West Country Fires have a good selection of modern wood fireplaces, such as the Cortina. This stylishly simple solid wood contemporary mantel is made to a high standard by Trent fireplaces, and is available in a range of wood finishes. The Cortina will make a worthy focal point in any modern home, and West Country sell a wide range of back panels and hearths that will complement this surround beautifully.

The Estoril is a wonderfully classic fireplace with a modern twist, in the neo-classical design. This lovely wood fireplace comes complete with matching black hearth, and, like the Cortina, is available in a range of wood finishes. The Umbria mantel is simple yet elegant, and features a gracefully curving fireplace opening. It comes in a range of wood finishes and, although made from MDF, a solid hardwood version is available. Contact West Country Fires for prices and any other enquiries.

Emsworth Fireplaces have been manufacturing fireplaces since 1934. They manufacture a wide range of fireplaces, both traditional and modern, and also manufacture and supply dog baskets, hob grates and solid fuel stoves. At present, Emsworth has a collection of 18 modern wood fireplaces – the Fulking box section mantel is made from chunky pine, and would provide a striking focal point in any room.

The Chiddingly is shown on the website in warm oak, and features beautiful wood markings. Like the Estoril, the Chiddingly is a modern mantelpiece with a classic twist, and will look at home in any modern interior. If you are looking for something unique in your modern wood fireplace, Emsworth also offer a bespoke service, where they work hard to bring your dreams to reality. Contact the company with any enquiries.

Historical influence was discarded in favour of modern ideas and decorative detail was sacrificed to function. Industrial designs and methods were adopted. Modern fireplace designs were often reflected in the worldwide craze for Egyptology, after the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922.

The typical characteristics of the Art Deco mantel are clean lines and sharp edges, stylishness and symmetry, often with references to ancient Egyptian and Greek designs – Stylised flowers, women and animals, geometric patterns, zigzags, chevrons and lightning bolts show this clearly.

Also, elements of the Orient, tribal Africa and the Ballet Russes were to be found in Art Deco mantels. Other common motifs included geometric patterning, steps, setbacks and sunbursts.

There was a wealth of Art Deco mantel designs, using traditional materials but in a more spectacular way. The majority of mantels were made of wood, usually oak, walnut or mahogany, and these were lacquered to give a modern feeling without being overtly ornate.

Whilst the traditional homeowner would have incorporated a simple wooden surround with a modern ceramic insert, a true follower of Art Deco would have had a machine-manufactured complete ceramic unit.

Art Deco fireplaces were rectangular and bold, with tiled surrounds in pink, green and beige – glazed finishes were often dramatic, with mottles, pastel colours and iridescent glazes. The fireplaces were often made of concrete (reinforcing the commitment to man-made materials) and not many have survived until today. The Art Deco fireplace was all about surfaces and planes, with the revivalist and decorative Edwardian influence quickly swept away. Corners became bevelled or rounded off and flat surfaces moulded into simple, repetitive patterns. In short, Art Deco was inspired by the ultimate in art forms – the art of sculpture.

Very few Art Deco fires and surrounds were hand made – with massive increases in technology, most were made by machine. As well as concrete, Art Deco Fireplaces were often made from ceramic, fitting in with the need to have materials that could be machine made and mass-produced. Ceramic fireplaces were extremely heat resistant and easy to dismantle and clean and as a result, ceramic art deco fires became best sellers in the 1930s.

Art Deco fireplaces were literally works of art, featuring geometrical designs, zigzags, sunbursts, fashionable curves and Egyptian or oriental motifs. However, like Art Nouveau before it, Art Deco had a fairly short shelf life. Due to mass production, the style was seen as gaudy and presenting a false image of luxury and fell out of favour by the Second World War. From this time onwards, fireplace design was rather bland and the introduction of central heating meant that fewer fireplaces were made.

However, the Art Deco fireplace, with its elaborate stylised motifs, made a lasting impression and has experienced several revivals in the last seventy years.

Stone is the perfect material from which to fashion the minimalist look – it is versatile and robust, making it very popular with contemporary fireplaces designers. A stone mantel represented grandeur in the upmarket houses of the Tudor nobility, and the same can be said today – a modern stone fireplace creates a striking monumental look in any room, whilst at the same time adding elegance and surprising warmth. Also, like marble, stone has a natural character, meaning that each fireplace is unique in its own right.

Many modern stone fireplaces are based on a traditional design, but with a modern twist. In fact, the most popular designs combine the classical with the innovative – many contemporary stone fireplaces are reminiscent of the art deco period, with their clean symmetrical lines.

Stone mantels are available, in addition to complete stone fireplaces. Depending on the type of stone, there is a wide range of colours and finishes to choose from – textured limestone has a natural, rough stone-like finish, while polished limestone is reminiscent of marble, with a smooth, even surface.

The great thing about stone is it never ages or goes out of style – a modern stone fireplace adds a timeless and unique beauty to any home.

Marble is an excellent material for fireplaces. It is extremely durable, having been buried for hundreds of years in Roman times with minimal damage. Also, it is non-staining and very easy to keep clean – perfect for the busy modern family. As a natural product, no two pieces of marble are alike. Each piece will differ in colour or in the amount of veining, and this is a great asset for a modern fireplace, as exclusivity and individuality are rated highly.

Along with solid marble, micro marble is often used to make contemporary marble fireplaces. This is basically crushed marble, set in resin to ensure continuity of colour and is an extremely modern, stylish and versatile material. Micro marble fireplaces come in a wide choice of colours, to suit any décor.

Black granite has also become a popular material for the modern marble fireplace. In a light and airy contemporary living area, the deep black lustre of black granite provides a bold statement that is simply stunning. 

The contemporary marble fireplace is all boldness and minimalism. Most contemporary marble fireplaces make an impact through the use of clean, angular lines and these are perfect for any modern home, creating a striking focal point. If you value natural luxury, elegance and timeless beauty, then a modern marble fireplace is for you.

London’s Modus Design is one such company. They offer a stunning collection of contemporary fireplaces, with something for everyone. The customer is involved from the designing right through to installation, and Modus assure that they can stamp exclusivity and individuality onto a home. The company fashions their fireplaces from metal, glass and stone, and their outstanding designers and skilled craftsmen aim to provide clients with an ultra modern fireplace that really makes a statement. Fireplace styles include hole-in-the-wall, 2-sided, all-round view and corner.

The Platonic Fireplace Company has been designing and manufacturing bespoke fireplaces for a quarter of a century. As previously mentioned, the founder of The Platonic Fireplace Company, Henry Harrison, was also the founder of the first contemporary ‘hole in the wall’ fireplace. The company promises that each unique bespoke fireplace will reflect a client’s individuality, and that the scope is limitless.

Designer modern fireplaces can even be installed in homes with no chimney or new buildings where a naturally venting flue cannot be installed – fitting a fan- assisted flueing system solves the problem. The Platonic Fireplace Company offer hole-in-the-wall, floor standing and shelf fires.

NQ Fireplace Studio in Manchester provides a wide range of designer modern fireplaces to the North, including handcrafted stone, contemporary stainless steel and multi-fuel burners. The company are experts in advice, design and installation, and their high quality contemporary fireplaces will enhance any room.