Beware Of These "Trends" About Fireplace Surrounds

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

If you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. But finding a surround that is in line with your style of interior can be a bit challenging.

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 easy to paint.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture as it creates a focal point for the room and can break up walls that would otherwise be blank. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used to hang wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season is over.

It is crucial to match the style of your home when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes that fit any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to act as a mantel and are positioned out from it.

Oak is the most well-known wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and attractive. It is a solid and dense wood that is resistant to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to shield it from fungal attack and damage.

Pine and oak veneers are also available as wood fireplace surrounds. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds with the hearth and back panel as well. These can be purchased from numerous DIY and home stores. They are also sold online by retailers such as Pureglow.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be positioned at a certain distance from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. The distance is in accordance with the fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in your region.

Stone

A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an authentic and warm appearance to your home. It can enhance the value of your house, as it not only blends in with your interior style but also complements it. A few studies have demonstrated that a fireplace with a good design can help you sell your house faster and at a higher price.

You can choose from a variety of stone options for your fireplace's surround. These include marble fireplaces and granite. Both are durable and will last for many years with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, but it offers a higher level of durability and beauty which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors, and textures to create an original design for your home. You can choose to have a custom fireplace surround made from natural stone. This makes it an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. Stone surrounds are resistant to high temperatures, and they do not crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to scratches, stains and abrasions. Granite, for example, is one of the most popular and cost-effective alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and resistant to chemicals which could otherwise harm other surfaces.

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

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that can transform any fireplace into a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in various styles ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material which means that unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes, so you're sure to find the perfect option that will suit your taste.

If you're going with a marble fireplace, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other elements of design in the room. White marble is a classic choice for neutral tones. It can be paired up with wood trim and accent pieces to create a classy appearance. Darker marbles, like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.

Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You will also need to clean the marble frequently to avoid etching or water stains. There are marble cleaners available. But, you must test them in a private area prior to 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 provide an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up to high temperatures, making it a great choice for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which helps keep the area around the fire safe from ash and other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

You can offer your customers an array of granite colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design take a look at black and white swirls that can enhance the geometric design of a modern-style gas fireplace. For a different look, a marbled granite surround that wraps for several feet around the frame of a fireplace that burns wood can create a single wall fireplace feature in a traditional living room.

The classic appearance of limestone is an excellent option for any home. It is available in a range of shades, including light browns and creams. It can be utilized to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to guard it from staining and water penetration.

If your clients want a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of grey, white and blue. This granite looks amazing next to a glowing fire, and it's also easy to clean to keep the space looking stunning.

Granite is an igneous rock that was formed from magma. It is a strong rock with superior strength and durability. It is rated seven out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under stress, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without being damaged. This is a crucial factor that enables granite structures to last for a long time.

Steel

A steel surround for your freestanding fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral look works with a variety of decors and is easy to maintain. 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 is also useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces using gas.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are polished or brushed to give a more elegant look, while others have a rougher surface to add contrast to a room. The kind of steel you choose will be determined by your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Some steel surrounds include a mantel which can be used to display ornamental items such as vases or plants. The style of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have a simple design or a step-style design that adds a dimension to your fireplace.

Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could overwhelm the space.

It is essential to take into account the dimensions of your hearth as well as the chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround extends no beyond the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're 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 offer guidance on this.