns, and textures to create an original style for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace surround built with natural stone, which makes it an exclusive design element.
Stone surrounds are perfect for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and aren't warped or cracked when exposed to temperatures that are high. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a popular and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.
A stone fireplace surround can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is crucial to avoid any buildup which could cause a health problem or fire danger.
Marble
Marble is a beautiful, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in a variety of styles from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and sophistication to the space while bringing harmony between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it won't change color or warp as the fireplace gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, helping to keep the area warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble is available in a wide variety of colors and finishes, so you're bound to find the right one to match your style.
If you're considering a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose a color that complements other elements of design 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, like the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, it is recommended to test them first in a private area prior to using them to clean your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble when you don't want commit to constant maintenance.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone option that can add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that resists wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, which makes it an ideal choice for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your clients the possibility of a variety of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can be a perfect wall accent in a traditional living space.
The classic appearance of limestone is a great option for any home. It is a stone with light browns grays, creams and greys that can be incorporated into a variety of styles and design themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to resist smoke from burning wood. However, it needs to be sealed regularly to Stove UK avoid staining and water penetration.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is extremely strong and durability. It is rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. Granites can withstand enormous amounts of pressure without cracking or breaking. This is a crucial aspect that allows granite structures to remain intact for a long time.
Steel
A surround made of steel for your fireplace can be a wonderful option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and blends with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround can be useful in reducing draft issues. It creates a more tightly-packed space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed for a more elegant finish while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The type of steel you choose will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you've chosen for your room.
Some surrounds made of steel include a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with a simple or stepped design to give more dimension to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms, as a large surround could overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance away from the fireplace opening and doesn't extend past the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look attractive). If you are using a combustible product for your surround, you'll need to take into consideration the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can provide guidance on this.