News — fireplace mantle

Traditional and Classic Electric Fireplace Mantels

When traditional handcrafted wood designs and modern technology come together, the most beautiful fireplaces are created. So easy to use and without the drudgery of caring for wood, tinder, lighter fluid, and soot removal, you can’t afford to miss out on the simple ease of an electric fireplace and surround. Many alternate fireplace designs are built to match a contemporary or modern decor, making it appear as if the traditional or classic mantel designs have gone the way of the past, but this is simply not the case. Some of the most realistic electric fireplaces have been developed in recent years, taking advantage of leaps in home decor tech to augment the experience of warmth, relaxation, and coziness when the time is right. These full-sized alternatives to the traditional fireplace bring a sense of timeless style to a room that a contemporary-styled bioethanol table fireplace or wall-mounted fireplace does not.

Romano Electric Fireplace, in Salem Antique Oak

Traditional and transitional style homes are the perfect setting for this hand-carved pillar and medallion design in Salem Antique Oak finish. The rich color and Victorian-esque design evoke a pleasant and comforting atmosphere, with realistic flames and glowing embers that flicker through a long-lasting LED presentation. Not only does this fireplace respond at the press of a remote button, but you can adjust and set the temperature that the thermometer puts out, as well as set a timer in case you’re looking for a cozy way to fall asleep. When it’s just too hot, you can turn the heat completely off, allowing you to enjoy the flickering flames without risking a stuffy, dry atmosphere. The glass remains cool to the touch and the entire device plugs into a standard outlet for ease of installation and enjoyment. By eliminating wood and fossil fuels from the equation, you’re looking at a traditionally style fireplace that has zero risk of dangerous emissions or pollutants.

Verona Electric Fireplace

Elegantly classic in execution, the Verona Electric Fireplace provides a service that its gel fuel counterpart does not: simple, easy illumination and warmth at the push of a button. Featuring a 1400 watt heater, this beautiful electric fireplace brings a comfortable heat to your living space that is rated for 4700+ BTUs per hour. The mantelpiece is perfect for displaying art and curios, allowing you to give your room a lived-in, cozy feeling. Available in both rich Chestnut Oak or striking classic White, you’ll be sure to fall in love with the ease and design that the Verona offers. Solidly built with dimensions of 48"L x 14.5" W x 39.9"H, the Verona is also a full-sized replacement for a traditional fireplace, so you are getting an appropriately sized alternative, rather than a miniaturized version.

Maxwell Electric Fireplace

While wood is a rich addition to any hole, the faux marble veneer of the Maxwell Electric Fireplace is a strikingly beautiful alternative that just exudes high-class style and classic ambiance. Also available in Chestnut Oak and Dark Mahogany, the Maxwell is a vintage styled mantelpiece and fireplace that expresses a unique, three-step distressing technique to further enrich the timeless appearance. With an hourly 4700 BTU output and 1400-watt heater, the slim series firebox gives you both warmth and flickering ambiance to sooth away stress and comfort exhausted minds. This electric fireplace is a full sized feature at 47.6"L x 9.5" W x 40"H and 99 pounds, with a fully functional mantelpiece for picture frames and decoration.

Belleview Simulated Stone Media Center Electric Fireplace

So far we’ve explore the pure timeless appearance of rich wood fireplaces and touched on the classic appeal of white marble, but if you’re a fan of fireplaces as I am, you will know that there’s nothing like the rough, rustic appearance of wood and stone to make a beautiful impression. The Belleview Simulated Stone Media Center Electric Fireplace is unique in that it offers a secondary shelf under the mantelpiece itself with an opening for wires, so if you wish to mount a television on the wall overhead, you don’t have to bother with running cables hither and thither. Even better, the media shelf features a cover, so you can hide away all that little tech. A remote offers multiple levels of control over not only the appearance of the flames and logs, but also the heat itself, allowing you to enjoy the flickering ambiance without the warmth if you so desire. Sitting at a bold  45.5" W x 14.5" D x 40.5" H and weighing about 91 pounds, the topmost mantel can support up to 85 pounds and the media shelf can hold 30 pounds. The Maxwell is built just as solid as it looks, and fashionable with faux black river stone against the beautiful sienna finish.

