The colder months are here, and I’ll bet you’re working to make your home warm and cozy, right? If you’re like me, you’re adding blankets, candles, and anything that will make it a little more comfortable. But have you considered the ultimate piece that instantly changes the cozy factor in your home: an electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are hassle-free and versatile options that give your home both heat and aesthetic vibes. Whether you’re looking to update your living room or bedroom, these beauties are the ideal thing to instantly create a cozy and warm atmosphere without the need for chimneys or messy upkeep.

There are lots of contemporary electric fireplaces online that you can shop for and have installed within a matter of days. If you’re on the fence about adding one to your home, here are some tips to help you transform any room into a snug spot with an electric fireplace.

Why choose an electric fireplace?

Electric fireplaces are a stylish, energy-efficient, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional fireplaces. They work well in both modern and traditional style homes, thanks to the wide variety of designs. Here’s why you might choose an electric fireplace:

1. Easy Installation

Unlike wood-burning or gas fires, electric fireplaces are easy to install. Simply plug them in, and they’re ready to go. With these designs, there’s no need for renovations, chimneys, or flues.

2. Energy Efficiency

Electric fireplaces are energy efficient. They allow you to heat individual rooms without relying on central heating. They warm up a space quickly, as there is no heat lost through chimneys.

3. Year-Round Ambiance

Electric fireplaces can be used year-round too, as most designs allow you to use the flame without the heat.

4. Low Maintenance

Electric fireplaces require way less maintenance than traditional ones. You don’t have to worry about cleaning up ash, soot or wood debris. You’ll just need to dust it regularly to keep it looking good.

Design Tip 1: Consider Your Room Size

A big factor to consider when choosing your electric fireplace is the size of the room you’re installing it in. Electric fireplaces are available in a range of sizes and heat outputs, so you want to ensure that you get one that’s adequate to heat the whole room.

Small rooms: Choose compact models

A small room will only need a small fireplace. Smaller models are designed to fit seamlessly into tighter spaces without overwhelming the room. Wall-mounted units or corner fireplaces can be great options in these spaces too, because they don’t take up valuable floor space. Plus, you still get the warmth and aesthetic look you want.

It’s also important to consider heat output in smaller rooms. A model that’s too powerful might make the space uncomfortably hot. So, choose a model with an adjustable heat setting so you can personalize it to your own preferences.

Larger Rooms: Go for Statement Pieces

Larger rooms, like open-plan living areas, can handle bigger, more powerful electric fireplaces. This is great if you want to create a focal point in the bigger space and, so it adequately heats the room. Look at designs with fan-assisted heating to help the warmth be evenly distributed throughout the room.

Design Tip 2: Placement is Key

The placement of it can be just as important as the design. Strategic placement can make a big difference in transforming the look of your room.

Create a Focal Point in the Room

Enhance the coziness by making the fireplace the central feature. Consider installing it on or near the main wall in the room, which can draw attention to it and help to anchor the room’s design.

Placing your electric fireplace opposite the seating area also works, because it’s visible and accessible to everyone. Pair it with artwork, a mirror, or a TV mounted above it to create a balanced look.

If you plan on using your fireplace as part of your entertainment space, a media wall is a great option. The TV and fireplace work together without competing for attention.

Wall-mounted for modern and minimalist designs

Install an electric wall fireplace to save on-floor space and create a sleek, modern look. They’re perfect in small rooms because they’re up off the floor.

You could also make the fireplace a feature by painting the wall in a contrasting color to the rest of the room or using textured materials like stone, brick, or wood panels to highlight it.

Corner Placement for Smaller Spaces

If your room layout doesn’t allow for a fireplace to be installed in the center of a wall, a corner fireplace might be a good fit.

Corner units help to create a warm, snug spot in your room. Just imagine curling up and reading a good book as you cozy up next to your fireplace.

If you have small spaces or awkwardly shaped rooms, a corner fireplace also allows you to still benefit from the charm and warmth of the piece without overwhelming the space. The best part? They fit neatly into otherwise unused corners, allowing you to use the room efficiently.

Consider Practicality and Safety

While you don’t need a chimney to install an electric fireplace, you still need to consider its proximity to a socket so you can avoid unsightly cords and maintain a seamless look.

Safety is another factor to consider. While electric fireplaces might not produce real flames, they do generate heat. It’s important not to place them too close to flammable objects, and you also want to make sure there’s enough room around the fireplace, so they don’t get accidentally bumped or knocked over.

Design Tip 3: Pair with the Right Décor

Styling your fireplace can enhance the look and inviting feel that you want to create. Here are some ideas:

Create a cozy nook: Soft items like plush throws and oversized cushions add texture and depth to your room.

Layer: Mix different textures and fabrics to create a tactile look and feel. Neutral tones work well all year round and help keep the space warm and calm. Rich tones can be added in autumn and winter to add a little seasonal touch.

Natural materials: The use of natural materials enhances the warmth of a fireplace. Wood, stone and wicker add to a rustic and homely feel. You could also add a wooden mantle to create a charming focal point for your fireplace.

Decorative lighting: Add additional lighting to enhance the look. Wall sconces or floor lamps are ideal for creating a cozy ambience.

Flooring: You might want to consider a hearth rug that extends from the base of the fireplace to help make the space feel complete and cohesive.

Design Tip 4: Match the Fireplace to Your Style

You want to choose an electric fireplace that complements your home’s overall aesthetic, helping it to enhance rather than disrupt your design style. Whether your taste leans towards modern minimalism, traditional charm, or somewhere in between, there’s an electric fireplace to suit every decor.

Contemporary Homes

Look to electric fireplaces with sleek and clean lines. Wall-mounted fireplaces have simple, frameless designs that work well in contemporary homes.

They often come with customizable flame settings and lighting choices, allowing you to add a personalized touch to your fireplace.

Traditional Décor

For homes with a more traditional style, an electric fireplace with a classic design can provide the warmth and charm of a traditional hearth without the maintenance of a real fire.

Look for fireplaces with ornate mantels, carved details, or wood finishes that bring in the look of a classic wood-burning fireplace.

Rustic and Farmhouse Styles

If your home has a rustic or farmhouse feel, consider an electric fireplace that has natural materials and textures. Look for models with distressed wood finishes, which can complement exposed beams and other rustic features.

Fireplaces with whitewashed or weathered finishes can be charming additions to your farmhouse look.

Industrial Designs

For industrial homes, sleek, angular-shaped fireplaces work well as a feature against raw materials like concrete, brick, and steel.

So, electric fireplaces are a great addition to any home that wants an easy and simple design but still wants the ambience of a flickering flame.

Luckily, there’s a wide range of designs and styles that allow you to pick the perfect one for your space.

With the right design tips, you can install an electric fireplace quickly and create a look that seems like it was always meant to be there.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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Michael is Principal designer and blogger at Michael Helwig Interiors in beautiful Buffalo, New York. Since 2011, he’s a space planning expert, offering online interior e-design services for folks living in small homes, or for those with awkward and tricky layouts. He’s a frequent expert contributor to many National media publications and news outlets on topics related to decorating, interior design, diy projects, and more. Michael happily shares his experience to help folks avoid expensive mistakes and decorating disappointments. You can follow him on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook @interiorsmh.