The Fireplace Warehouse Blog

The ideal focal point for any room, a solid wood fireplace adds character, warmth and style. While stone or marble fireplaces might look great in some homes, they certainly are not for everyone. Many people don't like the look or feel of these materials in their home and they don't always sit well in smaller rooms; however, due to its versatility, wood is available in enough finishes, colours and shades to complement any decor choices. No matter the size, age or style of your property, or the size of your budget, a solid wood fireplace is a great classic choice for any room.

Light or dark?

If you are thinking about fitting a solid wood fireplace, you will need to choose your colour carefully. Many homes these days feature fireplaces in lighter shades, as these can help smaller rooms to feel bigger. Lighter wood often has a more contemporary feel, whereas darker, heavier fireplaces can look great in period properties or more spacious homes. The chances are that you will want to redecorate your room at some point before replacing the whole fireplace, so choose a colour that will sit well with a range of colour schemes rather than focusing too heavily on the current decor.

Choosing the right background

When you choose your fireplace, you will also have the option of different back panels. Depending on the model of fireplace you opt for, you might be able to choose from different materials, finishes and colours. While these panels should complement the solid wood surround, you will also need to think about the rest of the room and pick something that will sit well with your home's style and colour scheme. Our friendly and knowledgeable team will be happy to provide advice if you get stuck.

What type of wood?

Our striking fireplaces are available in a variety of stunning woods, but which one is right for your home? Oak is by far the most popular choice for a solid wood fireplace due to its attractive appearance, durability and versatility. You can choose from countless finishes and will find shades from the lightest beige to rich, dark browns. You will also find fireplaces that make use of more than one type of wood, such as oak and walnut. This creates a more high-end finish that is perfect when you want a luxurious look in your home.

There is nothing like an expertly-crafted solid oak fireplace to elevate any room from ordinary to extraordinary. Oak is a timeless material choice for a fire or mantle surround and as solid wood is so versatile, it can complement any decor style.

Solid wood also has the advantage of being able to perfectly set off most types of fire. Whether you have a traditional real fire, a gas fire, an electric fire or a fuel-burning stove, a wooden surround will provide an attractive and luxurious finish. A simple electric fire can be lifted by a sleek, contemporary oak surround, while a more traditional surround is the ideal way to complete a rustic stove. As oak is so timeless, you know your fireplace won't go out of fashion after a couple of years.

Contemporary oak fireplaces

If you have a modern home, whether a recently-built property or an older building that has been renovated and updated, you will love the warmth a contemporary solid oak fireplace brings to your room. Modern properties often lack some of the character associated with older homes; however, installing a solid wood fireplace instantly lifts any space. You will find oak fireplaces in a range of attractive shades and finishes, meaning there is sure to be something that suits your existing colour scheme and decor. Fire surrounds in lighter shades often sit best in contemporary homes and add warmth and a welcoming feel without dominating smaller rooms.

Traditional oak fireplaces

In a period home or a larger property, you can probably get away with something more striking than you might be able to in a smaller space. Larger rooms can often carry oak fireplaces in darker shades, particularly if they get a lot of light.

It is also important to consider proportion when choosing any fireplace, whether oak or any other material. While many people like their fireplace to be the centrepiece of their room, you definitely don't want anything that overpowers the space and looks out of place. Don't just consider the size of the room but also the ceiling height, the placement of the doors and windows, and the size of the furniture in the room. Period homes often have higher ceilings than more contemporary homes. If you have a large, spacious and well-lit room, you will be able to go to town and select a far grander oak fireplace than you would in a smaller space.

Perhaps you are remodelling your whole room and need a new fireplace to finish it off, or perhaps you just want to freshen up your existing fire with an updated surround. The right fireplace will enhance any room and can act as a focal point all year round, even when the fire is not in use during the summer months. How do you decide what style of fireplace is best for your home? Here is a quick guide.

Budget

If cost is a consideration, you will probably want to steer clear of more expensive options such as natural marble. The good news is that marble and stone surrounds do not tend to suit all styles of home, so you won't have to compromise on the finished look. Wood tends to be more a more affordable option and will suit most homes and room sizes. It is also available in a range of tones and finishes, meaning that you can choose from rustic, traditional, contemporary and many more looks.

