Fireplaces
Fireplaces don't just keep you warm, they create a great focal point in a room too.
You have the choose of an traditional, period fireplace, or a new, modern fireplace.
Fireplace options
A lot of fireplaces were either ripped out or blocked up in period property, so if you live in a period home and are replacing a fireplace, try and match the fireplace style to the period of the property. Your local salvage yard will likely have a number of old fireplaces.
Modern fireplaces will suit modern homes and can be easier to maintain as you can opt for a flueless gas or electric fireplace, which start easier and are much less dirtier to deal with.
What fuel can I burn in my fireplace?
If you live in a large city and want to burn traditional fuels like coal and wood, you must choose the smokeless fuel these days. Also, contact a chinmey sweep to vacuum your chimney and check that the chinmey has not been capped to stop birds and rain coming in. Prices for chimney sweeps start around £25.
Modern gas fires look just as realistic as a roaring wood or coal fire and are a lot less work to start.