Decorative Wood Trim for a Fireplace Surround
A surround specifies the expression of a fireplace, while it’s traditional, contemporary, ornate or simple. Updating the look of a fireplace surround is frequently necessary when you change the style of the room. Even if you’ve got a brick fireplace surround, then adding decorative wood trim around the brick provides the fireplace a brand new appearance. Unify the fireplace with architectural and color detail on the surround which complements the style of the room along with the trim on the walls along with casements about windows and doors.
Kinds of Trim
Wood fireplace surrounds typically contain three parts, the legs or columns along with the upper piece, which include the mantel shelf and central panel. Crown molding is frequently used for decorative influence straight under the mantel shelf. Corbels are a type of bracket used under mantels without full surrounds to help encourage the shelf. Long corbels may be utilized in place of pilasters, which form the supporting columns of a full fireplace surround, while brief corbels may be used for cosmetic effect on a full surround. Additional trim, wood ornaments or hand-carved layouts are utilized to embellish the columns and frieze central panel under the mantel molding.
Styles of Molding
Architectural molding comes in dozens of styles, which usually fall under one of five generalized styles, such as Conventional, Country, Victorian, Craftsman or Arts and Crafts and Modern. Molding styles have been identified by their profile, which is the shape of the casting when seen from the finish. Ornamental wall trim and door and window casements with in depth profiles are frequently built up, which means that the trim really comprises several layers of molding. Buildups are commonly found in crown molding, chair rails, base molding and ornamental fireplace surrounds.
Wood and Others
Most hardwood fireplace surrounds are made from solid hardwoods such as maple, cherry, oak, red oak and poplar for durability and attractiveness. However, solid wood is costly, so many manufacturers offer less-expensive solutions made from MDF, which is also widely used for wall trim such as crown molding, chair rails and baseboards. The wood is painted or stained. White in varying colors and black are typical paint colors used on surrounds. Conventional-, Nation- and Craftsman-style trim are usually stained in a natural finish to show off the natural beauty of the wood grain. Reclaimed wood is chosen for its own rustic, timeworn character.
Making Choices
While the fireplace should stand out as the room’s focal point, it also ought to mix well with the additional furnishings and architectural features of the room. If the fireplace now has a surround which you like, it may just be a matter of sanding and refinishing the surface. Existing surrounds and mantels may even be decorated or built up with additional appliques and decorative trim bits. Adding built-in shelving around the surround is another choice. Choose materials within the means of your budget. Tie in a new or existing surround with stain or paint which complements or matches the colors in the room. Use trim in the proper style, such as the clean appearance of Mission-style moldings in a contemporary room or Greek Revival-style trim in a conventional room. Finish the appearance with decorative accessories on the mantel and on the hearth.
