How to Choose the Right 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.

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!