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The fireplace maketh the room

Anyone who grew up in a home with an open log fire will remember how cosy it was snuggling up in front of it to read your favourite book or watch your favourite TV programme. And no matter how messy it was cleaning out the grate the next day, the warmth and comfort of the fire was most definitely worth the hassle.

If you’ve just bought a new house and have decided you really must have a fireplace in the living room (even if it’s just to house an imitation gas fire) you’ll find lots of quality fireplaces for you home online.  A stylish fireplace can become a real feature in the room, and just as it did when you were younger, it provides a focal point for family gatherings or if you just want to spend a cosy might in with your other half.

Nowadays you’ll find a fireplace design to suit literally every style of decor, from period or vintage to modern and contemporary, and with fireplaces available in a range of different materials, there’s an option to suit pretty much every budget as well.

You’ll find wooden fire surrounds at the lower end of the price spectrum, though just because they’re cheaper it doesn’t mean you’re compromising on quality. Solid oak fireplaces will obviously be a bit more expensive as oak has become quite a rare wood, but with its beautiful finish and durability it’s definitely worth spending that little bit extra.

Stone fireplaces usually come next in the price spectrum but again the price will vary depending on the stone you use. Limestone fireplaces are beautifully elegant and will look great in a room decorated in light, classic colours like cream, white and stone. Limestone is a very easy material to work with so you’ll find plenty of ornate designs in the limestone range if you do fancy something a little bit more detailed.

If you have a little bit more money to spend then a marble fireplace is definitely worth the investment. A marble fireplace is a stunning feature in any room and will suit most styles of decor. It’s also very durable and hard wearing so it should look just as beautiful in ten years time as it does the day you buy it. Keep an eye out for black marble if you favour a slick, contemporary look.