AN OPEN HEARTH

Real fires may no longer be our main source of heat, yet an open fireplace still provides an inviting and warming focal point, around which we instinctively gather on winter evenings. There is nothing quite so lovely as relaxing in front of gently flickering flames.

MATTERS OF STYLE

Traditional or classically - inspired fireplaces tend to work well in most homes regardless of age and the rustic appeal of the inglenook remains a country staple. Yet with their simple lines, more contemporary pieces can also enhance the period home as long as legislation allows. As a spokesperson from English Fireplaces cautions, "if your home is subject to listed building constraints, your choice may well be limited."
Reclamation yards and specialist dealers stock, and can source, original surrounds, grates and baskets, plus those elusive aged inglenook bricks. Opting for authentic - looking reproductions and modern designs allows for flexibility of scale and proportion, or you can commission a design. Architectural Heritage offers original and bespoke designs in stone, while Deacon & Sandys hand - carve oak surrounds and overmantels. Antique surrounds are also available from Westland.

Whatever the preference, the aim is to harmonise with the environment, so consider the history and architecture of the home and look to similar properties that have original fireplaces, for ideas. Even if considering a different style, the scale and size of the original fireplace is a good guide as to what will be suitable for the room. Also consider the function of the room and its furnishings, as this can influence style. Paul Chesney of Chesneys advises, "architectural styles from the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries work well with most interiors as the clean, strong lines of these pieces suit both minimalist and more cluttered interiors. It is possible to mix contemporary and period details successfully by combining a period - style surround with a modern grate."

FEATURE FLAMES

Any fireplace should remain in proportion with the room. As a rule, the grander the room, the grander the fireplace and although size is often dictated by the chimney breast, also consider ceiling height and how far the surround and hearth will protrude. "The most stunning fireplace will look out of place if it is either too small or too large for a room, and the most common mistake is to select a fireplace that is too small," says Chesney. If buying a direct replacement, keeping close to the original measurements should ensure a pleasing result. Those restoring existing pieces are best to consult reclamation and restoration specialists, such as Arc Reclamation and Inglenook Restorations, or source companies using traditional methods to produce replacement items, such as Craven Dunnill Jackfields archived Victorian tiles.

HEATED DEBATE

If chimney and flue are in working order, as verified by a registered sweep, there is the option of choosing either a solid fuel or a log fire. However, those who live in a Smoke Control Area must burn smokeless coal. If significant heat output is required, without too much heat lost up the chimney, look to models with a glass front that act like a stove, or an open convector fire. Convectors circulate heat back into the room and, as the National Fireplace Association points out, "are often ideal for providing efficiency to an inglenook".
If not wishing to contend with the mess of a real fire, the latest open - basket and convector gas fires are virtually indistinguishable from the real thing. The majority require ventilation via a chimney or outside wall, but some flueless models are available. Magiglo and The Bespoke Gas Fire Company offer custom - made options.

FIRESIDE COMPANIONS

With any fireplace comes accessories. Beautiful antique fire tools, fenders and log baskets will still perform their role, or try Chesneys new fireside collection or Jim Lawrences traditional hand - forged wrought iron, while Willow and Stone offers tools, copper match holders and fireside baskets. Fireguards are an open fire essential or consider introducing the classic club fender to delineate between room and fire, and act as extra seating. Finally, mirror specialists, such as Ayers and Graces or Overmantels, can supply antique and bespoke overmantels to complete the appearance of the newly installed focal point.

A WARMING STOVE
The stylish and versatile stove is not only ideal for heating a single room effectively but can also prove the main heat source within a home, depending on the model chosen. Those enticing flames will still ensure an attractive focal point around which to gather.

SOME LIKE IT HOT
The main reason many choose a stove is efficiency, as at least 75 per cent of the energy goes directly into heating the room, while with an open fire the majority of heat is lost up the chimney. This is not lost on Nick Sloane of J0tul UK. "Now more than ever, people are looking for ways to reduce their fuel bills and buying such a piece of heating furniture can allow you to do this," he says. What is more, an enclosed stove is less messy than an open fire and its freestanding design offers a more flexible option when it comes to placement within the home.