Size

The most important thing to bear in mind is proportion. If you have fallen in love with a large, grand stone fireplace but live in a modest property without high ceilings, you will need to move on. Choosing a fireplace that is too large for the space will make your room feel smaller - a fireplace should enhance a room, not dominate it. While the right fireplace can be a stunning feature of any room, it needs to be in proportion. A compact, space-saving design might be great for a small living room but would look out of place in a vast room with high ceilings and large pieces of furniture. Take a look at fireplaces in interiors magazines and on home decor websites for ideas if you are not sure what size is best for your space.

Style

If you are redecorating your whole room, you will have much more flexibility when it comes to the style of fireplace you choose. If you are creating a pared-down Scandi feel, for example, you might find that a rustic wooden fireplace fits in well with your decor. If you are going for a contemporary look, you might want something sleek and minimalist. Your fireplace should complement your existing decor. If your home style is eclectic and a little daring, a traditional fireplace is likely to look out of place.

Luckily, there are so many styles to choose from that all tastes are catered to.

If you think that chimney sweeps belong in Victorian times, you might be surprised to learn that many homes still require the services of a professional chimney sweep on a regular basis. This specialist job has changed over the years and is no longer the hazardous occupation it once was; however, it still requires a high level of training and experience.

If you have a real fire, you probably already know that you should have your chimney professionally cleaned by a chimney sweep at least once a year but ideally twice a year if burning wood or log products. Some people choose to do this in the summer when the fireplace has been out of use for a long time, while others opt to do it towards the end of winter before the fire is out of use for a period of several months. As long as you stick to annual sweepings, it is really up to you when you arrange your appointments.

Gas fires

Many people who have gas fires do not realise that they need to have their chimneys swept. While it is not usually necessary to have this done every year, as in the case of a real fire, you should ensure your chimney is swept occasionally. All chimneys can get blockages, which in the worst case scenario can lead to carbon monoxide and other gases building up inside the home. If you are installing a new gas fire into a chimney that has previously been used with a solid fuel fire, you should ask a chimney sweep to take a look first.

What does a chimney sweep do?

When hiring a chimney sweep for the first time, be sure to ask what is included in the service. You will, of course, be expecting to have your chimney cleaned and to have any debris removed. Chimney sweeps should also perform some checks. A good chimney sweep will assess your chimney to make sure it is in decent condition and provides adequate ventilation. Using a chimney sweep regularly can help to prevent fires in the chimney and ensure your fireplace is operating efficiently.

You might be tempted to save a bit of cash and try to clean your chimney yourself, but this is not a good idea. An experienced sweep will be able to spot signs of early damage or wear and tear that you are unlikely to notice. Cleaning a chimney is a messy and difficult job that is much better left to the experts. A NACS registered chimney sweep will adhere to a strict code of conduct & issue a certificate to ensure that is done cleanly & safely

Christmas is well and truly over and while it might not be spring for another couple of months, it is never too early to start spring cleaning; in fact, with January traditionally being a quiet month after the excitement of the festive period, it is a great time to take stock and get on with those household chores you have been neglecting, such as cleaning your wood burning stove. Your stove is likely to be in heavy use at this time of year, so choose a milder day when you can live without it for a few hours and make sure it has completely cooled down from the last use before you start cleaning it.

Maintenance

You should remove excess ash whenever there is a substantial build-up, so it is a good idea to check your stove after periods of prolonged or near-constant use. Remove all the excess ash by using a vacuum with a suitable attachment. A hand-held model can be useful for this; alternatively, a regular vacuum with a narrow attachment works well and is likely to pack a more powerful punch. When you have cleared out the ash, use a soft brush to clean the fire bricks. While you are doing this, be sure to check for cracks or other sign of damage. You can buy specialist cement to repair minor cracks; however, any bricks showing major damage will need replacing.

Cleaning the glass

You can clean your glass with scrunched-up newspaper, which is a great way to get the worst of the soot and dirt off the surface. Once you have done this, use a soft cloth with a suitable wood burning stove glass cleaner. You will find these available at many fireplace retailers, DIY stores, and even some larger supermarkets. Don't make the mistake of using an all-purpose cleaner unless it explicitly states you can use it in your wood burner. When you have cleaned the glass, check carefully for any cracks or other signs of damage. Cracked glass will need replacing before it gets any worse. Some stoves allow you to easily remove the glass for thorough cleaning, so check your user manual if you are not sure how to do this.

Checking the seal

The final thing to do is check the stove's door seal for signs of wear and tear. If it is coming loose or showing signs of damage, it will need replacing; if not, your stove is good to go again!

