Classical Fireplaces in Marble and Stone
At Flames.co.uk, we believe that every home needs a fireplace. Whether country cottage or modern townhouse, the fireplace is the heart of the home and no house in complete without a focal point. Whilst the current fashions favour minimalist Media Walls with landscape electric fires, a classical fireplace design still remains extremely popular as it will take centre stage in your home any never go out of fashion!
Our range of stone and marble fireplaces are available with designs to suit all tastes and budgets. You may be longer to replace an original fireplace taken from a period property or just prefer the charm and character of a classical design over their contemporary counterparts. Our extensive range listed on this website is sure to appeal to everyone.
Fireplace suites and mantels within our collection represent classic fireplace designs, some infused with a contemporary twist, aimed to complement a variety of interior styles. Many designs are available in a variety of finishes including Portuguese limestone, Carrara marble or Granite. All capable of combining with our extensive range of gas and electric fires, casts, baskets and stoves.
Gallery Kingston fireplace surround in natural Carrara marble shown with the Henley cast iron insert
Most fireplace surrounds offered on our website are a standard size designed to be combined with most interiors. That may be a traditional cast iron insert, a flat back panel or to fit around an inglenook chamber and log burner. The hearth you choose is also a personal preference - lighter hearths in natural stone look great but won't be as hard wearing or robust as a polished granite hearth as shown in image above.
Size wise, the 'standard' size in the UK is a mantel width of 54" (1370mm) or for smaller rooms, 48" (1220mm) is the preferred size. However, if you're looking to make a bold statement and your wall or chimney breast can accommodate larger sizes, 60" (1525mm) fireplaces can also be specified.
Natural Limestone is probably the most popular stone for fireplace construction. Matt, chalky in its appearance, it will complement any colour scheme and provide a lovely contrast against darker coloured walls. Limestone is formed over 50 million years ago is cut straight from the earth. Portuguese Limestone features characteristic darker veins on a light background, intermingled with fossils of plants and animal life, all adding to the beauty and individuality of this great material. In contrast Agean Limestone is a much whiter limestone with a soft, speckled grain, which works well in a variety of settings.
Gallery Asquith fireplace surround in Agean Limestone shown with the Crown cast iron insert
Even modern properties which don't feature the necessary chimney or flue can benefit from adding a fireplace. The most straightforward solution would be to combine the mantel with an electric fire. The only requirement for electric fires is a standard electric socket and with most fire surrounds, the rebate on the fireplace will accommodate the depth of the fire so you can normally fit on a flat wall.
For those who prefer a real flame, when fitting the surround against an external wall, you can opt for a Balanced Flue inset gas fire. Rather than the fumes produced by the fire going up a chimney, on a balanced flue gas fire they are expelled horizontally through the wall to the outside. Balanced flue gas fires are always glass-fronted which prevent the fumes entering the room and also help improve energy efficiency.
Gallery Fireplaces also offer a unique solution for those who love the look of a cast iron insert but don't have a chimney or flue. The Gallery Efficiency Plus Cast Insert is a clever design which allows you to add a selection of dedicated gas fires including a Balanced Flue fire. Where as the gas fires compatible with standard cast inserts do not produce much heat, gas fires designed to be fitted exclusively with the Gallery Efficiency Plus Cast boast excellent performance and high efficiency.
Bartello limestone fireplace surround with Lytton Efficiency Plus Cast
For more information on any of the products mentioned, please don't hesitate to contact us. To view a fabulous range of classical and contemporary fireplaces, visit our stunning showroom in Manchester with an extensive selection and our knowledgeable, friendly team will be delighted to answer your questions.
