8. Fire Surrounds & Portable Heating
8. Fire Surrounds & Portable Heating (Image 8 of 8)
Choosing a fire surround
Are you planning to eschew the minimalist craze that is the modern hole-in-the-wall fire in favour of a more traditional surround? Plenty of companies do Victorian and Edwardian-style copies, but for that authentic look you could seek out original pieces - from gorgeous cast-iron, wood, marble and stone fire surrounds to hearths decked out in original tiles.
Salvage yards (try www.salvo.co.uk for a country-wide list) are the best places to go to grab a bargain antique fireplace. Alternatively, if you're feeling extravagant, you could always go to an antique fireplace specialist such as Chesney's. Fancy something more modern? You can now buy surrounds in mirrored glass (try CVO), Corian (available from The Platonic Fire Company) and even leather (lovely ones at Charles Pearce).
Portable heating
Even for a house well serviced by central heating there will be times when you need some form of supplementary warmth. This is where portable heating comes in handy. Electric heaters are 100 per cent energy efficient as none of the energy escapes, but if you want some real warmth from your heater it's a good idea to go for those that give out both radiant heat and heat via convection, which helps to circulate the warmth around the room.
Try also to find models with thermostats, to ensure energy efficiency and help you cut down on your bills (De'Longhi's products boast Electronic Climate Control that allows you to select a more exact temperature than on a normal one) and those with safety cut-off mechanisms, in case they overheat.
More Heating Info
For more about designer radiators, click here
Need a new boiler? Find out more here
Is your insulation any good? Click here to read up
Need to bleed a radiator? Click here to find out how
Use our service to find a reputable local builder, based on the ratings of their real-life clients
Our presenter could be popping round to your house for a consultation and a cuppa
Tips on refreshing your home for Christmas, plus expert advice on common DIY jobs
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