With so many styles of fireplace available today, it can be hard to know where to start when you are looking to replace your existing one. Unless you are completely overhauling your room's style, you will want to opt for a fireplace that sits well with your existing decor.

This guide outlines some of the most popular fireplace styles to help you identify which type will best complement your home.

Contemporary fireplaces

If your home is a new-build or you favour a modern style with contemporary furnishings and decor, you will want a fireplace that complements your choices. Modern and contemporary fireplaces tend to be less ornate than more traditional designs, giving you a cleaner, sleeker finish. Chrome is currently a very popular choice in fireplaces and works well with all colours. Electric fires are also a great choice for modern homes, delivering the welcoming ambience of a traditional fire but with a contemporary twist. Depending on your colour scheme, black can work very well in modern surroundings.

Traditional fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces work well in period properties, no matter the size or age. Unless your property has been extensively modernised over the years, more contemporary designs will look out of place in your home. For the ultimate traditional fireplace, a real fire is hard to beat, but this is not possible or practical in many cases. Traditional gas fires work well in period homes and you will find them available in a huge array of styles and sizes and at a wide range of price points. Cast iron inserts and other accessories enable you to enjoy the look and feel of a real fire while taking advantage of the convenience of gas. Here at the Fireplace Warehouse, we have a huge selection of traditional fires.

Wall-hung fires

These have become increasingly popular in recent years and for good reason - they are easy to use, they look striking, and they take up very little space. While they might appear to be better suited to modern homes, they can also work well in older properties in rooms that do not have an existing fireplace. While you can get gas wall-hung fires, most wall hung fires are electric. One big advantage of this style of fire is that it does not dominate the room, meaning you will barely notice it is there unless it is switched on. Once you do switch it on, you will have a stunning focal point that instantly creates a warm, cosy atmosphere.

If you are looking for fuel efficiency, a stylish finish and a space-saving fire solution, a hole in the wall gas fire could be the perfect choice for your home. As you might have guessed from the name, a hole in the wall gas fire fits into the space in a wall or chimney breast. There are hundreds of different styles and designs, meaning you will have no problem finding a model that perfectly complements your home's decor.

Benefits of hole in the wall gas fires

One of the biggest advantages of this style of fire is that they take up very little space. As they fit neatly into a hole in the wall or chimney breast, they don't take up valuable floor space and can make your room feel bigger. They are not only perfect for smaller rooms where space is at a premium but also look great in rooms of all sizes.

Another big plus is that this type of fire can be highly energy efficient, reducing waste and saving you money on your heating bills over time. The fire’s heat is transferred directly out into the room, keeping you at a comfortable temperature all year round. Hole in the wall gas fires are also very easy to clean, simply because there is very little surface area! They are usually fairly straightforward to install; however, as with all gas fires and appliances, you will need to use a Gas Safe registered engineer for installation and maintenance.

Who can have a hole in the wall gas fire?

This type of fire is suitable for a wide range of properties. If your room already has a chimney, it is probably suitable for a hole in the wall gas fire. If your home does not have a chimney, it may still be possible for you to have this type of fire installed. Adding a balanced flue is a simple way to open up your options and enable you to choose from a wider range of fires. To do this, you will just need to have access to an exterior wall. There are regulations associated with installing a balanced flue, but most external walls are suitable.

Hole in the wall gas fires come is such a fantastic array of designs that you will be able to pick one that fits perfectly into your home. From sleek, contemporary, minimalistic designs to more traditional finishes, the choices are endless.

If you live in a house or flat without a chimney, there are still hundreds of fireplace options you can choose from. Perhaps you have a traditional chimney but want to install a fireplace in another room - such as a dining room - that doesn't have a chimney, or you might have a chimney that has been bricked up in the past and you don't want the expense or hassle of reinstating it.

Here are a few of your options if you want to add the warmth and glow of a fire to any room in your home without a working chimney.

Electric fires

Electric fires have come a long way in the past few years and there is now a design to suit every taste and space. Electric fires are clean, easy to install, and have the advantage of letting you switch the display on without heat if you want to create a cosy atmosphere but don't need the extra warmth of the fire function. Electric fires do not need to be fitted to a wall with outside access, making them extremely versatile and suitable for any space. Take a look at the complete electric fire range.

