A fireplace has always been the warm heart of the British home, and today’s models make it easier than ever to upgrade without major renovation. From wood burning to gas or electric, discover how effortlessly you can transform your existing opening into a stunning, high‑performance feature – read on to explore your options.
The fireplace has remained the beating heart of the British home for centuries. Many older properties still feature the classic masonry openings designed for traditional coal fires, whilst modern homes often include pre-constructed chimney breasts. Finding a high performance heating appliance that fits your existing space without the need for major structural labour can seem daunting. Whether your opening is a standard size or a grander feature, there is a wealth of wood, gas, and electric options available to transform your living space.
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British homes have had a long love affair with the hearth. Early dwellings featured central fires with smoke escaping through holes in the roof. The invention of the chimney allowed the fire to move to the wall, creating the fireplace we recognise today. By the Victorian era, fireplaces were mass produced, leading to the uniform sizes found in many UK properties. These openings were designed for coal or wood fires and often included a decorative cast iron insert. Understanding the anatomy of these older fireplaces is the first step toward a modern upgrade.
If you look inside a traditional British fireplace, you will likely see a curved, fireclay component known as a chairbrick. This piece was designed to reflect heat forward into the room whilst guiding smoke safely into the flue. Whilst clever for its time, a chairbrick takes up significant space within the structural opening. To upgrade to a modern, high efficiency stove or inset fire, this brick is usually removed, creating a deeper flat backed opening that can accommodate the latest heating technology.
Standardisation became common during the 19th and 20th centuries, leading to the sizes we frequently encounter today. Understanding these dimensions helps you choose the right model without the need for extensive structural building work.
The 16 inch wide opening is perhaps the most common size found in Victorian and Edwardian terrace houses. It usually measures 22 inches in height. For these compact spaces, the Stockton 3 wood burning & multi-fuel stove is a perfect candidate. It was specifically designed to fit into this exact opening once the chairbrick is removed. Another option is the Riva2 40 Inset wood burning & multi-fuel fire, which offers a sleek, modern finish with an impressive A+ energy rating.
If you are looking for a seamless gas installation, the inset gas fires in the Gazco Logic range are a superb choice. With open-fronted or high-efficiency glass-fronted models available with a choice of fronts, and fuel-effects, you can customise the look to match your interior style.
Homeowners who desire a more contemporary aesthetic might prefer the Riva2 400 gas fire. This model provides a stunning view of the flames within the same compact 16 inch footprint. It offers high efficiency heating and a choice of realistic fuel effects.
If you want the glow of a fire without the need for a chimney or flue, the Onyx Mirage 40i electric fire provides an ideal alternative. The Mirage 40i is designed to slide into a standard 16 inch opening, allowing you to enjoy a lifelike flame visual at the touch of a button.
Whilst 22 inches is a standard height for many smaller fireplaces, some fireplace openings are also 22 inches wide. This slightly larger footprint provides more versatility, allowing for a larger glass viewing area and increased heat output. This size is often found in mid-century properties or homes where the original opening has been slightly widened.
The Stovax Studio 500 inset wood burning fire is designed to fit this opening without requiring additional masonry work. It provides a widescreen flame view that brings a contemporary edge to a traditional room.
Those who prefer a gas solution could look at the Gazco Riva2 500 gas fire, which are perfectly proportioned for this dimension. This fire creates a beautiful focal point, balancing height and width to provide a generous view of the logs and glowing embers. The Riva2 500 comes with various lining options, such as brick effect or reflective black glass, which helps you tailor the finish to your specific taste. It is an excellent example of how modern engineering can provide a traditional feel with vastly improved efficiency.
If your fireplace has a mantel, often the opening within the surround will be 36 inches wide. These substantial openings were originally designed for large open fires or cast iron fireplace options such as those in our Tiled Convector, Combination, or Classic Fireplace ranges. Designed to echo the original design features of these old fireplaces, these are a great option for those looking to retain a period aesthetic.
For those who love the ritual of a real log fire coupled with the integrated look, the Stovax Riva2 55 Inset wood burning fire is a magnificent option. This portrait fire fits a 36 inch wide space beautifully. It features advanced Ecodesign combustion technology, ensuring low emissions and high thermal efficiency whilst providing a captivating view of the dancing flames.
36 inch openings are also ideal for high output stoves like the Stockton 8 wood burning & multi-fuel stove or the Huntingdon 40 wood burning stove. These options provide the heat capacity needed for larger rooms whilst filling the fireplace opening with a grand, traditional aesthetic.
If gas is your preferred fuel, the Gazco Riva2 750HL Edge gas fire is designed to fill a 36 inch wide opening with ease. This widescreen fire is designed to provide the look of a traditional open hearth but with the convenience and heat of a modern gas appliance. The realistic log bed and non-reflective glass make it hard to distinguish from a real wood fire. These larger models prove that you do not need to sacrifice style or performance when working with substantial fireplace dimensions. Whatever the size of your hearth, modern technology ensures you can achieve a perfect fit.
Moving from an open fire to an Ecodesign wood burning, multi-fuel stove or fire, or a high efficiency gas fire is a wise investment. Stovax & Gazco products are designed and engineered in the UK to meet the highest standards of performance. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of a traditional wood burning stove or the modern convenience of a gas fire, there is a solution for every fireplace size. Our expert retailer network can help you measure your current opening and advise on the best way to transition from an inefficient open hearth to a beautiful, effective focal point.
Posted by Chris Connick on April 23, 2026
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