BURNING ISSUES

A wood - burning stove is one of the greenest ways to heat the home, as it burns more cleanly than other fuels and is, as Morso points out, carbon neutral. Do give some thought to the source of wood and where it will be stored. However, those living in a smoke - free zone must use a smokeless fuel or a clean - burn wood - burning stove that is exempt from regulations. A list of approved stoves can be found at uksmokecontrolareas.co.uk. It is
also worth bearing in mind that the traditional wood burner cannot be used with other fuels, while opting for a stove with an adjustable grate will allow the use of both wood and coal.
For those investing in a boiler stove that heats both water and radiators, it is also worth considering a smokeless fuel or coal, as these tend to burn for longer, negating the need to refuel as often. For a solid fuel or log alternative, gas stoves can be up to 100 per cent heat efficient and look surprisingly realistic. Like their counterparts, most require some form of flue, although gas flueless models, requiring no ventilation, are available.

DESIGNS ON STYLE

Stoves tend to be fashioned from cast iron or steel and both incorporate the latest energy - efficient technology and advanced features such as air wash systems to reduce tarring on windows. Hard - wearing cast iron can be moulded into differing shapes and textures to create the decorative panels and tracery beloved of the traditional stove enthusiast, while steel, although strong, tends to be plainer and more contemporary in design and style.
For those looking for something a little different, or simply a softer alternative to the standard stark black or anthracite grey, for use in more relaxed environments, try colourful painted stoves. From classic green and cream to statement bright red and sky blue, coloured finishes are currently experiencing a surge in popularity as they blend effortlessly with a variety of styles and decor. Charnwood, Chesneys and Carron all offer cast - iron enamelled finishes, while steel stoves from Vesta feature matt or metallic colours. It is also worth taking a look at the innovative retro - inspired stoves from Chesneys, complete with American - style detailing, or even a striking European ceramic - tiled stove, which can be as decorative or as understated as desired, depending on the tiles used. The Ceramic Stove Company hand builds its stoves on site, which can stand over two metres tall.

HEARTH WARMING

Of course it is not just style that dictates stove choice. As Nick Sloane explains, "you should always seek expert advice to ensure that the stove chosen is best for you - sometimes people can be swayed by design but it is important to consider room size to ensure maximum benefit." In terms of heat output, too small a stove will simply not heat the room, but too large and the stove will run at a lower output, causing poor efficiency and resulting in soot - covered glass and tar build - up in the chimney.

All stoves must sit on a hearth and have adequate ventilation. Traditional designs tend to sit within a fireplace, so check that the top and sides of the stove are a safe distance from combustible materials, such as lintels or beams. Ample space around the stove also ensures that heat from the sides enters the room, and protects against damaging heat build - up. It also allows for easy access, a problem not necessarily encountered by those opting for a stand - alone stove or a bold statement piece placed in the middle of a room.
Note: All fires and stoves must be installed in accordance with current building regulations. Use an HETAS registered installer for solid fuel appliances and a Gas Safe registered installer for gas appliances.

RADIATING HEAT AND STYLE
When transforming a cold, sterile environment into a cosy, welcoming home, most of us immediately think of central heating. However, dont just think of radiators as a humble heat source, as they can be an important feature of each room.

EMANATING ELEGANCE

Cast - iron radiators are an ever - popular option and for those sourcing sought - after originals, companies such as The Old Radiator Company provide fully - restored antique pieces. Many reclamation yards also offer a recondition and pressure test service on salvaged pieces. Classic columns, ornate pieces and even brass radiators will all help restore period detailing, yet look equally at home in more modern properties. However, if struggling to find the correct size or heat output then an array of quality replicas are on offer. Feature Radiators will also colour - match its Etonian column radiator to any Farrow & Ball, Aga or Rayburn colour.
Whatever the choice, cast - iron pieces can be bulky, so consider, too, space - saving, wall - mounted options or elongated designs that can be sited under the lowest of windows. Alternatively, modern designs can prove surprisingly unobtrusive, even in the period home, or there are systems such as ThermaSkirts clever concealed system, which incorporates heating pipes within an aluminium wood - effect or painted skirting board, yet projects no further than a conventional board.