Twin wall flue fires

These fires do require access to the exterior of your property, so they might not be suitable for all rooms in the home. This is a great way to get a traditional stove into your property without the need for a chimney. The flue can be carried up through the roof space or directed through an exterior wall. If you don't want the flue pipe to be visible in your home, it can be hidden in a fake chimney breast or other brick work.

Flueless gas fires

Flueless gas fires do not need a chimney or flue, but you will obviously need to have a gas supply in the room and ensure the space is well ventilated. While this option means you can have a real gas fire in a room you might not have thought possible, you need to bear in mind that there is a minimum room size requirement for this type of fire; therefore, it is not suitable for very small rooms. Find the perfect flueless gas fire online.

Balanced flue fires

As with the flueless gas fire, you will need a gas connection. You will also need access to an external wall for the flue to go outside. This is a very energy-efficient heating option, as heat loss is minimal. Balanced flue gas fires often feature glass fronts, which provide additional heat. Discover a great deals on flueless gas fires.

Choose The Fireplace Warehouse for fireplaces and accessories.

Welcome to part two of our fireplace glossary. We have put this short guide together to explain some of the words you might see across our site and in our stores.

Hearth: This is the fireplace's base panel. It can be made from a variety of materials, including brick and stone. It is traditionally a safety feature to prevent house fires occurring; however, many modern hearths can also be extremely decorative.

LPG: This stands for liquid petroleum gas. It is used in place of natural gas, particularly in rural areas or where there is no supply from a gas main. Some fires and stoves can run on bottled LPG or natural gas from the mains. You must always ensure you are using the correct fuel for your fire or stove.

Marble: This is a natural stone, popular for its luxurious look and feel. It features a distinctive veining pattern and is a traditional choice for high-end fireplaces. It can be polished or unpolished, with a marble fireplace making an excellent focal point for any room.

Micro-marble: This is man-made and replicates the appearance of natural marble minus the veining pattern of the real thing. As it is man-made, micro-marble has a more consistent appearance than natural marble.

Multi-fuel stove: This type of stove enables you to use different types of fuel, such as coal, wood, peat or smokeless briquettes. Multi-fuel stoves are highly effective at supplying heat and are a great choice for anyone who wants the look, warmth and feel of a real fire with the convenience of a stove.

Smoke control area: There are smoke control areas in many parts of the UK. It is illegal to emit smoke from a chimney in these areas unless you are using an authorised fuel. Some appliances may be exempt from the smoke control laws. You can check whether you live in a smoke controlled area by contacting your local council. You can be fined if you break your area's smoke control laws.

If you have any questions or would like any further information about any of the fires, stoves or other products we sell, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Our team will be happy to help and provide advice on the best fireplace for your home. We stock a huge variety of fireplaces, stoves and accessories suitable for all budgets and tastes.

Here at the Fireplace Warehouse, we know everything there is to know about fires. While we think our website has pretty much all the information you might need when you are buying a new fire, we appreciate some of the terms used might be new to our customers. We have put together a brief glossary of some of the terms you will come across on our site and in our stores to make it easier for you to choose the right fire for you.

Air vent: This is a legal requirement for some types of fires, such as solid fuel fires and gas fires. The air vent provides an air supply and lets your fire operate safely.

Balanced flue gas fire: This type of fire can be installed in a home that does not have a built-in chimney or flue, but has an outside wall that it can be mounted on. These fires are highly efficient and waste very little energy compared with many other fires.

Catalytic converter: This uses a catalyst to clean waste gas emitted from a fire. It ensures your fire runs more cleanly.

Convection heating: This is when warm air particles rise and cool particles fall into warmer areas. The process transfers warm air around your room.

DEFRA: This stands for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. You might notice some of our fires and stoves are labelled as DEFRA approved, which means they have been tested and are suitable for use in smoke controlled areas.

Efficiency: You will come across this word a lot in our product labels and descriptions. The more highly efficient a fire or heater is, the less energy and heat it wastes. An efficient model can help you to cut your energy bills and heat your home more effectively.

Electric fire: A fire that runs solely on electricity and does not require gas or solid fuel. They often simply need plugging into a wall socket, making installation extremely simple.

Flueless gas fire: This type of fire does not need a flue or chimney; instead, the gas passes through a catalytic converter. You will need to check the minimum room size for this type of fire, as it will need a certain amount of space and ventilation.

Gas Safe: The Gas Safe Register is the UK's official body for gas registration. You should make sure anyone you hire to install, maintain, check or remove a gas fire or any other gas appliance is on the Gas Safe Register.