Install a Fireplace in your Living Room

Exuding a sense of grandeur whilst glowing with that ‘home sweet home’ feel, a fireplace makes a great addition to a living room. In the cold winter months, there’s nothing better than relaxing in comfy chairs around a warm, flickering fire with your family and there are plenty of options to choose from.

Providing a welcome source of warmth, fireplaces serve a practical purpose – yet they are not limited to this function. Fireplaces are also an eye-catching, stylish addition to a room.

Creating real atmosphere and welcome warmth at the click of a switch, fireplaces bring a room to life, making them the central feature of any room. Not every home has a fireplace and chimney built into the structure though so what should you consider before installing a fireplace in your living room?

Red hot styles: Electric Stoves and Wall Mounted Fires

Practicality is an important aspect to consider when choosing fixtures and furniture for your home. However, aesthetics are equally important. In order to prevent practicality from leaving style in its shadow, opt for a fireplace that combines the two.

Stand alone stoves generate instant heat that is easy to control but also give a room real character regardless of whether you choose to go down the modern or traditional route.

Wall-mounted fires are good space-savers, incredibly versatile and fit easily on a flat wall without the need for a chimney or flue. On a plain wall, they are a striking feature and create an attractive focal point in a room.

You also have the option to install inset fires, which are designed to fit into openings and come in a generous range of colours and style to suit every taste.

Feed the Flame: Electric or Gas Fires?

Choosing the right fuel is also a key consideration if you want to install a fireplace. Distributing instant heat throughout a room, gas fires create more warmth faster. Just make sure to check the type and size of your chimney beforehand!

With its flickering flame appearance and ability to deliver instant heat, electric fires emulate the atmosphere of their gas counterparts. Easy to install and maintain, choosing an electric fire is a hassle-free route to warmth and atmosphere.

If you’re all about creating the perfect atmosphere on a chilly winter day, solid fuel may be the best option. Feed the flames with a range of fuels (from wood kindling to coal) and enjoy a year-long atmospheric glow.

Back Panels and Fire Surrounds

Back panels and hearths come in a range of colour schemes and materials to suit every fireplace, including: jade, limestone, slate, cream, black and stainless steel.

Fire surrounds frame a fireplace, providing support and completing the look. Beautifully designed fire surrounds can make a huge difference to a fireplace, injecting the wow factor into a chic and practical piece.

Alternatively, save the hassle of choosing each part of your new fireplace individually and invest in a complete fire suite which comes with everything you need. Once you’ve installed your elegant new addition all that’s left to do is sit back and relax in your stylish, cosy living room and admire your exquisite taste in fireplaces.