A traditional fireplace is the perfect way to turn your living environment into a warm and cozy atmosphere, and there are few better ways to spend a chilly evening than in front of some beautiful, flickering flames. Unfortunately, not all homes are equipped to support a fireplace though, and whether you live in a chimney-less house, or reside in an apartment building, you may have found yourself with no realistic option for having a traditional, wood-burning fireplace installed. However, just because your home lacks the necessary infrastructure for a traditional fireplace doesn't mean you have to miss out on the warmth and charm they bring, and if you’ve been searching for a way to add some supplemental heat, and some cozy vibes, then an electric fireplace can be a fantastic alternative. 

Easier to install, and with no risk of smoke, soot, or wayward sparks, an electric fireplace offers a modern solution to the traditional fireplace dilemma, and they come in a wide range of styles and types that can suit any home. But before you start redesigning your living space and spending money on a brand new model, you’ll first want to understand the key factors you should be looking for while you shop. From how they are installed to how much heat they produce, there is a lot to take into consideration when buying an electric fireplace, and this in-depth guide will help you navigate it all. 

Types of Electric Fireplaces

Unlike a traditional, wood-burning fireplace that features a chimney, hearth, and recessed area for adding your logs, an electric fireplace can actually come in a few different options and styles, and depending on the size of your space, and the aesthetic you’re aiming for, you may find that one type in particular is the best fit for you, your home, and even your budget. Are you hoping to completely transform your existing space with new shelving, a place for your TV, and a built-in fireplace to top it all off? Or have you removed your previous wood-burning fireplace and are now looking for something that will seamlessly fill in the hole that’s been left behind? Depending on your layout, and what you’re hoping to achieve, some of the potential types of models you may want to consider may include:

One of the most common types of electric fireplaces you’ll see on the market, a wall-mounted fireplace offers exactly what the name suggests - a sleek and modern solution that you can mount directly onto your wall in whichever room you prefer. Typically quite thin, but available in a huge range of sizes, wall-mounted fireplaces don’t require any permanent alterations to your home, and this makes them especially popular among renters who will want to take them with them when they move. Wall-mounted fireplaces can also be a great choice for individuals who live in smaller homes and aren’t looking to give up a ton of floor space for a freestanding model, and they can still create a stunning focal point without encroaching on your living space. 

Similar to a wall-mounted fireplace, recessed models are another fantastic option when you don’t want to waste valuable floor space and are instead searching for a solution that can be placed directly onto a wall in your preferred room. The difference here, however, is that unlike a wall-mounted fireplace that will stick out by at least a few inches, a recessed version is designed to be installed flush with the wall's surface, creating a seamless and contemporary appearance that makes it look as if it is a built-in feature of your home. With that said, this type of electric fireplace also has some drawbacks and it will require some permanent alterations including cutting into your wall in order to create the gap where it will fit inside. This alteration might not be suitable for all living spaces, particularly if you're a renter or not prepared for such structural changes, and it will typically require professional expertise to ensure a safe and secure setup. 

If floor space isn’t an issue and you love the look of a more traditional fireplace that can be placed anywhere in a room, then a freestanding model may be exactly what you’re searching for. With their included mantles and flickering flames, these electric fireplaces offer the charm and warmth of a traditional hearth, all while still maintaining the convenience and safety of an electric design. Some versions may also include enough space to place your TV on top, and they can even feature built-in bookshelves and additional storage space for a complete entertainment or decorative center.

What Size Should I Buy?

Electric fireplaces do an amazing job of sprucing up the visual appeal of a room, but beyond their aesthetically-pleasing design, they also serve a more practical purpose as well. Able to provide your home with supplemental heat, most electric fireplaces come with heating capabilities as well, and while those flickering flames may not be real, the warmth they can produce certainly is. However, in order to truly take advantage of this major benefit, you need to ensure you’re purchasing a model that is suited to the space it will be placed in. Measured in watts, the heating capacity of electric fireplaces is a critical factor in determining the appropriate size for your needs, and the best rule of thumb for making the correct choice is:

If you only have a tiny space that you plan on heating with your fireplace, then a compact model that is around 1,000 to 1,500 watts will be sufficient. 

For average size rooms that are over 300 sq. ft but smaller than 600 sq. ft, you’ll want to consider a model with a heating capacity of 2,000 to 5,000 watts.

Hoping to warm up a large sized-room, or even provide heat for a small apartment? In this case, you should be searching for electric fireplaces that are rated at 2,000 to 5,000 watts. 

In addition to its heating capabilities, you also want to be on the lookout for the exact measurements of a certain model, as the physical size of the electric fireplace should match the available space in your room. Consider the dimensions, taking into account both the width and height, to ensure it fits comfortably in the desired location without overwhelming the room or obstructing other furniture, and if you’re opting for recessed, then you’ll want to have your contractor check the available depth of your existing wall. By combining the appropriate heating capacity (wattage) with the right physical dimensions, you can find an electric fireplace that not only effectively heats your space but also enhances the overall aesthetic of your room, and this approach will ensure that your electric fireplace becomes a seamless and practical addition to your home that you’ll love for years to come. 

Optional Considerations

Beyond just the style, heating capabilities, and overall size, there are also some additional factors that you’ll want to take into consideration as you’re browsing through various models and trying to land on the right electric fireplace for your space. From the color of the flames to the various heat settings you can switch between, there are a number of optional customizations that can have a significant impact on how happy you are with your purchase, and some of the main attributes that shopper’s tend to look for include:

Many electric fireplaces offer a variety of flame effects that can be easily adjusted to create the desired ambiance, and you will be able to choose between hyper-realistic flames, or more contemporary, artistic flame designs. In addition to changing the appearance of the flames, you may also be able to turn on crackling sound effects to accompany their flickering, and this will go a long way in giving you that traditional experience, without having to worry about a real fire. 

Electrical fireplaces do a fantastic job of providing supplemental heating for your home, but just because they can warm up your space, doesn’t mean you always want them running at full blast. Instead, it’s important to try and find models that offer a range of heating options, allowing you to turn the temperature up, down, or even off on those days where you want the vibes, but not the heat. 

If your electric fireplace includes a built-in thermostat then it will be able to maintain a desired temperature at all times, without requiring any effort from you. This means you won’t be stuck having to constantly turn the temperature up or down manually throughout the day, and if you plan on running your model at night, then it can keep your room comfortable without making you feel too hot. 

Although the flames inside your electric fireplace may not be real, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy a more traditional appearance with its design, and one of the easiest ways to really enhance the naturalistic feel of your model is to purchase one that has a log set, instead of just glass stones. Consisting of artificial logs or branches that are strategically arranged inside of the fireplace, this inclusion can create the convincing illusion of real logs burning in a fire, and they come in various styles such as traditional oak, birch, or even pine. You may even be able to add a glowing effect to your log set if your electric fireplace includes built-in LED lights, which will not only add to its visual appeal but will also contribute to a more traditional and cozy ambiance.

Bottom Line

Revolutionizing the way you choose to add warmth and ambiance to your home, an electric fireplace is a worthwhile investment that can immediately transform a drab, dull living space into a cozy and inviting haven. Eliminating all of the safety concerns and structural necessities that a traditional, wood-burning fireplace demands, these electric versions offer a hassle-free and eco-friendly alternative that suits the needs of modern living, and they can be easily customized to meet your personal preferences. Versatile, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, electric fireplaces are the perfect solution when you want to upgrade your home, and they are available in a wide range of styles and types so that they can seamlessly meet your needs, while also fitting into your budget.