In furnishing any room their is a piece of furniture that should be considered first - the sofa in the living room, the bed in the bedroom, the desk in the office. This piece in most cases should face the focal point of the room. The focal point can be a view window, television, or best of all a beautiful fireplace.  Keith Reading Designs recommends ‘The Large pieces should be evenly distributed so as not to put the room off balance. Leave room around them for the best affect. In selecting these pieces, keep the architectural shapes in the room in mind. To echo a curved bay window with a curved sectional sofa or curved desk is pleasing to the eye.’

Advise from the official bbc home website says:

‘ Make your fireplace your focal point’

v     Consider painting the chimney breast to contrast with the walls and to highlight the feature, or  for a more subtle effect paint the walls and chimney breast with the same colour or tone as the fireplace.

v     Mantleshelf - de-clutter. The mantle is a style focal point not a magnet for keys, loose change and post!

v     Accessorise - if there is an open fire, then a coal scuttle, log basket, tongs and poker may automatically theme a traditional fireside area. If you have an unused hearth or an electric or gas fire and you’re looking for a modern, minimalist look, a collection of large church candles will provide warmth, light and atmosphere. In summer, fresh flowers draw the eye.

v     Artwork/mirrors - to reinforce the fireplace as a focal point, hang your best artwork over the hearth or place a mirror in that spot. Be aware of the safety implications of viewing your reflection close to an open fire!