14 Cartoons On Fireplace Surrounds To Brighten Your Day

Choosing Fireplace Surrounds That Match Your Interior Design Style

The right surround for your fireplace can be the difference between enhancing or ruining the look of the room regardless of whether you have an electric fire or wood-burning fireplace. But finding a surround that is in line with your interior style may be a bit difficult.

Brick is a popular alternative that can be incorporated into contemporary, rustic or farmhouse-style homes. It's also a great option for homeowners with a limited budget since it can be painted.

Wood

A wood fireplace surround is an essential piece of furniture as it creates a focal point to the room and also breaks up a wall that may otherwise be blank. A surround made of wood makes it easier to hang holiday decor. Pine surrounds, in particular, can be used to hang garlands and wreaths. They can be easily removed when the festive season is over.

It is important to be in line with the style of your house when selecting a wood surround for your fireplace. 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 choices for design and size. For instance some fireplace surrounds are in a flat design that is to the wall flush, while others are designed to be an actual mantel and are set away from it.

The most popular type of wood fireplace surround is oak, which is renowned for being an extremely durable and beautiful material. It is a strong and dense wood that is impervious to warping, shrinkage, and swelling. It is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs moisture from the air, thereby helping to protect it against fungal attack and damage.

Other types of fireplace surrounds made of wood are available, and include pine veneers and oak. Both of these are fairly inexpensive and are typically sold as complete surrounds that have the hearth and back panel included. They are available at many DIY and home stores. Online retailers such as Pureglow offer them regularly.

When buying a wood fireplace surround it is important to keep in mind that it should be placed a certain distance away from the opening of the fireplace for safety reasons. This distance is determined based on fire hazard clearance requirements based on codes, regulations and laws for the area you live in.

Stone

A fireplace surround made of stone is a fantastic way to create a rustic and warm look to your home. Not only does it blend into the style of your interior, but it can also improve the value of your home. Certain studies have proven that a well-designed fireplace could aid in selling your home more quickly and at an increased price.

There are a variety of kinds of stones can be used to create your fireplace's surround, including marble and granite. Both are durable and will last for a long amount of time with minimal maintenance. They are also generally less expensive than hardwood.

Natural stone is more expensive than other materials but it offers a higher level of beauty and durability which is why it is a worthwhile investment. You can pick from a variety of colors, patterns, and textures to create a distinctive look for your home. You can also choose to have your fireplace's surround built with natural stone, creating an exclusive design element.

Stone surrounds work well with gas and wood fireplaces. They are able to withstand extreme temperatures and don't shrink or crack when exposed to heat. Additionally, they are resistant to stains and scratches. Granite, for example, is one of the most sought-after and affordable alternatives for a freestanding fireplace surround. It is non-porous, scratch resistant and abrasion-resistant to chemicals that would otherwise damage other surfaces.

One drawback to the fireplace surround made of stone is that it is difficult to clean. The crevices and joints made of concrete between the stones could trap household dirt. Cleaning your fireplace on a regular basis is vital to avoid any buildup which could cause an illness or fire hazard.

Marble

Marble is a luxurious stone that elevates any fireplace to a standout centerpiece. Marble surrounds come in different styles, ranging from traditional to modern. Marble fireplaces work best in open floor plans, adding elegance and class to the space while providing cohesion between different zones.

Marble is a heat-resistant material and, unlike other materials, it won't change color or become warped when the fireplace heats up. It also absorbs heat, which helps to keep the area warm even after the fire has gone out. Marble is available in a myriad of finishes and colors, so you're sure to find the ideal option to match your style.

If you decide to install a fireplace that is made of marble it is important to pick a color that is in harmony with the other design elements of the room. White marble is a timeless choice for neutral tones. It can be combined with wood trim and accent pieces to create an elegant style. Darker marbles, such as the deep swirls in this home designed by Tamsin Johnson, work with earth tones and more casual styles.

If you decide to install a marble fireplace be prepared for extra maintenance. Marble is more susceptible to staining than other materials and requires frequent sealing in order to maintain its beauty. You will also need to clean the marble regularly to avoid etching or water staining. Fortunately, there are special marble cleaning products available on the market that you can utilize however be sure to test them in a non-glaring area prior to using them on your marble surround. Granite is a great alternative to marble for those who don't want to commit to constant maintenance.

Granite

Granite is a natural stone that can be used to add a stunning accent to any fireplace. It's a sturdy stone that is resistant to wear and tear and holds up against high temperatures, making it an ideal choice for cheap fireplaces. It's also non-combustible, which helps keep the space around the fire safe from ash or other debris that could fall and damage its surface.

Your customers can pick from a wide array of granite color options to customize their fireplace surrounds. Consider black and white swirls to match the geometric design of a modern gas fireplace. A marbled granite surround that extends for several feet around a fire space can create a focal point on the wall of the traditional space.

The classic appearance of limestone is a wonderful option for any home. This stone is light browns, creams and grays that can be incorporated into many design themes and styles. It is not affected by heat and can withstand smoke from burning wood, but it is important to remember that limestone should be regularly sealed to protect it from staining and water penetration.

If your customers prefer a cooler tone, go for Baracuda Blue granite with oceanic ripples of blue grey and white. This granite is amazing next to a glowing fire, and is easy to clean to keep the area looking stunning.

Granite is a natural igneous rock, which is formed from magma, so it naturally has greater durability and strength. It's rated seven of ten on the Mohs hardness scale, which makes it very difficult to scratch. In contrast to other natural stones, which break or crack easily under pressure granites are able to withstand immense amounts of stress without breaking. This is the main reason why granite structures can last for centuries.

Steel

A steel surround for your fireplace is an excellent option for any home. Its neutral appearance is easy to maintain and can be paired with a variety of decor. It can be used by itself or combine it with other materials such as wood for a more traditional look.

A metal surround can be useful to reduce draft issues. It provides a more compact area for combustion which helps reduce the amount of heat that escapes the flue. This is particularly beneficial for fireplaces that are gas-powered.

Steel fireplace surrounds are available in various styles and finishes. Some are brushed or polished to give a more elegant look and others have a rougher surface to bring more contrast to an area. The kind of steel you choose will depend on your aesthetic preference and the color scheme that you select for your space.

Certain fireplace surrounds made of steel have a mantel that can be used to store decorative objects like vase or plants. The design of the mantel can vary but the majority of them have simple or one-step design that adds depth to your fireplace.

You can also install a surround only, without mantel. This is usually cheaper and is ideal for smaller rooms in which a massive surround might overwhelm the space.

It is crucial to consider the size of your hearth and chimney breast when installing a new surround. This will ensure that the surround does not extend further than the front of the hearth and is situated at a safe distance from fireplace opening. If you are planning to install a combustible surround, you'll have to take into consideration local codes and regulations. A professional can provide advice on this.