02/03/2023
No way! I never imagined that I’d be recommending an electric fireplace to a client. My vision of the perfect fireplace stemmed from childhood memories of roasting by the side of a roaring, wood burning fireplace in a rustic ski chalet in the Gatineau Hills in Quebec - not the simulated fire of the electric fireplaces I had seen with the phony flickering light reflecting off the glossy foil interior of a 6” deep metal box.
Well never say never as the saying goes! Like electric cars, electric fireplace design has come a long way and, in the right application, electric fireplaces can be installed as an attractive & practical alternative to both gas & wood burning fireplaces. The new models have a much more realistic flame, are clean & energy efficient, can provide heat when needed & can be installed in shallow spaces.
Electric fireplaces are a great alternative when:
- Wood burning or gas fireplaces are not allowed.
-There is no gas to your home and no convenient source of wood.
-The space is small & there is no room for a wood or gas burning fireplace.
-You need extra heat on cold days.
-You want the cozy feel a fireplace brings to your living room, bedroom or bathroom without the hassle & expense of installing vents & chimneys.
More companies are producing electric fireplaces with a greater variety of styles & options than ever. Contemporary designs include the popular linear style & two & 3 sided corner units with the option of different colored flames and rock or glass fire beds. Traditional models with a more square shape and realistic looking log sets can also be found.
The fireplace surround is a key component in making an electric fireplace look great in your room. Gluing a pre-manufactured unit to the wall rarely looks like a real fireplace. Like any wood or gas fireplace surround it can be any look or style - contemporary, transitional or traditional. A well designed fireplace surround will add an authentic & pleasing focus to whatever room your new electric fireplace is in.