A fireplace is often the focal point of a room. Inherently, we are drawn to congregate around a hearth, even in a centrally heated room. It can anchor a room and add visual interest as well as warmth.
 
Here are some tips on buying an antique or reclaimed fireplace;
 
Fireplace 101
 
If you are well versed in fireplace terms and know your lintel from your footblocks, please feel free to skip ahead.
 
A fireplace consists of a masonry, brick or fireclay enclosure that runs the height of the building through the roof to form the chimney. The firebox is the rectangular opening where the fire is built, or an insert (grate, fire basket, stove, etc) may be placed. The flue allows smoke to pass through this enclosure and out of your home. It is lined with a heat and moisture resistant material to protect the chimney.
 
The lintel is a structural component located at the top of the firebox to spread the load of the chimney and support the firebox opening. The hearth is made from non-combustible materials and lies on the base of the fireplace, extending a minimum of 12 inches in front of the firebox and 6 inches) to the sides. 
 
The fireplace's opening is finished with a surround or mantelpiece that gets most of our focus. A fire surround consists typically of two vertical jambs with footblocks or footlocks below and endblocks or corbel brackets above, and with a horizontal header or frieze, sometimes with a centre tablet, with a moulded mantle shelf above - these can be made from stone, marble, wood or iron.
 
Size is everything
 
It is essential to consider the size and proportions of your room when choosing a fire surround. If you are replacing a fireplace, the size can be dictated by the width of the chimney breast. If you are reinstating a fireplace, try to find the size by looking for the outline of the old fireplace in the repaired wall plaster. You should also factor in the depth to ensure that the surround and hearth will not protrude too much, given the room size.
 
If you are working from a blank slate, Salvo Code member Nostalgia has a good tip: draw the size of your preferred fireplace on the wall so you can stand back and get a true feel for its presence.
 
When you start shopping, it is vital to have your measurements ready. The width of the chimney breast is key, as well as the general dimensions of the room, particularly the ceiling height. The measurements of the fireplace opening are also helpful.
 
Most specialist fireplace dealers can guide you in finding the right fit. Salvo Code dealer, Architectural Forum suggests taking along some photos, which can help you select a fireplace that compliments your room, but also an image of the chimney can help them advise on the fit.
 
Choosing your time 
 
If you are looking to restore a period property but are unsure about the historic style of your home, look at neighbouring houses to guide you. If you are still in doubt, ask a salvage dealer to point out fireplaces of a similar date to your home.
 
Salvo Code members Architectural Forum have a wealth of knowledge on the different style periods. They advise, 'If your house is early Georgian or Regency, you may want to look at having a hob grate within the surround, whereas later Georgian or Victorian styles generally had register grates or inserts. Late Victorian and Edwardian fireplaces often had tiled inserts. It's useful to note that tiled inserts require a larger opening'.
 
There are several cast iron combination fireplaces listed on SalvoWEB; as the name suggests, it is a combination of a fire surround and the grate. They mainly date from the Late Victorian era to the Edwardian period, where you find the distinctive Art Nouveau designs.
 
Some salvage showrooms may mix cast iron antique and reproduction grates without clear labelling, so always ask the dealer for an accurate item description. 
 
If you have a modern interior, many antique fireplaces will blend seamlessly. Try to gravitate towards fire surrounds, which are simpler in design, such as the Victorian-style Carrara Marble Surround in the Salvo Shop (see images above).
 
If you are not bothered about staying true to any period, be led by the proportions of your room and buy something you like, which might inspire your theme for the project.
 
Look out for the crane logo
 
Buying from trusted and reputable sources is essential when shopping for antique and reclaimed pieces, so I recommend seeking a Salvo Code dealer. 
 
The Salvo Code is a world-leading reclamation assurance scheme for businesses dealing in architectural salvage and reclaimed material that meet high standards in responsible sourcing. Many Salvo Code dealers sell fireplaces - some cheaper and unrestored, some mid-range restored, and some fine top-end chimneypieces, so there is plenty of choice to suit your project. Download the Salvo Pocket Guide below to find your local and specialist suppliers or explore the directory and listings on SalvoWEB.
 
Feel the heat
 
It is also important to factor in the heat efficiency. Less heat escapes with a full insert, making it more effective at radiating warmth because of the cast iron surrounding the basket. Cast iron register grates, combination grates, and inserts will radiate most heat when coloured matt black.
 
Installing the fireplace 
 
Before fitting a fire, it is essential to have your chimney inspected to ensure it is fit for use, the flue is not damaged and meets current regulations. In some older properties, the chimney may not have a flue liner and risk leakage. Inspections should be carried out by a NACS-registered sweep (nacs.org.uk), who can conduct smoke tests and identify any problems with the chimney.
 
Reinstating a fireplace does not usually require permission unless you live in a listed building. Though the fireplace must comply with building regulations, ensure you contact your local authority before starting work. I recommend using a HETAS registered installer who can self-certify their work, bypassing the need to apply for a building notice. You can read more information at hetas.co.uk/regulations.
 
An important part of maintaining your fireplace is getting your chimney swept at least once a year by a chimney sweep. Soot and tar build up in your chimney over time, reducing its efficiency and increasing the risk of fires.
 
Burn Better
 
Air pollution is a significant environmental risk to public health, and what we burn on our fireplaces and stoves contributes to this. Wet wood and coal are two of the most polluting fuels and emit a type of pollutant called fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is easily inhaled and can damage your health. New regulations in England have phased out the sale of these fuels. Try to buy fuels with the 'Ready to Burn' logo so you can be confident that you are choosing the cleanest option.
 
Where there's smoke, there might be a fine. Many parts of the UK are now smoke control areas, meaning you cannot release smoke from a chimney unless you're burning an authorised fuel or using an 'exempt appliance'/ Defra-approved appliance. It is always best to check with your local council which fuels are permitted in your area.
 
If you live in a smoke-free zone, you must opt for smokeless fuels or consider a conversion to gas or a stove that uses a secondary combustion system and is therefore classed as an exempt appliance. Stoves have become increasingly popular as a more fuss-free option and, thanks to new advances, cleaner and more energy efficient.