FIREPLACES - YOUR STARTING POINT

Use fireplaces as the starting point for redecoration

If you're planning on redecorating a room, you need to think about the fireplaces before anything else. It's very difficult to insert a fireplace into a room that's already been completed. Far better to decide on your fireplace first and then match your décor to it.

Fireplaces - the importance

You'll already know that fireplaces are often the key point in any room. Large or small, a room is defined by the fireplace or fireplaces within it. From the way the furniture is organised to the mirrors, paintings and other objects you choose for the room, fireplaces are vitally important. Get the look of your fireplace wrong, and you could spoil the finished effect:

Proportion - fireplaces need to be in proportion to the room they are in. Look at pictures and talk to the experts to find out what size of fireplace will work best in the room you're redecorating. Don't be tempted to make the fireplace too big, as it can crowd everything out, but do make sure that it doesn't get lost in the rest of your design because you've gone for something too minimalist.

Design - if you want your fireplaces to reflect the period of your home, you'll need to do a little research. Find out what sort of materials best reflect that period, and what sort of designs or patterns were used. This will help you to find the right kind of fireplace or to come up with a design so that you can have one made to order.

Grates - fireplaces aren't just about the surround, or mantelpiece. They're also about the style and size of grate and fire basket. Again, take the time to discover what styles suit your home, and then look at grates and baskets at the same time that you're looking for your surround. You'll be able to see what works together and what doesn't.

Once you know the design, size and materials of your fireplace, you'll be able to plan the rest of your room. You might choose wallpaper or curtains that reflects the design or your surround, or you might choose light fittings that work with the decoration on the fire basket. Bringing all these influences together will help you to design a room that looks and feels like home.

Buying fireplaces

If you are thinking of sorting out your fireplaces, or replacing existing surrounds, take a look at the range on offer at English Fireplaces. We specialise in producing high quality fireplaces from a variety of materials, and we offer both stock designs and we offer both stock designs and bespoke craftsmanship

If you have any questions please call us on 01730 897600, we are very helpful and will be glad to answer your questions and offer advice.