A fireplace is a place to gather with family and friends and is often associated with nostalgia and cozy winter memories. It’s typically the focal point of a room and can set the tone for the room’s overall design. However, not all homes have a fireplace. If you’re looking to add the ambiance of a fireplace while saving space, there are alternative options available that provide the benefits of a traditional fireplace. Consider the following fireplace options to create a stunning focal point in your home and to have a warm winter ahead.
Benefits of an electric fireplace
If your home doesn’t have a working fireplace, an electric fireplace is an excellent alternative. It offers the warmth and coziness of a traditional fireplace but is also a space saver, comes in various sizes, requires less maintenance and is a safer alternative.
An electric fireplace plugs into the wall and uses lights to create the appearance of flames. This means there are no actual flames or fumes, so you get the look of a fire without the smoke. Since the flames aren’t real, an electric fireplace also has significantly less maintenance. You don’t need to clean the ash, soot or chimney like you would in a real fireplace.
As your energy bills increase over the cold winter months, an electric fireplace can help keep these costs down. With the added warmth from the electric fireplace, you can save on your heating costs. Electric fireplaces are also known for their longevity. They typically last for years and show minor signs of wear and tear.
If you have young children or pets, an indoor fire can be a concern. However, an electric fireplace doesn’t come with the safety risks associated with traditional fireplaces because they don’t give off fumes, are not hot to the touch and some models have automatic shut-off functionality. You can even run many models in a "no-heat" mode – a perfect way to enjoy the style of your fireplace, even during the heat of summer.
Lastly, design options for electric fireplaces are extensive and there is an electric fireplace style to fit every aesthetic. With models that include a mantle, you can even hang your favourite holiday decor!
For a glam look, the Flint Glam Fireplace is coated from top to bottom in sparkle, thanks to silver glass mirrors and diamond-like accents. The small shelf on top can hold a 42-inch television or display your family photos. And, you can control the glow of the fire with a remote control.
The epitome of a Christmas fireplace, the Austen All-In-One Fireplace will add some classic warmth to your living room. Framed by a natural Burwell flagstone wall mantel and complemented by cappuccino wood, the grey-arched fireplace presents a stately style. It’s familiar and classic in design, but with a modern electric insert so you can safely watch the flames dance around and illuminate the room.
Benefits of a firebox
A firebox offers similar benefits as an electric fireplace, but is always housed in a larger piece of furniture.
For a sleek and refined look, the Kiara TV Stand with Crystal Ember and Log Firebox brings an elegant look to your home entertainment space. While this piece is equipped with shelving options to store your electronics and other items, you can also snuggle up in front of the fireplace with a flame setting you can operate with or without heat, so the mood is just right all year round.
If farmhouse style is more your taste, the Monte TV Stand with Firebox has a white finish, rustic walnut top and iron barn door rail to bring a cozy farmhouse feel to your living space. With both cubbies and cabinets, there is plenty of storage space available. Then, when it’s time to relax during the evening, you can safely watch the dazzling flames dance around in the electric firebox.
As the temperatures drop, it’s the perfect time to think about creating a fireplace focal point that will make you look forward to the cooler evenings ahead. The right fireplace for firebox will serve as a warm, cozy backdrop for the big and small celebrations that lie ahead. They can even be mounted on the wall for a streamlined, modern look.
