Fireplaces

Best Fireplaces in the UK: Where to Buy, What to Choose, and How to Get It Right

Why a fireplace still matters in modern UK homes

A fireplace is more than a heat source — it’s a focal point, a mood setter, and sometimes the coziest corner in your house. Whether you live in a period terrace or a modern apartment, a well-chosen fireplace can add charm that radiates beyond the room, warming both space and spirit. Think of it as the living room’s heart: it draws people together, frames furniture, and can transform bland walls into memorable interiors.

Beyond aesthetics, fireplaces can be practical. Electric and gas models provide controllable heat without the ash and mess of wood, while a wood-burning stove delivers raw, tactile warmth for those who like the ritual of tending a fire. And climate-wise in the UK, a fireplace can be a strategic supplement to your central heating, especially during chillier evenings when you want comfort without cranking the thermostat.

Types of fireplaces: pick the right fire for your lifestyle

Not all fireplaces suit every home. Broadly, you’ll meet three popular types: electric, gas, and wood-burning (including multi-fuel stoves). Electric fireplaces are plug-and-play and great for flats — they often measure under 24 inches deep and can be wall-mounted or inset. Gas fireplaces deliver real flame with simple control and often fit into existing chimneys or flues. Wood-burning stoves are the most traditional and need a supply of logs and a flue, but they can heat a room for hours from a single load.

Consider heat output measured in BTU when choosing a model. A compact room of about 120 square feet might only need 5,000–7,000 BTU, while a large open-plan lounge could benefit from 15,000–25,000 BTU. If you’re unsure, many UK retailers will list estimated room sizes for each unit — a helpful guide so you avoid buying a fire that’s too feeble or too powerful.

Finally, space and venting matter. Electric fires need minimal clearance and no chimney, gas fires typically require a flue or balanced flue system, and wood stoves demand a certified installation with proper clearances often measured in inches. Factor in these practicalities before falling in love with a style.

Top UK stores to buy fireplaces — overview

Shopping for a fireplace in the UK means balancing style, budget, and practicality. You’ll find specialist retailers that focus on stoves and chimneys, big-box DIY chains that offer affordable fittings, and online home stores with a wide range of electric fires and decorative surrounds. Below I list notable stores that cover the spectrum from premium stoves to decorative accessories — including the two stores highlighted earlier in product data.

Expert Electrical

Expert Electrical is known for a wide selection of electric heating products and fire-safety accessories. If you’re after electric fires, wall-mounted or inset models, this retailer often stocks plug-in solutions that are easy to fit and suitable for apartments and houses where venting is an issue. They also carry related items like remote controls and installation kits, making them a sensible stop for homeowners who want a straightforward electric solution.

Nordic Nest

Nordic Nest specialises in Scandinavian-inspired homewares and accessories that pair beautifully with fireplaces. If you’re decorating around a fire, you’ll find elegant tools, candle accessories, and hearth-side items such as brass candle extinguishers and cleaning kits. Their curated approach is perfect when you want a minimal, stylish look — think clean lines, muted colors, and tactile materials that complement a modern or rustic fireplace.

Dimplex (available via UK retailers)

Dimplex is a go-to name for electric fires and is widely available through UK retailers and installers. Their electric inserts and suites mimic the look of real flames with different heat settings and flame-only modes, so you can enjoy ambience without significant heat if that’s your preference. For renters or flats, a Dimplex-style electric can be a low-hassle way to get fireplace vibes.

B&Q

B&Q offers practical, budget-friendly fireplaces and surrounds, plus DIY-friendly installation supplies. If you want a built-in look on a budget, their electric or electric-flame-inset options can be installed with basic carpentry skills to create a convincing focal point. B&Q also carries fire guards, hearth pads, and trims that help you finish the look affordably.

Wickes

Wickes provides a middle-ground between DIY simplicity and professional-grade products. They stock electric and gas fires, mantels, and hearths. Wickes is handy if you plan to combine a new surround with a more powerful inset fire — their range tends to suit homeowners who want reliable products without designer price tags.

Dunelm

Dunelm is great for decorative touches and affordable electric and decorative stoves. If your aim is seasonal styling or a quick living-room refresh around a fireplace, Dunelm’s mantels, mirrors, and hearth accessories can lift a space without heavy investment. They also sell fire tools and log baskets that add character to wood-burning setups.

Stovax & Gazco (specialist brands)

For a premium stove or a bespoke inset gas fire, Stovax and Gazco are top names in the UK. These brands specialise in high-efficiency wood and multi-fuel stoves, plus contemporary gas and electric models with realistic flame visuals. They’re often bought through specialist dealers or installers who will advise on flue requirements and can arrange professional fitting if needed.

