The fireplace is the focal point of your living room – so it is important to chose the right fireplace that fits in with your taste and your home’s age, style and decoration. Additionally when you are choosing the right surround for your home there’s much more to think about than just how it looks. We recommend that you take our professional advice to ensure the finished fireplace looks good, is safe and your money is well spent.
What you need to consider when choosing a new fireplace and surround for your home:-
- Size of your room and fireplace
- Where the fireplace is positioned in your room
- Style of your room, and so the fireplace and surround
- The material that the fireplace and surround is made from
- The cost of a new fireplace or surround
- Safety considerations
Size of your room and fireplace
If a fireplace is too big it will overpower your room and if it is too small it will not create any impact and look insignificant. You will also need to consider the size of any existing fireplace opening and chimney breast.
To get the look you desire it may be necessary to set a fireplace back into a wall by removing bricks – this solves the problem of a fireplace protruding out into a room where space is limited. Also the creation of a false chimney breast for a flue pipe can be built if space allows.
Where the fireplace is positioned in your room
In a room where there is no existing fireplace or chimney you will need to consider where it is best to position the fireplace.
For example, if you do not have central heating you could place your fireplace between the living and dining areas to create and focal point and keep two spaces warm. In contemporary open plan spaces the fireplace could be in the centre of the room.
Style of your room, and so the fireplace and surround
As well as the fireplace and surround fitting in with the style of your home, the fireplace and surround should match each other. For example, a traditional Victorian style cast iron fireplace would look out of place with a contemporary styled surround.
Here are some examples of the different sort of styles of fireplaces and surrounds: –
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- Modern Fireplace – Elda White Micro Marble Fireplace from Bemodern Fireplaces
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- Contemporary Fireplace – Tivoli Electric Fire and Surround
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- Traditional Fireplace – Parrona Fireplace by Capital Fireplaces
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- Period Fireplace – Hersham Fireplace by Capital Fireplaces
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- Wall Mounted Fireplace – Infinity Gas Fire with a Tiled Surround
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- Free Standing Fireplace – Panamera Eco Supreme Wood Burning Stove on a Glass Hearth from Capital Fires
The material of the fireplace and surround
Fire surrounds are available in several different materials. The main materials that fire surrounds are made from are, wood, marble, cast iron, and limestone. More details of the different material can be found in our blog post Different Types Of Fireplace Surround Material.
The cost of a new fireplace or surround
The materials you choose for your fireplace and surround will impact the cost. For example, wooden surrounds are the cheapest and range from £200 to £800, with stone and marble around £400 upwards and cast iron from £450 to £2,000.
Safety considerations
Not all fire surrounds are suitable for all types of fire. For example, some surrounds are not suitable for solid fuel or wood burning stoves because of the heat produced. Safety must be the number one consideration – of course – and the best place to start to ensure your fireplace and surround choice is appropriate and safe is by speaking with a professional!
At Simon Turner Showrooms we have a wide range of fireplace and surrounds on display for you to have a look at and samples of the different colours and finishes available. Have a look at Fire and Fireplace projects we have completed in Devon, and of course get in touch by using the form below, calling us on 01395 267805 or visiting us at our fireplace showroom here in Exmouth if you would like to speak to us about a new fireplace, surround, or fire for your property.
