Jeff Flowers on May 17, 2014 7 Comments It’s rare that you find a fireplace in an apartment, condo or similar living space. And even if you do, it’s usually located on the top floor for venting purposes, which may be ideal for some but is certainly not the case for all. Those that wish to have the warmth and ambiance that only a fire can provide but face limitations presented by their living space can rejoice! Electric and gel fireplaces are the solution that you’re looking for. These efficient and effective fireplaces are great alternatives to traditional wood fireplaces because they do not require venting, don’t create ash and soot, and are much more affordable to use. They can also be quickly turned on and off so you never have to wait for the fire to die. Due to their popularity, these fireplaces are offered in a variety of styles and sizes that are designed to meet the needs of any living space. Here are some ideal options for use in dwellings where space may be limited. 1. Media Console Fireplace Entertainment Centers Media Console Fireplaces are considered to be the most versatile of the bunch as they serve multiple functions. In addition to showcasing a glowing fire that provides warmth, they double as a media center. They feature shelving for storage of all of your entertainment components, DVDs, books and more. Media console fireplaces also have a large flat top that’s ideal for placement of a TV, and are available in a wide range of widths to accommodate the needs of your entertainment equipment and space. This is easily one of the most popular types of fireplaces for small homes and apartments. This is because they not only provide heat, but are a functional piece of furniture as well. 2. Wall Mount Fireplaces Perhaps the most space-efficient of all are Wall Mount Fireplaces. As the name suggests, these can be mounted directly on a wall to avoid taking up any valuable floor space. They are designed with all room types in mind and will complement the décor as any other wall-hanging accent would. However, these aren’t just nice to look at – they serve a completely functional purpose as they will provide a nice supply of heat to your living space. Wall mount fireplaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes and like many other ventless fireplaces, offer the option of a gel or electric flame source. With a thin profile and no need for venting, these are even a perfect solution for recessed applications. Installing them directly within the wall allows you to place it virtually anywhere you want without having to worry about space requirements. 3. Small Mantel and Corner Mantel Fireplaces Mantel Fireplaces are the most traditional in appearance. They are designed to look exactly like a wood-burning fireplace that would be found built into a home. They come in a seemingly endless list of styles, colors and sizes, but all feature a timeless design that is sure to complement any décor. Like traditional fireplaces, mantel electric fireplaces can be rather large in size. However, many space-efficient options are available in smaller widths and slimmer depths. In fact, popular brand Real Flame has slim-line models that are designed with the space-conscious in mind. For those that are really limited in the amount of extra space they have, Corner Fireplaces are a great choice. They wedge perfectly into any 90 degree angle corner and have a small footprint while staying out of the way. And if you want even more out of your corner fireplace, there are corner media console fireplaces that give you the best of both a corner fireplace and a media console fireplace in one space-saving package. 4. Electric Stove Fireplaces Electric Stove Fireplaces are some of the smallest electric fireplaces that just so happen to be some of the biggest in character. They most often feature an old-style design that is modeled after real electric stoves, while some take an ultra-modern cube-like form. Though regardless of the style, the compact and freestanding design of electric stove fireplaces gives you the ability to move them about freely to place them anywhere that you need heat. Add one to your living space and see if others even notice that it’s electric!
Ericc says August 6, 2014 at 9:28 am While your article has useful information regarding energy consumption, you fail to extrapolate square footage & room height into cu. ft. which determines your heating and cooling demands. Also, I see no mention of 2 major energy consumers, the kitchen range/oven and hot water heating. This article needs substantial upgrading to become relavant. Reply
Marguerite Williams says November 17, 2015 at 8:20 pm I have a old fake fireplace with mantal the opening is 28 wide, 30 in high and 9in deep but the back can be removed – can I just buy an insert Reply
MADONNA says January 27, 2016 at 11:55 am CAN YOU GET GEL IN A STOVE FIREPLACE INSTEAD OF ELECTRIC? MY HOUSE IS TOTALLY ELECTRIC AND I’M CONCERNED IF WE HAVE A POWER OUTAGE HOW TO HEAT MY HOME. IF A STOVE FIREPLACE CAME IN GEL IT WOULD BE PERFECT AS I’M ALLERGIC TO WOOD BURNING FIREPLACES I GET A TERRIBLE MIGRAINE FROM THE SMELL OF WOOD BURNING AS I’M ALLERGIC TO TREES. I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIND A SOLAR ELECTRIC GENERATOR TO HEAT MY HOME AND RUN MY APPLIANCES. Reply
MADONNA says January 27, 2016 at 12:01 pm DOES GEL COME IN A STOVE FIREPLACE? I’M ALLERGIC TO TREES SO I CAN’T USE WOOD BURNING AND PETROLEUM, CAUSING TERRIBLE MIGRAINES, SO MY HOUSE IS ALL ELECTRIC, BUT IN CASE OF A POWER OUTAGE A GEL STOVE WOULD WORK. Reply
Mona skelly says February 9, 2017 at 6:16 pm I’m going to make one so it can fit into a 3 tier bookshelve. Would you recommend it? Please let me know Reply
Garland Canterberry says October 29, 2017 at 11:15 am Can I purchase the electric fire place insert only for my mantel original is a Beckonridge #EF752RDK mantel. Electric insert#24-900-001 comfort glow. Reply