Will Fireplace Surrounds One Day Rule The World?

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The perfect surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the appearance of your home, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit difficult.

Brick can be utilized in modern, rustic, or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners with a limited budget, since it is easily painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to store wreathes and garlands and these are easily removed after the festive season has ended.

It is essential to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes to match any decor from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of options for size and design. For instance certain fireplace surrounds are available in a flat style and is in a straight line with the wall while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most well-known type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is recognized as an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a solid thick and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, so this helps to protect it against damage and attack by fungal organisms.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are reasonably priced and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel included. They are available from many DIY and home-based stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently.

When purchasing a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed at a certain distance from the firebox opening to ensure safety. This distance is determined in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to add an inviting and rustic look to your home. It can increase the value of your house because it not only blends in with your style, but also complements it. In fact, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help your home sell more quickly and at a higher value.

You can pick from a wide range of stones for your fireplace's surround. These include marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with little maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

While natural stone is a bit more expensive than other materials, it offers the highest level of durability and beauty that is worth the cost. You can pick from different shades, patterns and textures to create a unique style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace's surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements.

Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and they don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is one of the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is scratch resistant, non-porous and resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces within the house.

A fireplace surround made of stone can be a hassle and time-consuming to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones can hold household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is crucial to avoid any buildup that could result in an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an eye-catching centerpiece. The beautiful stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, so it's easy to find the perfect marble surround to go with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces work best fireplaces in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Like other materials, marble is impervious to heat, which means it doesn't change color or shrink when the fireplace heats up. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a wide variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to match your style.

If you're planning to install a marble fireplace it is important to select a color that complements other design elements in the room. White marble is a popular choice for neutral tones. It can be paired with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated look. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles.

Be prepared to do some additional maintenance if you decide to install a fireplace made of marble. Marble can be more prone to stains than other materials, and requires regular sealing to keep its elegance. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to avoid etching and water staining. There are marble cleaners 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 spend a lot of time on maintenance.

Granite

Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible stone which helps keep the area surrounding the fire free of ash and other debris that could otherwise fall and damage the surface.

You can provide your customers with an array of granite color options for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking look take a look at black and white swirls that enhance the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that extends several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space.

The classic look of limestone is a great option for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a range of styles and themes. It is resistant against heat and can be able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer cooler tones, consider Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue, gray and white. It looks stunning when viewed next to a roaring fire, and is easy to clean and keep looking beautiful.

Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Granites can endure enormous amounts of pressure without breaking or cracking. This is the key reason why granite structures can last for many centuries.

Steel

A fireplace surround made of steel is a great option to bring modern style to your home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with a variety of decor. You can choose to use it by itself or in conjunction with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.

A metal surround can be used to aid in drafting issues. It creates a more tightly-packed area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces.

Steel fireplace surrounds come 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 the room. The type of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've selected for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel come with a mantel which can be used to house decorative objects like vases or plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace.

You can also choose to install a surround only, without a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a large surround may overwhelm the space.

When installing a new surround, it is important to consider the dimensions of the hearth and chimney breast. This will help ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can advise you on this.