Canyon Heights Simulated Stone Electric Fireplace

Rustic style fireplaces have a gorgeous appeal, promising hard-earned comfort and relaxation after a long day of constant on-your-feet stress and adventure. Featuring a handsome whiskey maple wood finish with Durango faux stone in an extra-wide design that fills a room, serving as an excellent centerpiece around which friends and family can gather. A 33 inch widescreen firebox projects energy-efficient LED lit flames and embers, adjustable through five different levels, while the heat itself can be turned off at will as well. The thermostat and timer work together to ensure that you don’t get overhot, and an automatic shut off will prevent the fireplace from going too long when the proper temperature is met. The remote features a child lock as well. The Canyon Heights fireplace’s dimensions sit at a broad, comfortable 60" W x 15.5" D x 35.5" H and weighs 84 pounds, while the mantel itself is rated to support a total of 85 pounds, making this shorter, wider fireplace an excellent option for displaying art and curios. Relax with the realistic flames and softly burning embers all year round, at will, without having to fight with wood, smoke, soot, and ash.

New and Modern Entertainment Centers with Electric Fireplaces

If you don't already have a fireplace in your home, you may think you'll never have one. After all, the average cost of installation of a traditional wood-burning fireplace is about $2,000 – that's if you already have a gas line installed. You could spend up to $6,000 getting the gas line, ventilation, wiring, and actual fireplace all set up.

Even if you can afford that sort of home improvement, there's space that you need to consider. If you're living in tight quarters, a fireplace may not be a feasible consideration for you. There are alternatives, though, so you can have the cozy hearth you've always wanted without having to break the bank or give up precious space.

An electric fireplace TV stand is a good solution for those on a budget – both with money and space. These fireplace alternatives mimic real flames using clever tech tricks, such as LED lights, mylar, and mirrors. You get the soothing, cozy effect without having to worry about chopping firewood, or figuring out how to open a flue.

A Grand Choice

If you have room for a large entertainment center, then you have room for an electric fireplace. The Eliot Grand Entertainment Center with Electric Fireplace is a large unit that's wider than it is tall. It includes a 40-inch firebox, so it's clearly the focal point of this entertainment center.

It measures just more than 81 inches long, and stands at 34.25 inches high. This is a heavy, sturdy piece, so you can place it on a carpeted surface without worry. The center itself includes six shelves for consoles, video games, and other media.

The best part is that it isn't just for show. This fireplace puts out 5,100 BTUs of heat from its infrared heater. If you happen to live in a warm climate, you don't have to worry about overheating – this fireplace includes a programmable thermostat, so you can fire up the flames, but not the heat. It also comes with a remote control, so you can shut it off that way, or set up a time shut off.

Clean and Simple

Smaller rooms don't need giant fireplaces, so you may want to consider the Cabrini Media Electric Fireplace. The firebox is only 23 inches wide and 20 inches high, so it's just the right size for a small space. It's ideal for heating a 400 square-foot room.

This electric fireplace media center has plenty of room for DVD or game storage in its four shelves. The storage area is tucked away behind frosted glass cabinet doors to keep everything neat and organized. You can turn the fireplace on without heat any time to simply enjoy the flickering light of the almost-real flames whether it's 75 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit out.

The clean lines and bright white color works well with many different home décor styles. Although it's a smaller entertainment center, it can hold a flat screen TV up to 58 inches. This center includes a remote control, so you can easily turn the fireplace on or off anytime. And the thermostat keeps the heat going when it's cold and shuts off when it reaches your ideal temperature.

Big and Bold

One of the largest options is the Tracey Grand Entertainment Center with Electric Fireplace. Be sure you have a large enough space to accommodate the nearly 84-inch long piece. With a large media center like this, you also get a large firebox – it's 40 inches long, so it may even compete with your TV for your attention.

The 1,500-Watt infrared heater keeps things warm in the winter, but the LED-lit flames work independently of the heater, so you can enjoy it all year long. A remote control lets you set the thermostat and the timer to switch the unit on or off. An added benefit to the seemingly real flickering flames is that you can control the brightness – turn it all the way up to focus on the mesmerizing flames, or turn it way down for romantic ambiance.

Compact and Modern

Apartment dwellers or those who are living in extremely small living quarters may not think they can use an entertainment center with fireplace. Enter the Dimplex Jasper Media Console. This unit won't offer much by way of storage, but it can hold your TV, and warm your home with its ceramic heating system.

