The No.1 fire, fireplace and fireplaces accessory resource in the UK

Nothing makes a home more stunning than a characteristic fireplace bringing warmth, sophistication and style to your living room. A fireplace acts as a centre piece to a room and when choosing to buy a fireplace, there are many things to consider but with so many products on the market, you will certainly be spoilt for choice. From electric, gas, to solid fuel fires, there are plenty of methods to bring warmth to your home. However, that is just the start when deciding which type of fire you would like as the materials play a huge part in creating that perfect look.

Fireplace grates for example, are generally used for solid fuel fires although they can be used for other methods too. Fireplace grates hold the burning fuel above an ash pan and come in a wide range of widths and designs and are normally made from cast iron. Fireplace fenders also play a great part in shielding a fire. Fireplace fenders were originally designed to create a decorative edge to a hearth and have grown in designs over the years, matching with fireplace furniture and fireplace companion sets. At one time fireplace companion sets were thought of as just essential tools for maintaining an open fire, using a hand brush to clean up ash, tongs and a shovel to pick up coal and a poker to stoke the fire, but nowadays fireplace companion sets come in all types of styles to compliment your fire.

Another accessory to a fireplace companion set is a fireplace mirror. Fireplace mirrors, often referred to as over mantel mirrors, were very common in the Victorian days but even today, fireplace mirrors form very much a complimentary addition to an attractive fireplace, adding style to the décor of the room.

Fireplace furniture also plays a big part of creating the right look in your living room. Fireplace furniture consists of furniture such as magazine racks, chairs, tables, lamp stands and even audio units and television set cabinets. Fireplace furniture can be designed in all types of material to match your fireplace such as solid oak, limestone, marble and so on. Manufactures are moving their products towards the ever more popular contemporary styles, allowing consumers to find exactly what they are looking for to fit with today's décor.

Of course with so many types of materials available, it is important that the right products are used to help maintain your fireplace furniture and fireplaces in general. Typical products such as marble polish, wood polish, stove glass cleaner down to fire cement and heat resisting gloves can easily be found on the market today. Fireplace maintenance is so very important as all fireplaces and heating appliances will require some form of maintenance during their life span to keep them in top working order and using the products just mentioned, will certainly help to do this.

Having talked about maintenance and the great designs and materials available to create the most stunning fireplaces for your home, there is also the element of comfort it can bring to your living room. There is nothing more relaxing than sitting in front of a glowing fire on a cold day or evening and with fireplace controls, fires and stoves have become so much more sophisticated. With handheld remote controls there is no reason to have to even leave the sofa. Fireplace controls including handsets are available for both gas and electric appliances and can also provide automatic ignition and child safety features. So whatever type of fire or fireplace you are looking for, you will find plenty to choose from.