Wayfair UK and Amazon UK

Wayfair and Amazon offer huge ranges of electric fires, surrounds, and accessories, which makes them useful when you’re shopping by style or comparing prices. The trade-off is you’ll often need to check product reviews carefully for build quality and installation instructions. These platforms are excellent for browsing many options quickly and spotting an on-trend design for under budget.

Styles and finishes to consider

Fireplaces come in many styles: classic Victorian mantels, pared-back Scandinavian surrounds, industrial steel stoves, and contemporary glass-fronted gas units. Think about material — marble, timber, and cast iron each bring a distinct personality. Timber mantels add warmth and can be painted, while cast-iron inserts shout period authenticity. For modern interiors, sleek black steel stoves or frameless electric inserts work beautifully.

Color and finish impact how a fireplace reads in a room. A white surround brightens a small lounge, while darker tones anchor larger spaces. Brass or chrome trim can give a fireplace some sparkle, much like jewellery for a room; choose metal finishes to match existing fixtures to keep a coherent look.

Practical considerations: sizing, heat, and flue needs

Measure your room in feet and inches and think about how much of that space you want the fireplace to heat. A small electric fire might be 16–20 inches wide and ideal for a bedside nook, whereas a grand mantel could be 60–72 inches wide and suit a formal living room. If you plan a wood stove, clearance from combustible materials is often 12–24 inches depending on certification, so measure carefully before you buy.

Gas and wood appliances need appropriate venting. Balanced flue gas fires can be installed in properties without a chimney but require a direct vent through an external wall. Wood-burning stoves need a lined chimney or twin-wall flue pipe run to the roof. Always confirm flue requirements with a qualified installer — safety and compliance matter as much as style.

Accessories that elevate your fireplace

Accessories turn a functional fireplace into a polished feature. Hearth rugs protect floors from sparks for wood-burning stoves, while log baskets and ash vacuums make maintenance simpler. For electric and gas models, remote controls, thermostats, and programmable timers improve convenience and efficiency. Decorative accessories from retailers like Nordic Nest — think brass extinguishers, slender tongs, and elegant poker sets — add personality and finish the look.

Don’t forget safety accessories. Fireguards for homes with curious children or pets are a must, and carbon monoxide detectors are essential for gas and solid-fuel systems. Look for UK-approved safety gear and keep it close to the hearth so safety becomes part of your design.

Installation and cost expectations

Installation costs vary widely. A simple plug-in electric fire might be installed by you over a weekend for under a few hundred pounds, while a full fireplace conversion with a new flue, hearth, and mantel can run into the thousands. As a rough guide, expect a professional chimney lining and stove installation to start around a few hundred pounds and grow with complexity. Always get multiple quotes if you’re arranging professional work — a second opinion can save money and reveal alternatives.

Remember that labour is worth budgeting for. A specialist installer can ensure correct clearances, flue seals, and ventilation, and can advise on warranty conditions. Cutting corners on installation can create long-term problems, so consider this an investment in safety and peace of mind.

Maintenance tips to keep your fireplace performing

Maintenance differs by type. Electric fires need little beyond an occasional dust and a check of the plug and remote batteries. Gas fires benefit from annual servicing by a Gas Safe-registered engineer to check seals and burners. Wood stoves require regular sweeping of the chimney — typically once a year, though heavier use may need more frequent attention — and inspection of door seals and gaskets.

For wood-burning units, store dry wood under cover and cut to size so it fits your stove comfortably. Wet wood reduces efficiency and produces more creosote, which increases chimney-fire risk. Keep ash to a manageable depth — many experts recommend emptying the ash box when it reaches roughly 2–3 inches to maintain airflow and efficient burning.

How to compare offers and pick the best deal

When comparing offers, look beyond the headline price. Consider heat output in BTU, the warranty period, included accessories, and whether professional installation is bundled. Read reviews to gauge longevity and customer service, but also check technical specs to ensure the model suits your room size and flue setup. For many buyers, the sweet spot is a reputable brand available through a specialist retailer who can advise on installation.

Also, check delivery measures — fireplace packages can be heavy and bulky. If a mantel arrives in multiple pieces, that’s often easier to handle than a single 200–300 pound cast-iron insert. Think logistics through before purchase to avoid awkward returns or installation delays.

Conclusion

Choosing the right fireplace in the UK blends style, practicality, and safety. From the easy convenience of electric fires you can pick up from retailers like Expert Electrical, to the elegant accessories and finishing touches available at Nordic Nest, there are options for every budget and taste. Specialist brands and installers help where flues and compliance matter, while large retailers and online marketplaces make styles and prices easy to compare. Measure carefully, factor in heat requirements in BTU, and prioritise certified installation for gas and wood-burning units. Do that, and your fireplace will be the warm heart of your home for many seasons to come.