The small electric firebox – it's about 25 inches – can resemble a log-burning stove or a gas fireplace, depending on which firebox you choose. You can easily control the heat or the ambient LED flames using the remote control. And it warms up a room efficiently using a fan to circulate the warmth out and throughout the room.

This electric fireplace includes a technologically-advanced system called gWave, which lets you turn the fireplace on or off with the wave of your hand. It's like knowing a Jedi mind trick.

Cozy, but Spacious

When you need room for media consoles, video games, and DVDs, you may not want to compromise by giving up a section for a fireplace. The Claremont Convertible Media Electric Fireplace solves that problem by offering plenty of room for consoles on its open-air shelf, and enclosed storage space for your media.

In the center of this ivory entertainment center is a mock fireplace made up of LEDs and heat for a 400-square-foot space. You can place this against a wall, but it also works as a corner piece, which can save you space in a small room.

New and Modern

One of the sleekest designs for an electric fireplace media center is this black, low-profile unit. The Dimplex Desmond Electric Fireplace Media Console measures about 73 inches across and 36 inches high, but it has stubby, angled legs that give it a mid-century modern appeal. The fan-forced heater can keep a large living room cozy and comfortable.

The 50-inch firebox has a glass ember bed, which gives the whole unit a decidedly modern look, and the entertainment center itself can easily accommodate a 70-inch TV. There's a bit of space on one side for media storage and room for consoles above the firebox.

An electric fireplace offers supplemental heating, which allows you to turn off your central heating more often, which can save you money. It also offers year-round ambiance and modern, clean statement pieces for your home. You don't have to fork over $6,000 for a wood-burning fireplace, and you never have to worry about soot, actual flames, smoke, or ashes.

UL/ULC Listed Ethanol Fireplaces

Fireplaces are an extremely versatile home décor element that demands attention while offering more than just visual impact. You can be relaxing solo with a good book, cuddling up with that special someone, or swapping stories and presents with friends and family on a cold winter night. Now, leave the living room and see the adaptability of a fireplace to other locations in your home. Take a freestanding fireplace to your dining table for an extra flair of style or outside onto your balcony or porch to stave off the chill of the evening. Go even further and install a space convenient recessed fireplace into your office for style or comforting white noise while you work.

Now do all that without having to worry about chimneys, dangerous fumes, or ashes. Get the cozy ambiance of a fireplace without the difficulty of completely remodeling your rooms or office. A ventless ethanol fireplace is a perfect fit for someone looking to add that extra bit of classy comfort to their home without the pain. Not only is it easy to install and maintain, but each of the following bioethanol fireplace fuel options is listed UL/ULC. UL and ULC safety standards are set in place by both United States and Canadian safety organizations, ensuring that safety is each item’s top priority, and you can be assured that convenience and style need no sacrifice.

Pretty as a Picture: Antalia Recessed Ventless Ethanol Fireplace

The Antalia Recessed is an unobtrusive wall mounted bioethanol fireplace that takes all the elements that make contemporary décor beautiful and fits them together in one pretty package. A square black tempered glass and silver accent frame the recessed fireplace compartment, which can be mounted on the wall with a little modification or directly on the wall. A clear glass guard adds a touch of sparkle to the piece, giving this design enough character to stand tall next to your other wall art. Match it to other frames for a seamless look, or accentuate it boldly for standout style. Whatever you choose, the Antalia will fit with almost any pre-existing décor. This particular piece offers a burn time of four to five hours on a 1.3 liter tank, without any need for a chimney, gas or electric lines, or ash clean-up.

Fashionable Freedom: Mecca Freestanding Ventless Ethanol Fireplace

Place this piece on your table, on the floor, wherever you most want a clean, safe way to evoke a comfortable environment without feeling constrained by installation elements. The Mecca Freestanding boasts an elegant, standout design that is bold enough to stand out and spark conversation with visitors while serving both solo and couple’s needs for versatility. Chase away the chill of night or city breezes under the stars out on the porch or balcony, or curl up with your favorite cup of hot chocolate in the living room while falling leaves or snow drift through the air. You can create the perfect environment with just one safe, easy choice. The Mecca offers a pleasant four hours on a single 1.3 liter tank, and is built from a powder coated steel exterior and a 304 stainless steel interior.

