The editorial team

A living room needs something that draws the eye. Something that gives the space warmth, character, and a sense of purpose. A brick slip fireplace does exactly that. It creates a striking centrepiece, blending charm with practicality, and adds an inviting atmosphere that makes a house feel like home.

The Beauty of Brick Slips

Brick slips are thin slices of real brick, designed to give the look and texture of a full brick wall without the bulk. This makes them ideal for creating a feature fireplace without the need for major structural work. Whether you prefer a rustic cottage feel or something sleek and contemporary, there’s a brick slip style to suit every taste.

Character and Warmth

There’s something about exposed brick that feels timeless. It has an effortless way of making a space feel cosy without being overpowering. The natural tones, from deep reds to soft ochres, bring warmth even before the fire is lit. And it’s not just about looks. Brick retains heat well, so once the fire is going, the warmth lingers, making your living room feel snug even after the flames die down.

A Perfect Backdrop for Any Style

One of the great things about a brick slip fireplace is its versatility. It works beautifully in traditional settings, but it also complements modern interiors. Pair it with industrial elements like metal and wood for a loft-style look, or keep it simple with neutral furnishings to let the texture of the brick take centre stage.

Even if your style changes over time, a brick slip fireplace remains a solid foundation. You can update the decor around it without losing its impact. It’s the kind of feature that adapts rather than dictates.

Easy Installation with Maximum Impact

A full brick fireplace requires significant construction work, but brick slips give the same effect with far less hassle. They can be applied to existing walls, making them a great choice for both renovations and new builds.

Installation is straightforward, especially with the growing availability of brick slip panels that slot together easily. If you’re handy with DIY, you could even tackle the project yourself. If not, a professional can get it done quickly without disrupting your home for weeks.

Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting

Unlike some decorative finishes, brick slips require very little upkeep. A quick dust or occasional wipe is usually all that’s needed to keep them looking good. Unlike painted surfaces, they don’t show wear and tear in the same way, and because they’re real brick, they age naturally, developing even more character over time.

Enhancing Your Fireplace with Lighting

Lighting plays a huge role in how a fireplace is perceived. Soft uplighting can highlight the texture of the brick, creating depth and a sense of warmth even when the fire isn’t lit. Wall-mounted lights on either side can frame the fireplace beautifully, drawing even more attention to it as the focal point of the room.

For a more dramatic effect, LED strips hidden along the edges can add a subtle glow. This works particularly well if you have a floating hearth or a mantel that you want to stand out.

Decorating Around a Brick Slip Fireplace

A fireplace naturally becomes the centrepiece of a living room, so it makes sense to decorate around it in a way that enhances its appeal. A well-placed mirror above the mantel can reflect light and make the room feel larger. Artwork, candles, or a few carefully chosen ornaments can add a personal touch without cluttering the space.

If you want a more relaxed, lived-in feel, stacking firewood nearby adds a rustic charm. Even if you have a gas or electric fire, a neatly arranged pile of logs can give the illusion of a traditional hearth.

A Great Choice for All Seasons

It’s easy to think of a fireplace as a winter feature, but a brick slip fireplace looks fantastic year-round. In the colder months, it’s all about the warmth and cosiness, but during the summer, it still acts as a beautiful design feature. A well-styled mantel with fresh flowers or seasonal decor can keep it feeling relevant no matter the weather.

Increasing Your Home’s Value

A well-designed fireplace can add value to your property. It’s one of those features that buyers love because it creates a focal point that feels both stylish and functional. Even if you’re not planning to sell any time soon, it’s worth considering how a brick slip fireplace could make your home more appealing in the long run.

The Sustainable Choice

For those who like to keep an eye on sustainability, brick slips are an eco-friendly option. Because they use only a thin slice of brick, they require fewer raw materials compared to full brick walls. Many suppliers also offer reclaimed brick slips, which bring history and character while reducing environmental impact.

A conservatory is a great way to bring more light into your home, but the type of roof you choose makes a huge difference in comfort, energy efficiency, and overall aesthetics. If you’re planning to upgrade or install a new conservatory, you’ll want to consider your options carefully. Let’s go through the main types of conservatory roofs, looking at their advantages and drawbacks.

1. Glass Roofs

Glass roofs are a classic choice, offering a bright, open feel that allows plenty of natural light to flood the space.

