At this time of the year, there’s nothing quite like curling up in front of a warm fire, ideally with a mug of hot chocolate, a dog or cat at your feet, an engrossing novel or some trashy TV and a glow of contentment.

Log burners are increasingly popular, but talk to one of the expert local firms first as you need to check what fuels can be burnt in your neighbourhood and whether you have a suitable flue. There’s something to suit every style of décor and type of home, from grand Victorian and art deco open fireplaces to ultra-modern minimalist gas flame fires that don’t even need a chimney. Keep in mind that there’s a lot more effort and cleaning required with a real fire, rather than central heating.

Here’s what’s fanning the flames of our desire right now…