Fire Surrounds

In the gallery:

1 The Platonic Fireplace Company’s Apollo with Blue Sienna Stone, from £3,416 plus VAT (020 8891 5904)
2 Stonewoods’ Bromton Mantle in Agean Limestone with granite hearth, from £1,386 (020 8870 0167)
3 *Editor's Choice* Piazzetta’s EOS costs from £10,200 to £12,845 at Robeys (01773 820940)
4 Templestone’s Lutyens 6, clad in Portland stone, £2,961 incl VAT (01963 350242)
5 CWO’s (Cathedral Works Organisation) bespoke stone fireplace, from £3,500 (cwo.uk.com)
6 Piazzetta’s Cruise (woodburning only) from £10,315 at Robeys (01773 820940)
7 The Stepped 54” wide starts at £2,153.19 incl VAT from Warmsworth Stone (01302 858617)
8 A bespoke fireplace in Derbyshire stone from Ian Knapper. Priced from £3,000 (01538 722733)
9 Amazing Grates’ Charlotte, here in Carrara marble. From £740 in semi regio (020 8883 9590)
10 Amode’s Chimo stainless steel wall-mounted fireplace, £1,139.99 (0845 867 8449)

Expert's View: What to consider when buying

Steve Daniels, Director, Templestone (01963 350242)

“There are many things to consider, not least the type of fire you specify — electric, gas, logs or coal in an open basket, a log burner or a register/cast insert. Each will impact on the style of surround. If you choose a real fire it’s a good idea to install a dark hearth that won’t show any marks such as soot. Also consider the history of the house and any listing issues. In older properties the chambers have very often been reduced in size, but they can be opened up again to accommodate a range of different options.

“Again, consider how long you intend to stay — choose a style that is not quite so garish or out of context if you’ll only be in the house short term.”

Further reading:

• All About Fireplaces
• Open Fireplaces Explained
• Fire Safety Explained
• A Guide to Heating & Plumbing