24-Hours To Improve Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
No matter if you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, choosing the right surround can really make the room. The right surround to match your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick is one alternative that can be incorporated into modern, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. And it's a great option for homeowners with a limited budget because it can be painted.
Wood
A wood fireplace surround is an important piece of furniture as it provides a focal point to the room and also breaks up walls that would otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds in particular can be used to hang garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season is over.
When selecting a wood fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be bought in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to contemporary. There are a variety of options for size and design. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Others are designed as mantels that are set away from the wall.
The most sought-after wood for fireplace surrounds. It is strong and attractive. It is a strong, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from air, which helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Other types of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These are available from a number of DIY and home stores. They are also sold by online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is essential to keep in mind that a wood surround must be placed at a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. The distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes or regulations as well as laws in the area you live in.
Stone
A stone fireplace surround is a great way to give a warm and rustic appearance to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also improve 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 value.
There are many types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood.
While natural stone may be slightly more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the cost. You can choose between a variety of shades, patterns and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can even choose to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, which makes it unique design elements.
Stone surrounds are a great choice for both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't break or warp when exposed to heat. They are also resistant to scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable alternatives for a fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that can 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 can trap household dirt. It is crucial to keep your fireplace clean to avoid any accumulation that could result in the risk of a fire or health problem.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious and elegant material that can transform any fireplace into a stunning focal point. The beautiful stone works well in a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your interior decor. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room while providing cohesion between different zones.
Marble is heat resistant, so unlike other materials it will not change color or warp as the fire gets hotter. It also insulates heat, which helps keep the surrounding area cozy even after the fire goes 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 install a fireplace that is made of marble, you will want to pick a color that is in harmony with 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 style. Darker marbles, like the ones featured in this home by Tamsin Johnston are great with earth tones and relaxed styles.
If you decide to opt for a fireplace made of marble, be prepared for some additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. It is also necessary to clean it regularly to prevent etching and water staining. There are marble cleaning products available. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to constant maintenance, consider granite instead as an affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is another natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps keep the area surrounding the fire safe from ash and other debris that might fall and harm the surface.
You can offer your customers an array of granite colors for their fireplace surrounds. For a striking design, consider black and silvery white swirls that will enhance the geometric design of a modern-designed gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a wood-burning fire area can create an eye-catching focal point on the wall of an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is an excellent option for any home. This stone is available in a variety 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 withstand smoke from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite, which has oceanic waves of blue, white and grey. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking gorgeous.
Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated 7 on the Mohs scale of hardness, meaning that it's very difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, which break or crack easily under stress, granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without being damaged. This durability is an important element that allows granite structures to last for a long time.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and goes with many different styles of decor. It can be used by itself or pair it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.
A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It creates a tighter fire places UK area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially useful for fireplaces that use gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed for an elegant look. Others have rougher textures that add contrast to the space. The kind of steel you pick will depend on the style you prefer and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel include a mantel, which can be used to house decorative items such as pots or even plants. Mantel designs can differ but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround with no a mantel. This option is typically cheaper and is ideal in smaller spaces in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.
When installing a new surround, it is crucial to consider the size of the hearth and chimney breast. This will ensure that the surround extends no more than the front of the hearth and is at a safe distance from the fireplace opening. If you are using a combustible material as your surround, then you'll have to consider the regulations and codes for your particular area of residence. A professional can offer suggestions on this.