HOT TOPIC
Of course, any antique must be adapted to modern plumbing requirements and a guaranteed heat output is not always a given, unlike with replicas. Cast iron, in general, takes longer to heat up than modern steel, chrome or aluminium radiators. However, it also cools at a slower rate, thus emitting a more gentle, radiant heat. All radiators are traditionally placed under a window as they perform better in the coldest part of the room. If your home meets current insulation standards they can be positioned anywhere, although rising warm air can discolour paint or wallpaper. Fitting a shelf above the radiator can help deflect heat and increase heat efficiency.
Most radiators are designed for standard hot water - based systems. However, oil - filled, electrically powered radiators are also available from companies such as Dimplex. Designs tend to be limited, but portable models are ideal for those looking for an adaptable single - room heating solution. In the bathroom, consider a radiator that has an additional electric element, thus allowing for warm towels in summer without the need for central heating.

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Scottish Gothic surround, from ?5,250 in Bath limestone, Templestone. Lincoln limestone surround with steel slips and Cubic fire basket, approx ?3,497, Acquisitions. As featured in Sir John Soanes drawing room at the Soane Museum, Lincolns Inn Fields - the Soane Pattern VI surround in Statuary marble, from ?3,540, Chesneys. Made - to - order club fenders in a variety of finishes and designs, from around ?1,980, Acres Farm. Wood, solid fuel or gas convector fires will significantly increase heat output. Solid fuel convector, from ?763, Jetmaster.

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TOP In contrast to its English counterpart, flamboyant curves and lavish decoration signify the archetypal eighteenth - century French surround. Louis XV carved Carrara marble fireplace, ?954, with Beaulieu fire basket, ?1,146, English Fireplaces. Inlaid with Blue John, a rare fluorite mined in Derbyshire, this hand - carved bespoke surround is definitely more suited to the grander home. Blue John fireplace, from ?6,000, Paul Spencer. The techniques for carving stone have changed little over the centuries, allowing modern - day masons to accurately reproduce authentic period - style pieces as well as more modern interpretations. Dyrham chimney piece in distressed stone, ?6,480, with Darley fire basket, ?2,220, and Rossmore fire irons, ?384, Jamb. This reproduction cast - iron mantle takes its cue from the timeless elegance of a nineteenth - century original. Opt for a matt black finish in traditional - style settings or full polish for a more contemporary look. Georgian cast - iron mantel, ?1,049, with traditional tiled insert 669, Stovax.

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TOP Available in a black or grey finish, this modern, wood - burning stove works equally well in more traditional settings and has an heat output of 4.5kW, making it ideal for smaller rooms. Hwam Beethoven, from ?2102, Euroheat. This solid fuel or wood - burning stove can be left to burn overnight so you are greeted in the morning by a beautifully warm room. Heat output ranges from 6.5kW to 9.9kW depending on fuel type. Ludlow stove, ?865, Aga. Designed to burn wood and most approved smokeless fuels, this traditional black cast - iron stove has an output of 8kW, ensuring warmth in even the largest rooms. The Westcott 8, from ?499.99, Dimplex.
This 9kW wood stove, with its timeless Gothic tracery, has both side - and front - loading options. F500 wood stove, from ?2411.05 in enamel or from 2098.04 in matt black paint, J0tul.

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TOP This stove is ideal for larger rooms, inglenook fireplaces and open - plan areas. 750 stove, from ?1,400 plus VAT, Clearview. At 4kW this compact multi - fuel stove is suited to smaller rooms. Squirrel 1416 cast - iron stove with black glass door, 1,110, Morso.
This efficient stove is DEFRA exempted, so can burn wood in smoke control areas. C Four wood - burning stove in Almond, from ?700, Charnwood. Simple, elegant stoves sit comfortably within most interior styles. 700 cast iron stove, from 1,380, Esse.

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TOP Drummonds heated towel rails are custom - made to order and supplied for hot water systems as standard. Electric or dual - fuel models can also be made to order.
Three - bar heated towel rail, from 2,022, and Clyde bath, Drummonds. Reproductions from Holloways of Ludlow are indistinguishable from the real thing.
Tiffany cast - iron radiator from 71 a section, Holloways. A simple two - column cast - iron radiator invokes an air of refined elegance. Duchess traditional cast - iron radiator, from ?28 each section, The Traditional Radiator Company. The timeless appeal of chrome creates a focal point in traditional and modern interiors alike. Chrome classic radiator, from ?1452, Bisque.