Fires & Surrounds buying guide

Choosing the perfect fireplace surround can transform your living space, adding warmth, ambience, and a focal point to your room. Join us as we explore the different types of fires and fireplaces, their features, and how to select the perfect fire surround to match your home’s décor.

Types of fires

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Choosing fireplace surrounds

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Installation and considerations

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Types of fires

The first step in finding the perfect fireplace surround for your home is to select a fire to sit as the centrepiece of your space. There are multiple types of fires available, so it’s important to choose the most suitable option for your home.

Electric fires

The simplest option, and the most suitable for many homes, electric fires require no chimney or gas, offering instant heat without the hassle. While their output may be lower than gas fires, they require minimal upkeep and can spread warmth across your room without breaking the bank.

Plus, our range of electric fire suites means it’s never been easier to add a new fireplace to your home, as these are an electric fire and surround in one combined package.

Heat output: low to medium

Installation: plug-in or wall-mounted

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Gas fires

Gas fires are the perfect choice for homes that demand more heat as their powerful output is enough to fill the largest of spaces with warmth. Their realistic flames and bright light create a rustic style that fills your space.

While gas fires have often been the go-to for homeowners, for smaller homes and apartments, they may be less suitable. However, when it comes to bringing a big room to life, gas fires are unmatched.

Heat output: medium to high

Installation: professional installation required due to flue/gas line and ventilation

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Wood-burning stoves

The perfect way to create a rustic feel across your home, wood-burning stoves can brighten any room with real flames and radiant heat. Like gas stoves, they require a chimney system to safely allow any smoke to escape which means they’re less suitable for smaller homes.

Pair your wood-burning stove with a timber log store to keep your firewood dry and ready to use even during the coldest months.

Heat output: high

Installation: professional installation recommended

Multi-fuel stoves

Multi-fuel stoves work in the same way as a wood burner but are capable of burning a range of solid fuels, including wood and coal.

Heat output: high

Installation: professional installation recommended

Bioethanol fires

A simpler way of heating your room, a bioethanol fireplace can produce real flames without creating smoke or requiring a chimney. This means they’re easy to install and can be placed anywhere in your room, an ideal alternative to wood burners for smaller homes where space is limited.

Heat output: low

Installation: freestanding and easy to install

How to choose the right fireplace surround for your home

Once you’ve selected the right fire for your home, it’s time to finish the look with the perfect fireplace surround. To find a fire surround which complements your fire and adds to the aesthetic appeal of your home, you should consider the following factors:

Material

Whether you’re thinking about the surround, mantel or hearth, the material that your fireplace is made from is one of the most important elements to consider.

Wooden fire surrounds, including MDF and composite options, offer a classic and warm look, which is the perfect fit for traditional or contemporary homes. The natural design can also beautifully match other wooden features in your room with oak fire surrounds being the most popular choice.

Stone fireplaces, including granite, limestone, and marble fire surrounds, are the perfect option for durability. A great choice for busy households, choose from striking white designs or a black fire surround which allows your fire to blend in and the flames to stand out.

Cast iron fireplaces are a striking, traditional feature and give your space a sophisticated finish. Their naturally neutral colour suits any style and allows the roaring flames to take centre stage as they light up your room.

Style

It’s important you not only pick a style for your fireplace which matches your fire, but also your existing interior design. Whether that’s a traditional fireplace made from wood or cast iron, or a contemporary mantel with minimalist designs and clean lines on polished stone.

Size

Perhaps most importantly, your fireplace surround should also be the right size to fit your fire in. It should also be proportionate to your room to avoid overcrowding or simply not fitting.

Installation and safety

It’s crucial to prioritise safety when installing any fireplace or surround. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consider professional installation for gas fires and wood/multi-fuel stoves. Regular maintenance and chimney sweeping (for wood/multi-fuel stoves) is essential for safe operation.

What to consider when buying a fireplace

When you’re thinking about installing a fireplace surround, there are several practical considerations which must be made to understand which fire surround is going to be the best suited for your home.

Chimney or flue: does your home have a suitable chimney or flue system? This will determine the types of fires you can install as gas and wood/multi-fuel fires will require this infrastructure to ensure smoke can escape.
Heat output: consider the size of the room you want to heat. Consult with a professional if you’re unsure about your exact requirements.
Ventilation: ensure adequate ventilation in the room, especially for gas and solid fuel fires.

Fuel type: the availability and cost of certain fuels may mean that a fire with a direct supply is better suited for your home.
Regulations: ensure you’re aware of any local building regulations around installing fireplaces and chimneys. Always consult a professional if you’re unsure.

From electric fires and surrounds made with convenience in mind, to stunning stone or wooden fireplaces, there are many fire surround ideas to choose from. However, by considering these tips, you are now ready to give your living space a new lease of life.

For the perfect finishing touch above your fire surround, check out our guide and learn how to hang a TV above a fireplace.