Books: A selection of books to help you choose and design your fireplace

Fireplaces, Chimneys & Stoves

A useful guide to installing a fireplace or stove, or reopening a chimney;
Author: Michael Waumsley

Written by the ex-technical Director of the Solid Fuel Association, this book provides essential information for anyone who wishes to make an informed decision about the selection and installation of a new fireplace or stove. Topics covered: Safety, electricity, gas, oil, wood or solid fuels, repair of flues, testing chimneys and their subsequent care and maintenance.

The New Woodburner's Handbook

A Guide to Safe, Healthy and Efficient Woodburning;
Author: Stephen Bushway

Excellent practical guide to installing and using woodburning stoves. Aimed at a North American market, details on Building Regulations are not all correct, but technically very good. However, note that Scottish and English building regulations differ!

The Fireplace Book

An Inspirational Style Guide to the Fireplace and Its Place in the Home;
Author: Miranda Innes

Visually stunning - a comprehensive interior coverage from Norman to contemporary

Period Fireplaces

A Practical Guide to Period-style Decorating;
Author: Judith H. Miller

Practical pictorial survey of fireplaces over the centuries. Advice on authentic reproduction fireplaces and choosing and installing the right fireplace, including overmantel, grate and furniture to complement a period interior.

Out of print, but well worth finding a copy

Frank Lloyd Wright Fireplaces

Author: Carla Lind

As Wright's houses changed over the course of his career, one dominant feature remained constant: a fireplace. In all he designed more than one thousand, each meant to anchor the home architecturally and spiritually.

Fireplace Design

A comprehensive guide to fireplace design;
Author: Encarna Castillo

Quirky, with its main focus on contemporary European design, but a great source of design ideas and wonderful illustrations.

New House Book

The classic sourcebook for home design;
Author: Terence Conran

A comprehensive guide to style and design, incorporating fireplaces into many design ideas