Five fabulous fireplace styles

We may still have some September sun to look forward to, but there's been a distinct chill in the air during recent evenings. So now's the perfect time to start planning how to keep toasty and warm during the autumnal months by getting your fireplace up to scratch. Whether you're a fan of classic or contemporary styles, there's nothing nicer than coming home after a hard day's graft and relaxing in front of a roaring fire – Livingetc has picked out five luxe designs to inspire you...

1. The Minimalist

Discreet it may be, but this beautiful fireplace fits in perfectly with the rest of the scheme. Its burnished-bronze finish and rectangular shape echo the look of the neighbouring shelving unit, while the inset design means the luxurious feature wallpaper on the chimney breast takes centre stage. Tasteful and tempting at the same time...

2. The Classic

Carved marble or limestone fire surrounds have been a mainstay in British homes for centuries – and it's easy to see why. Elegant in shape and proportion, neo-classical styles have outlived many fads and fashions – nothing fits quite so seamlessly into Georgian or Victorian architecture as one of these timeless designs.

3. The Scandi

Practical and easy to maintain, a wood burner can be located in myriad places around a house – especially kitchen-diners, which have replaced reception rooms as the main living area in many contemporary family homes. Radiating heat in all directions, a Scandi-style stove makes a marvellous central feature, or can create a dividing line between working and entertainment zones.

4. The Modern

Sleek, gas-fuelled burners warm up a room with the minimum of fuss. Another major plus point is that such simple designs allow you to play around with the setting to your heart's content. Placing the burner on a plinth, carving out a section of the wall to install it in a niche or creating a concrete slab to use as a contemporary surround are all easy-to-achieve options.

5. The Feature

Play with form and function to create something truly unique – the only limit is your imagination. The flexibility of gas means you can put a burner literally anywhere, even – as in this design – at the foot of a bed. It gives warming your tootsies a whole new meaning…