You’ve chosen your new fire now you’ve hit the part you most dread – choosing the correct fire surrounds. It can be a difficult task as fire surrounds don’t generally come cheap and if you get it wrong you could entirely ruin the appearance of your room (no pressure then!). Proceed to read for some advice on different fire surrounds which are available and how they could fit into your home décor.

Stone

Stone fireplaces are arguably one of the most popular surrounds for the modern home. They have modern connotations and their subtle yet classy design makes them a timeless classic for the contemporary home. Widely available in limestone and marble, they generally consist of a handful of neutral shades of different stone.

Perfect accompaniment: For a minimalistic feel with a touch of romance, decorate the hearth with miniature tea lights.

Brick

Bricks create the feeling of a country home, so if you have a quaint cottage in the countryside then a brick fire surrounds can help you to continue this traditional style throughout your home. Often seen in country pubs, they are an absolute must-have if you’re opting for a traditional home that oozes comfort.

Perfect accompaniment: To continue the country house style, have a stack of wooden logs as a natural decoration next to the fire.

Cast Iron

Cast iron fire surrounds were incredibly popular during the Victorian period, but are used in the modern day in contemporary homes that are craving for a traditional twist. They can also be used to create a gothic feel, particularly in traditional kitchens.

Perfect accompaniment: For a traditional or gothic feel, place an antique fire iron set next to the fire as an ornamental feature.

Wood

Wood surrounds are perhaps the most versatile of all. You can decorate them to suit the appearance of any home, whether you varnish, stain or paint. This is ideal if your somewhat restless with your home décor, as the surrounds can easily be changed with a touch of DIY. Due to its versatility, wooden fire surrounds can be used well in both modern and contemporary homes.

Perfect accompaniment: Opt for furniture in the same wood so everything coordinates. If it’s a living room then a wooden coffee table can add comfort and functionality, or harmonise your cabinets in the same wood if it’s a kitchen.

Fireplaces have dropped in popularity since the arrival of central heating and radiators. They are still however, an important aspect of interior design often being the focal point of living rooms. Make sure you choose your fire surrounds wisely and always make sure it’s of high quality (you get what you pay for!). Don’t be afraid to ask for samples to take home from showrooms and see how they work in your home – they can often look different in the showroom compared to how they do in your home.

Stephanie Staszko writes for Designo Radiators and covers a wide range of home improvement topics. You can challenge her views on interior design on Twitter @StephStaz.