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Warm Up Your Living Room: Clever Electric Fireplace Ideas and Tips

As autumn nights grow chillier, you may find yourself craving the cozy warmth and comfort of a living room fireplace. But traditional wood-burning fireplaces aren't always feasible, especially in smaller spaces. This is where an electric fireplace can be the perfect solution.

Electric fireplaces provide the ambiance of real flames without any of the hassle. With just the flip of a switch, you can enjoy the instant warmth and charm a fireplace lends any living room. From built-in wall units to standalone models, there are many stylish electric fireplace options to match your home's size and decor.

electric fireplace ideas for living room

Types of Electric Fireplaces for Living Rooms

When choosing an electric fireplace for your living room, one of the first decisions is the installation type. Do you want a built-in, wall-mounted, or freestanding unit? Consider your living room layout and dimensions when deciding which type will work best.

Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplaces

Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are a great solution if you have limited floor space. Units are directly installed onto the wall, saving precious square footage in a smaller living room. Sleek and stylish, wall-mounted fireplaces come in a wide range of sizes to fit your needs. Opt for a width that won't overwhelm the wall yet provides ample cozy flames.

Built-In Electric Fireplaces

For a custom look, consider a built-in electric fireplace. Built-in units are recessed into an existing wall, becoming part of the living room's architecture. This makes them appear more like a traditional wood-burning fireplace. Installation does require some remodeling expertise. But the end result is a gorgeous feature wall with a flickering fireplace focal point.

Corner Electric Fireplaces

Make the most of an empty corner by installing an electric fireplace designed specifically for corner placement. Corner units maximize available space while creating a dramatic fireplace focal point. Freestanding corner models simply tuck into a corner. But for a seamless custom look, opt for a built-in corner installation.

Freestanding Electric Fireplaces

Freestanding electric fireplaces offer flexibility, allowing you to place them anywhere in your living room. Styles range from traditional mantel units to sleek contemporary consoles. Look for features like adjustable flames, heating options, and finishes to complement your decor. Place a freestanding fireplace in front of a wall to create a stunning focal point.

Electric Fireplace TV Stands

Get double the function from your electric fireplace by choosing a TV stand combo model. These units have a fireplace on the bottom and a flat space for a TV on top. Place in front of your seating area to enjoy the fire's glow while watching television. The convenient design hides unsightly cords and cables too.

Design Considerations for Electric Fireplaces

To choose the ideal electric fireplace for your living room, keep the following design considerations in mind:

Size of the Living Room

Consider your living room's dimensions when selecting an electric fireplace. Measure the wall space to find a size that fits without overwhelming. Proportions are key for a balanced look. An oversized fireplace will throw off the room's scale.

Living Room Decor Style

Match your electric fireplace to your existing living room style. Is your space traditional, contemporary, modern, rustic? Options like mantel shapes, finishes, and flame effects allow you to complement your decor seamlessly.

Heat Output Needs

Look at the fireplace's BTU rating to ensure it can adequately heat the size of your space. Bedrooms and smaller living rooms may only need 5,000 BTUs. Larger open concept living rooms could require more like 15,000 BTUs for sufficient warmth.

Special Features

Today's electric fireplaces offer many special features to enhance function and ambiance. Look for adjustable flames, timers, programmable thermostats, remote controls, WiFi app integration, media players, and interior lighting options. Flame realism is also improving with 3D technology and flickering effects.

Decorating Ideas for Electric Fireplace Living Rooms

The area surrounding your electric fireplace is prime for decorating. Use these ideas to make your electric fireplace a stylish living room focal point.

Add a Wood Mantel

Top off your fireplace with a classic wood mantel to amplify the traditional charm. Opt for rustic wood beams for a cabin feel or sleek stained oak for contemporary flair. Display artwork, flowers, candles or decor on the mantel to draw the eye.

Use Stone or Brick Surrounds

For a custom-built look, finish the area around your electric fireplace with stone, brick, or tile. This surround visually extends the fireplace's hearth and gives the illusion of an authentic built-in fireplace. Choose materials that match your living room's color scheme and style.

Arrange Furniture Around It

Place sofas, chairs and ottomans facing the fireplace to create an inviting space for people to gather. Angle seating toward the fireplace rather than flat against the wall. Add in cozy touches like plush pillows and throw blankets for cold weather fireside lounging.

Decorate the Mantel

A mantel offers the perfect platform to decorate your electric fireplace. Start with a large piece of art or mirror hung above centered on the mantel. Add framed photos, plants, sculptures or candles along the length of the mantel to finish it off beautifully.

Electric Fireplace Styles for Different Living Rooms

Electric fireplaces offer such versatility that they can complement any living room's existing decor. Here are some ideas for popular decor styles:

Traditional Living Room Electric Fireplaces

For traditional living rooms, look for an electric fireplace with details like arched openings, ornamental trim, and carved mantels. Surround with warm woods, muted color schemes, and vintage-inspired accessories. Choose flickering logs, embers, and soft crackling sounds for a nostalgic feel.

Contemporary Electric Fireplaces

Modern living rooms need fireplaces just as sleek. Built-in wall units and corner installations with metal or wood surrounds and minimal trim pair perfectly with the contemporary aesthetic. Spotlight flames provide a streamlined, built-in look. Opt for glowing embers or blue flame effects.

Rustic Living Room Electric Fireplaces

Rustic farmhouse style comes to life with the addition of a rough brick or stacked stone surround and exposed wood beam mantel. For added flair, incorporate wrought iron candle holders, galvanized metal buckets, or an antique quilt. Amber-colored flames and wood log details complete the cozy rustic vibe.

Small Living Room Electric Fireplaces

Even the smallest living rooms can benefit from the warmth and charm of an electric fireplace. Compact console tables provide fireplace style in a tiny footprint. Corner built-in units are space-savvy options for opening up floor space in a smaller room. Strategic furniture placement can make a small space feel instantly cozier.

Safety Tips for Electric Fireplaces

While electric fireplaces avoid many of the risks of real wood-burning fireplaces, proper precautions should still be taken to ensure safety:

Electric fireplaces offer a versatile, energy-efficient way to bring captivating ambiance into your living room. With the variety of installation types and designs available today, there's an electric fireplace look to match any size space or interior style. Just choose the optimal proportions, finish, and flame effects to complement your living room.

Place your new electric fireplace in a spot where it can be the focal point, then arrange furnishings around it to create an enticing gathering area. Finish it off with a classic mantel, rustic wood beams, or sleek contemporary surround. Decorate with warmth in mind to greet winter with fireside coziness. With the push of a button, enjoy instant fireplace atmosphere any time of year.