11 Strategies To Refresh Your Fireplace Surrounds
Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style
The right surround for your fireplace can make or break the appearance of your room, whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style can be a bit challenging.
Brick is a great choice for contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great choice for homeowners on a budget as it can be painted.
Wood
A fireplace surround made of wood is a crucial piece of furniture because it provides an accent piece for the room and breaks down walls that might otherwise be blank. A wood surround can also make it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds can be used to hang garlands and wreaths and can be easily removed after the holiday season.
When selecting a fireplace surround, it's crucial to select one that complements the style of your home. Wooden surrounds are available in a range of finishes and styles to fit in with any decor, from traditional to modern. There are also a wide range of options in terms of dimensions and design. For example some fireplace surrounds are in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it.
Oak is the most popular wood used for fireplace surrounds. It is durable and beautiful. 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, so this helps to guard against fungal attack and damage.
Pine and oak veneers are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both are relatively inexpensive and are often sold in complete surrounds, with the hearth and back panel included. These are available from many DIY and home stores. They are also commonly sold by online retailers like Pureglow.
When purchasing a wood fireplace suite surround it is important to remember that it must be positioned at a certain distance from the firebox opening for safety reasons. The distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for your area.
Stone
A fireplace with a stone surround can provide a rustic and warm look to your home. It can boost the value of your house, as it blends with your interior design but also complements it. Indeed, some studies show that a beautiful designed fireplace can help you make your house sell more quickly and at a higher value.
There are a variety of types of stone that can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with little maintenance. In addition they are generally less expensive than wood.
Natural stone is more expensive than other materials, however it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability, making it worth the investment. You can choose between a variety of patterns, colors and textures to create a unique look for your home. You can opt to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it a unique design element.
Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces wooden. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Furthermore, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example is among the most popular and affordable options for a fireplace's surround. It is non-porous, scratch-resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.
One drawback of a stone fireplace surround is that it can be difficult to clean. The crevices and concrete joints between the stones can be a trap for household dirt. It is crucial to regularly clean your fireplace to avoid any buildup that could lead to an hazard to fire or health issue.
Marble
Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. The stunning stone can be used in a variety of styles, from contemporary to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones.
Marble is heat resistant which means that unlike other materials it won't change color or become warped as the fire gets hotter. It also absorbs heat, which helps keep the area warm even after the fire goes out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you can find the most suitable match to your style.
If you're going with a fireplace made of marble, you'll want to choose the color that is compatible with other design elements in the room. White marble is a classic option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant look. Darker marbles such as the ones in this home designed by Tamsin Johnston look great with earth tones and softer styles.
If you decide to opt for a marble fireplace be prepared for additional maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean your marble regularly to avoid etching or water stains. There are many marble cleaning products on the market that you can use however, be sure to test them in a hidden spot before using them on your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to constant maintenance, consider granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative.
Granite
Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable stone that can withstand extreme temperatures and wear. This makes it an excellent option for ethanol fireplaces. It's also a non-combustible material which helps to keep the area surrounding the fire safe from the possibility of ash and other debris which might fall and harm the structure.
Your clients can choose from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance, consider black and silvery white swirls that will be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern-style gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire area can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in the traditional space.
Limestone is another non-combustible option with a classic style for any home. It is a stone with light browns and creams, which can be incorporated into various designs and themes. It is resistant to heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood. However, it must be sealed regularly to avoid water penetration and staining.
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 is stunning when placed next to a fire place and is easy to maintain.
Granite is an igneous rock 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. 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 addition to any home. Its neutral look is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. You can use it alone or pair it with other materials, such as wood to create a more traditional appearance.
A metal surround may also be used to help with draft issues. It provides a more compact space for combustion, which can help reduce the amount of heat that escapes down the flue. This is especially beneficial for fireplaces shop that run on gas.
Steel fireplace surrounds come in a variety of styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to create a more elegant appearance and others are rougher to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you select will depend on your preferred aesthetic and the color scheme you have selected for your space.
Some steel fireplace surrounds have a mantel that can be used to hold decorative items like pots or even plants. The mantel design can vary but the majority of them have a simple or stepped design to give a more dimensional look to your fireplace.
You can also choose to install an only a surround, with or without the mantel. This is usually cheaper and is suitable in smaller spaces where a huge surround could take over the room.
It is important to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend more than the front of the hearth, and is a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you're using a combustible product for your surround then you will have to consider the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can offer guidance on this.