While most people agree that a real fireplace is the centerpiece of any living room, choosing from so many designs can be confusing. The following questions are intended to help you identify the right marble fireplace for your room. Remember that the starting point is you, your home, your tastes and your lifestyle.

Do you have an existing fireplace ? If you have a fireplace that is unsightly, inefficient or seldom used, installing a new marble fireplace can be simple and surprisingly affordable.

Are you building a new home or refurbishing ? You can add atmosphere and focus to your home by incorporating a fireplace early in the design stage. If there is no chimney in the room this is the time to consider installing one.

Do you have a gas supply to the fireplace? Or will you be using electricity or solid fuel such as logs or coal ? If you want the fire to heat the room consider what type of fuel you will be using as this may influence the type of insert, basket or grate that you choose.

Do you want a fireplace simply for its aesthetic appearance or also for warmth? Marble fireplaces can be simply decorative, while others with gas, electric or solid fuel fires can be heat efficient and beautiful at the same time.

What finished look do you want for your home? You may wish to consider the architectural style of the house and your furnishing tastes when choosing a design. If you have traditional furnishings a classical design will be best. If you have contemporary furnishings a simple ireplace with clean lines may be more suitable.

Are there any other special considerations? Are you concerned about having heat during power failure ? One of the benefits of solid fuel fires is that they can operate during power failure, when you need the heat the most.

Cost. Compare prices but do not be misled into comparing reconstituted marble with hand carved solid natural marble. Also remember to compare sizes, there are a lot of similar designs available but some suppliers will offer these designs in much smaller sizes than others. Price is a consideration and solid natural marble fireplaces cost from as little as a few hundred pounds.