Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style Whether you have an electric or wood burning fireplace, the right surround can make or break the room. However, finding a fireplace surround that fits your style of interior can be a bit difficult. Brick is a great choice for contemporary, 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 a crucial piece of furniture since it provides a focal point to the room, and it also helps break up walls that would otherwise be empty. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for wreaths and garlands and are easily removed after the holiday season. It is important to be in line with the style of your home when choosing a wood surround for your fireplace. Wooden fireplace surrounds can be found in a range of styles and finishes that match any decor from modern to traditional. There are many choices for design and size. Some fireplace surrounds are flat and set directly against 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 beautiful and durable. It is a solid, dense timber that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, which helps to shield it from fungal attack and damage. Other kinds of wood fireplace surrounds are also available, including pine veneers and oak. Both materials are reasonably priced and are often sold as complete surrounds which include the hearth and back panels. They can be purchased at numerous DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly. It is crucial to keep in mind that a wood-lined surround needs to be placed a certain distance from the opening of the firebox for safety. This distance is determined by determining the clearance for fire hazards requirements, based on codes, regulations and laws for your area. Stone A stone fireplace surround is a fantastic way to create an inviting and rustic style to your home. It not only blends in with your interior design style, but it can also boost the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your house faster and at a higher price. There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used for your fireplace surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition, they are often cheaper than wood. Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it provides a higher degree of beauty and durability and is therefore a worthy investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your home. You can also opt to have your fireplace surround made from natural stone, making it unique design elements. Stone surrounds are great for both gas and wood burning fireplaces. Stone surrounds resist high temperatures, and don't crack or warp when exposed to temperatures that are high. They are also resistant to stains and scratches. Granite is a popular and affordable option for a fireplace surround. It is scratch-resistant, non-porous and resistant to chemicals that could otherwise damage other surfaces in the house. A fireplace surround made of stone can be time-consuming and difficult to clean. The concrete joints and crevices between the stones can trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace regularly is vital to avoid any buildup that could result in a health problem or fire danger. Marble Marble is a luxurious, elegant material that turns any fireplace into a stunning feature. The beautiful stone can be used in a range of styles, from modern to traditional, making it easy to find a marble surround that coordinates with your decor. Marble fireplaces work well in open floor plans, introducing elegance and class to the room and bringing cohesion between various zones. Marble is a heat-resistant material, so unlike other materials it will not change color or become warped when the fireplace gets hotter. It also is able to absorb heat, which helps to keep the room warm even after the fire is out. Marble comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you're bound to find the ideal option to fit your style. If you decide to install an open fireplace made of marble, you will want to select a color that compliments the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless option for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create a sophisticated appearance. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls found in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, complement earth tones and more comfortable styles. Be prepared to do some extra maintenance if you choose a fireplace made of marble. Marble is more prone to staining than other materials and requires regular sealing in order to maintain its appearance. It is also necessary to clean your marble frequently to avoid etching or water staining. There are marble cleaning products available on the market. However, you should test them in a discreet area before using them to clean your marble surround. If you're not comfortable with committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite instead as an affordable alternative. Granite Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add an impressive accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that resists wear and tear and holds up to high temperatures, which makes it a perfect option for fireplaces. It is also non-combustible, which makes the surrounding area of the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and damage its surface. Your customers can select from a range of granite colors to personalize their fireplace surrounds. For a striking appearance think about black and silvery white swirls that can be a perfect match for the geometric shape of a modern gas fireplace. Alternatively, a marbled granite surround extending several feet around the frame of a wood-burning fireplace can create a single wall feature in a traditional living space. Limestone is a non-combustible alternative with a classic aesthetic for any home. This stone is available in a range of colors that include light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a variety of styles and design themes. It is not affected by heat and is able to withstand the smoke of burning wood, however it is important to remember that limestone needs to be sealed regularly to protect it from staining and water penetration. If your clients prefer a cooler tone, try Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic waves of blue, gray and white. This granite is stunning next to a roaring fireplace and is easy to maintain. Granite is an solid rock that's formed by magma, which is why it naturally has superior durability and strength. It's rated seven out of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, making it extremely difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, that can break or crack 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 remain intact for centuries. Steel A surround made of steel for your fireplace is an excellent feature for any home. Its neutral appearance works well with a variety of styles and it is very easy to maintain. It can be used as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a classic style. A metal surround is also useful to reduce draft issues. It makes a smaller area for combustion, which can reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-powered fireplaces. Steel fireplace surrounds come in different styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished for a more elegant finish and others are rougher to create a contrast in a room. The kind of steel you select will be based on your personal style and the color scheme you've chosen for your room. Some surrounds made of steel have a mantel which can be used to display decorative items like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can be different but the majority of them have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace. You can also opt to install a surround that does not have a mantel. This is typically less expensive and works best for smaller spaces, where a large surround could overwhelm the space. It is crucial to take into account the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will help ensure that the surround is a safe distance 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 electric wall mounted fireplaces are using a combustible material for your surround then you will need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. A professional can help you on this.
electric wall mounted fireplaces