Pros:

• Abundance of Light – If you love a sunlit room, a glass roof is the way to go. It keeps your conservatory feeling airy and open.
• Modern Aesthetics – Glass looks sleek and stylish, making your conservatory feel more like an extension of your living space rather than an add-on.
• Better Views – If you enjoy looking up at the sky, especially at night, a glass roof gives you that panoramic view.
• Thermal Efficiency (With the Right Glass) – Advances in glazing technology mean you can get energy-efficient glass that helps retain heat in the winter and reflect excess heat in the summer.

Cons:

• Temperature Control Issues – If you go for standard glass, it can turn your conservatory into an oven in the summer and an icebox in the winter.

• Potential for Glare – Without tinted or self-cleaning glass, glare can be a problem, especially on bright days.

• Maintenance – Dirt, bird droppings, and watermarks are more noticeable, meaning more frequent cleaning.

2. Polycarbonate Roofs

Polycarbonate is a lightweight and budget-friendly material often used in conservatories. It consists of multiple layers that trap air, providing some level of insulation.

Pros:

• Cost-Effective – If you’re working with a tight budget, polycarbonate is one of the most affordable options available.

• Lightweight – The lightweight structure makes installation easier and reduces strain on the conservatory frame.

• Decent Insulation – Multi-wall polycarbonate sheets provide better insulation than single-layer glass.

Cons:

• Noise Issues – Rain, hail, or strong winds can make a polycarbonate roof incredibly noisy.

• Lack of Energy Efficiency – Compared to high-performance glass or solid roofs, polycarbonate struggles with heat retention.

• Aesthetic Limitations – It can look a bit dated or cheap, which might not be ideal if you’re aiming for a stylish conservatory.

3. Tiled (Solid) Roofs

Tiled roofs, sometimes called solid or hybrid roofs, turn a conservatory into more of a traditional extension. They often feature lightweight tiles with optional glass panels to let some light in.

Pros:

• Excellent Insulation – A tiled roof makes the conservatory usable all year round, as it keeps heat in during the winter and blocks excess heat in the summer.

• Reduced Glare – Unlike glass roofs, tiles prevent excessive sunlight, making it easier to use screens or relax without squinting.
• More Privacy – If your conservatory is overlooked, a solid roof offers better privacy compared to glass.

• Better Soundproofing – A tiled roof significantly reduces noise from rain or outside traffic.

Cons:

• Less Natural Light – You won’t get the same bright, airy feel as you would with glass. However, some hybrid options include roof windows or skylights.

• Higher Cost – The price is typically higher due to the materials and extra structural support needed.

• Weight Considerations – Older conservatories may not be able to support the weight of a tiled roof without reinforcement.

4. Hybrid Roofs (Glass & Solid Combination)

If you like aspects of both solid and glass roofs, a hybrid system combines them. These roofs often have solid sections for insulation and glass panels for added light.

Pros:

• Balanced Light & Insulation – You get the best of both worlds—plenty of light without compromising too much on heat retention.

• Stylish & Modern – Hybrid designs look contemporary and can enhance the overall aesthetic of your conservatory.

• Improved Comfort – Temperature control is better than all-glass or all-solid roofs alone.

Cons:

• Cost – These roofs tend to be more expensive due to the mix of materials and installation complexity.

• More Maintenance Than a Solid Roof – While easier to maintain than a full glass roof, you’ll still have some glass panels to clean.

5. Warm Roofs

Warm roofs are fully insulated roofing systems designed to regulate temperature effectively. Unlike traditional solid roofs, they include insulation within the structure itself rather than being installed later.

Pros:

• Superior Energy Efficiency – Keeps your conservatory comfortable without excessive heating or cooling costs.

• All-Weather Use – Whether it’s hot or cold outside, a warm roof makes your conservatory feel like a true extension of your home.

• Acoustic Benefits – Offers excellent noise reduction, even during heavy rain.

Cons:

• Pricey – Due to the materials and construction method, warm roofs tend to be one of the most expensive options.

• Longer Installation Time – Requires professional fitting and can take longer to install compared to simpler roofing options.

Choosing the Right Roof for Your Needs

The right choice depends on what you want from your conservatory. If you love natural light and don’t mind some extra cleaning, a glass roof might be ideal. Need a more budget-friendly solution? Polycarbonate could work, but keep in mind the downsides. If year-round usability is a priority, a tiled or warm roof might be worth the investment.

It’s also worth thinking about long-term costs. A cheaper roof might save money upfront, but if you end up using more heating or cooling, it could cost more in the long run. And if aesthetics matter, choosing a material that complements the rest of your home will make a big difference.