One Of The Most Untrue Advices We've Ever Received On Fireplace Surrounds
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Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The perfect surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have electric or wood-burning fireplace. Finding a fireplace surround that matches your interior style is not always straightforward.
Brick can be used in modern, rustic, or farmhouse style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood can be a very important piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point within the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. A wooden surround makes it much easier to hang decorations for the holidays. Pine surrounds can be used to store garlands and wreaths, and they can be easily removed when the festive season has ended.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it is essential to choose one that matches the style of your home. Wooden surrounds can be purchased in a range of styles and finishes to complement any decor from traditional to modern. There are a variety of designs and sizes to choose from. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set in a flush with the wall. Some are designed as an elongated mantel that is set away from the wall.
The most popular type of fireplace surround made from wood is oak and it is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a dense, solid wood that is resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic. This means that it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages.
Other kinds of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available and these include oak veneers and pine. Both materials are relatively cheap and are usually sold as complete surrounds, which include the hearth and back panels. These can be purchased from many home and DIY stores. They are also typically sold through online retailers such as Pureglow.
It is crucial to remember that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure security. The distance is based on fire hazard clearance specifications based on codes, regulations and laws for your region.
Stone
A fireplace surround made of stone is a great way to create a warm and rustic style to your home. It's not just a way to blend into your interior design style but it can also increase the value of your home. Indeed, some studies have shown that a well designed fireplace can help you make your home sell faster and at a greater price.
You can pick from a range of stones for your fireplace surround. They include marble and granite. Both are durable and can last for a long period of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
While natural stone is somewhat more expensive than other materials, it provides an exceptional quality of beauty and durability that makes it worth the investment. You can choose between different colors, patterns and textures to create a distinctive style for your home. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surrounds made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds are ideal for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to scratches and stains. Granite is a well-known and inexpensive option for fireplace surrounds. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion resistant to chemicals that could otherwise harm other surfaces.
One drawback to a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones can become a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is essential to prevent any buildup that could lead to a health problem or fire hazard.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning centerpiece. Marble surrounds can be found in different styles, ranging from traditional to contemporary. Marble fireplaces make a wonderful alternative to open floor designs. They add class and class while also creating a sense of cohesion between different zones.
In contrast to other materials, marble is impervious to heat, meaning it will not change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also helps to insulate the heat, which helps keep the space warm even after the fireplace has gone out. Marble comes in a wide variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the perfect option to match your style.
If you decide to go with an open fireplace made of marble you should pick a color that is in harmony with the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be combined with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic look. Darker marbles like the swirls in this house by Tamsin Johnston work well with earth tones and softer styles.
Be prepared for extra maintenance if you choose a marble fireplace. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials, and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You'll also need to wipe it down regularly to prevent water and etching stains. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a safe area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an economical alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an amazing accent to any fireplace. It's a tough stone that is resistant to wear and tear and stands up against high temperatures, making it a perfect choice for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire free of 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 colors to choose from for their fireplace surrounds. Consider swirls of white and black to complement the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends several feet around a fire place can create an eye-catching focal point on a single wall in an old-fashioned room.
The classic look of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns and creams, which can be combined with a variety of designs and themes. It is abrasive to heat and is able to withstand the smoke that comes from burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be regularly sealed to guard it from water penetration and staining.
If your clients are looking for a more cool tone, try Baracuda blue granite. It is a sea-like ripple in shades of white, grey and blue. This granite looks beautiful in a fireplace and is easy to maintain.
Granite is a solid rock that's formed by magma. It naturally possesses exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven on the Mohs scale of hardness, which means that it is extremely difficult to chip or scratch. Unlike other natural stones, that can break or crack easily under stress granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to remain in place for centuries.
Steel
A steel surround for your fireplace is a great option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or combine it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround is also useful in reducing draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some steel fireplace surrounds are polished and brushed to give an elegant look. Others have a rougher texture that adds an element of contrast to the room. The type of steel you pick will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have chosen for your space.
fireplacesandstoves.uk Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative objects like pots or plants. Mantel designs can differ but most come with simple or stepped designs to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
Alternatively, you can choose to install a surround without a mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is located away from the opening of the fireplace and that it does not extend beyond the front of the hearth (which would not be safe or look nice). If you are using a combustible material as your surround, you'll need to consider the rules and codes applicable to the area you live in. A professional can provide suggestions on this.