Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style The right surround for your fireplace can alter the appearance of your room regardless of whether you have an electric or wood-burning fireplace. But choosing a surround that fits your interior style may be a bit difficult. Brick is a great alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also an excellent choice for homeowners on a budget, as it is easy to paint. Wood A wood fireplace surround is a crucial piece of furniture, as it creates a focal point in the room and breaks a wall which could otherwise be empty. In addition, a wooden surround makes it much easier to hang holiday decorations. Pine surrounds can be used for garlands and wreaths and are easily removed after the holiday season. It is essential to match the style of your house when choosing a surround made of wood for your fireplace. Wooden surrounds are available in a variety of styles and finishes to suit any style from contemporary to traditional. There are a variety of choices for design and size. For example, some fireplace surrounds come in a flat style and is flush with the wall, while others are designed to function as an actual mantel and are set to be a distance away from it. The most popular type of fireplace surround made of wood is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a hard solid wood that is resistant to swelling, warping, and shrinkage. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air. This helps to protect against fungus attack and damages. Oak veneers and pine are also available as fireplace surrounds. Both of these materials are relatively inexpensive and are usually sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel as well. They are available from a number of home and DIY stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow sell them frequently. It is crucial to remember that a wood surround must be set a certain distance from the opening of the firebox to ensure safety. This distance is determined by the clearance for fire hazards requirements that are based upon the codes and regulations applicable to the area you live in. Stone A fireplace with a stone surround can provide an inviting and rustic look to your home. It not only blends into your interior design style and style, but it also can boost the value of your home. Some studies have shown that a well-designed fireplace can help you sell your house faster and at an increased price. There are a variety of kinds of stone can be used to create your fireplace's surround, such as granite and marble. Both are highly durable and will last for an extended period of time with minimal maintenance. In addition they are usually less expensive than wood. Although natural stone might be a bit more expensive than other materials, it provides a high quality of beauty and durability that is worth the cost. You can choose from a wide selection of colors, patterns and textures to create the perfect style for your room. You can also choose to have a custom-made fireplace surround made of natural stone. This makes it an original design element. Stone surrounds work well with both wood and gas fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and won't warp or crack when exposed to heat. They also resist scratches, stains, and abrasions. Granite, for instance is among the most popular and cost-effective options for a fireplace surround. It is scratch resistant and non-porous. It is also resistant to the chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces in the home. One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints between the stones could be a trap for household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup that could lead to an illness or fire danger. Marble Marble is a luxurious material that elevates any fireplace to an impressive centerpiece. Marble surrounds are available in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces are great for open floor plans, bringing elegance and class to the space and bringing cohesion between various zones. In contrast to other materials, marble is resistant to heat, which means it won't change color or shrink as the fireplace gets hotter. It also insulates the heat, allowing it to keep the area warm even after the fireplace is gone. Marble is available in a variety of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the perfect option to fit your style. If you decide to go with a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to choose a shade that complements the other elements of design in the room. White marble is great with neutral tones and can be paired with wood trim or accent pieces to create a classic appearance. Darker marbles, like the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more relaxed styles. If you decide to go with a fireplace in marble, be prepared for some extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to stains than other materials, and it requires regular sealing to preserve its appearance. You'll also have to clean it frequently to prevent water and etching stains. There are a variety of marble cleaning products available on the market to use, but be careful to test them in an inconspicuous place prior to applying them to your marble surround. If you're not comfortable committing to a constant routine of maintenance, think about granite as an alternative that is affordable alternative. Granite Granite is an unnatural stone that can be used to provide an attractive accent to any fireplace. It's a durable rock that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it a perfect option for fireplaces. It's also non-combustible. which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that might otherwise fall and harm its surface. Your customers can pick from a variety of granite colors to customize their fireplace surrounds. Think about white and black swirls to match the geometric form of modern gas fireplaces. A marbled granite surround that spans several feet around a wood-burning fire place can create the perfect focal point for a single wall in a traditional room. Limestone is a different non-combustible choice with a classic aesthetic for any home. It is available in a variety of colors, including light browns and creams. It can be used to complement a wide range of styles and themes. free standing electric fireplaces is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke that comes from burning wood, however it's important to know that limestone must be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration. If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite that has oceanic ripples of blue gray and white. It looks stunning in a fireplace and is easy to maintain. Granite is an igneous rock that's formed from magma. It naturally has exceptional durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. Contrary to other natural stones which can crack or break easily under pressure, granites are able to stand up to a tremendous amount of stress without causing damage. This longevity is a key aspect that allows granite structures to last for a long time. Steel A steel fireplace surround is a great option to add modern style to your home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with many different types of decor. You can use it as a stand-alone material or mix it with other materials such as wood for a traditional style. A metal surround is also beneficial to prevent draft issues. It provides a smaller space for combustion, which decreases the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for gas-fuelled fireplaces. Steel fireplace surrounds are available in a wide range of styles and finishes. Some of the fireplace surrounds made of steel are polished and brushed for an elegant finish. Others have rougher textures that add an element of contrast to the space. The type of steel you choose will depend on your style preference and the color scheme that you select for your room. Some steel fireplace surrounds include a mantel, which can be used to store decorative items such as pots or plants. The mantel design can vary but most have simple or stepped designs to add dimension to your fireplace. Alternately, you can opt to install a surround with no mantel. This is typically cheaper and is ideal for smaller spaces, where the large surround can overwhelm the space. It is crucial to take into account the dimensions of your hearth and chimney breast when you are installing the new surround. This will ensure that the surround is a safe distance from the fireplace opening and that it doesn't extend beyond the front of the hearth (which wouldn't be safe or look good). If you're using a combustible material for your surround, then you'll need to take into consideration the codes and regulations applicable to your particular area of residence. A professional can advise you on this.
free standing electric fireplaces
