Ideas & Advice

Ideas, guidance and practical advice for your home.

Explore our bathroom and fireplace guides, find answers to common questions and discover helpful information to support your next home improvement.

Fireplace Advice

Explore practical fireplace advice covering stove maintenance, fireplace safety, regulations and the considerations involved in owning and maintaining a fire. Our articles explain important requirements and common questions to help you understand your options and care for your fireplace with confidence.

onyx Avanti 150rw electric fire with white surround

Electric Fires in Kent: Choosing the Right Size and Style

Choosing an electric fire for your home? Explore the different styles and sizes available, from inset fires to contemporary designs, and discover what to consider before choosing an electric fireplace in Kent.

4 min read

Winchester electric suite from British Fires

British Fires: Discover Electric Fires, Fireplace Suites and Stoves

Explore British Fires electric fireplaces, including New Forest fires, fireplace suites and electric stoves. Discover realistic log effects and stylish designs at Bathroom & Fireplace Warehouse Ltd in Chatham, Kent.

4 min read

Holsworthy 5 Eco Wood Burning Stove from Capital Fireplaces

Can I Have a Wood Burner in Kent? Smoke Control Areas and Local Rules

Can you have a wood burner in Kent? Find out how to check smoke control areas, DEFRA-exempt stove requirements and local rules before choosing a wood-burning stove for your home.

7 min read

Inset vs Outset Fires: What's the Difference?

Inset and outset fires differ in how they sit within a fireplace or project into a room. Compare their appearance, space requirements and installation considerations before choosing.

4 min read

Before You Book an Installer: What to Check First

Planning a new bathroom or fireplace? Discover what to check before booking an installer, from measurements and product suitability to delivery arrangements, qualifications and preparing your home for the work.

6 min read

Electric, Gas or Wood-Burning Fire: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing a new fire? Compare electric, gas and wood-burning options, including their benefits, installation requirements, running costs and maintenance, to find the right fit for your home.

8 min read

How Do I Choose the Right Size Fireplace for My Room?

Choosing a fireplace? Learn how to assess room proportions, compare heat outputs, measure your space and select a fire that suits your home and installation requirements.

5 min read

Stovax wood burning stove with log storage

Are Wood-Burning Stoves Legal in the UK?

Are wood-burning stoves being banned? Learn about the UK rules for wood-burning and multi-fuel stoves, including smoke control areas, exempt appliances and permitted fuels.

6 min read

white fireplace surround with black fire

Do I Need a Chimney for My Fire?

Do you need a chimney to install a new fire? Learn which electric fires need no chimney, how balanced-flue gas fires work and what is required to install a wood-burning stove.

7 min read

large tv above white fireplace surround and black electric fire

Can You Put a TV Above a Fireplace? Pros, Cons and Things to Consider

Thinking about mounting a TV above your fireplace? Explore the pros and cons, heat considerations, viewing height, cable management and media wall planning tips.

5 min read

Wood fireplace surround with silver inset electric fire

How to Choose a Fireplace Surround

Choosing a fireplace surround? Explore traditional and contemporary styles, compare materials and finishes, and learn what to check before ordering a surround for your home.

5 min read

Wood-Burning vs Multi-Fuel Stoves: What’s the Difference?

Not sure whether to choose a wood-burning or multi-fuel stove? Compare their designs, fuel options and key considerations before deciding which suits your home.

5 min read