Crystal Clear: Ignacia Ethanol Biofuel UL/ULC Listed Fireplace

With the Ignacia Fireplace, you get no frames, no constraints, just pure, clear freedom in brushed 304 stainless steel and glass. The Ignacia is a bioethanol table fireplace with a sleek, contemporary design that compliments any similarly designed home. The glass and metal construction unlimits its own potential for maximum visual impact, while still maintaining a versatile package. The freestanding style of the Ignacia lends itself to tabletop use, but it can serve most any need. The non-toxic, clean-burning biofuel is truly eco-friendly with a modest four to five hours burn time per 32 ounces, requiring no excessive installations or clean-up that come with a traditional fire pit table. If you’re looking for an outdoor piece that you can easily transport when needed or a multi-use fireplace accent that can be used on any table, the Ignacia may be the perfect fit for you.

A Touch of Spirit: Tokio Recessed Ventless Ethanol Fireplace

Let’s talk emphasis. Sometimes, subtle is just too little. A fireplace can be the centerpiece of your room, even in condo living where space is a premium. When you’re looking for something functional, safe, but with that extra pow that really gets peoples’ attention, the Tokio Recessed might just be exactly what you need. A great looking piece, the Tokio lends itself to wherever emphatic style is required, home or office. Make that big impression while still maintaining safety and functionality. Speaking of, the Tokio looks good, but can it stand up to your demands? With a solid four to five hour burn time on a single 1.3 liter tank, you can warm the chills away all evening long as you relax before bed, or pop it on for a quick, fiery visual impact for visitors. Plus, it is UL/ULC approved, giving you peace of mind in case that relaxing book turns into a rejuvenating nap.

No Shadows in this Box: Hayden Ethanol Biofuel UL/ULC Listed Fireplace

If you’re looking for a fireplace that’s more statement than subtle but still manages to balance the two, the Hayden Fireplace sets just the right amount of style, popping out from the wall as if a shadowbox art piece. By using bio-ethanol fireplace fuel and UL/ULC safety measures, you don’t have to worry about fumes or damage from use. Your only concern will be where you want to install it. Its smart, unique design sets it apart from the others as it is made to be three-dimensional, intended to stand out among the rest. Plus, since it is not recessed, there is absolutely no impact to your home’s vital structure. The stainless steel and included wall mount materials make sure that this piece will not budge from where you place it.

Ventless Fireplace vs. Wood Burning

When you are curled up next to a cheery fire on a cold winter night, does it really matter what type of fireplace you have? Of course it matters! Do you want your home to be energy efficient? Or would you rather have the genuine smell of wood stoves? Wood burning fireplaces are considered the traditional model. Ventless fireplaces are the modern and convenient alternative to wood burning. Your preference in this decision matters, because you will be making the deciding vote between ventless versus wood burning fireplaces.

Ventless fireplaces

A ventless fireplace could be powered by gas, electricity, or ethanol. There is no end to the different styles of ventless fireplaces, meaning that you have plenty of options available.

Pros

Electric ventless fireplaces can operate with or without heat. If you prefer, you can simply have the synthetic flame running for people to admire. Ventless fireplaces do not require ventilation, and therefore do not need to be connected to a chimney. This is a pro because they are more flexible about where they can be placed in the home. As well, they do not waste as much energy, because heat is not leaving the house through the chimney. This type of heat source will warm your home the same way that a heater would.

Cons

Ventless fireplaces do not typically warm huge amount of spaces. They are most suitable for small homes, or apartments. Another con for this type of fireplace is that they can have high initial purchase price. Although ventless fireplaces do perform the job adequately, some people may simply prefer the real thing.  

Wood burning fireplaces

These types of fireplaces function by burning wood. They provide a real flame, and they give off a traditional ‘fireplace’ smell of burning wood.

Pros

These are the traditional fireplaces that have been around for hundreds of years. Many people love this type of fireplace because they enjoy snuggling together around the crackling flames. Wood burning fireplaces raise the value of a house, because they are considered to be desirable to home owners. These fireplaces are fueled by wood, which is a renewable resource. This means that you do not need electricity or gas to operate it.

Cons

Wood burning fireplaces are typically the most expensive option in terms of start-up costs. This is largely due to different components such as the gas line, assembly, ventilation and wiring. 

Wood burning fireplaces are not known for energy efficiency. Some of the produced heat is immediately lost because it escapes out the chimney. This means that it is taking more heat to warm your home and requiring more wood for fuel. 

When the wood combusts, soot, ash and various gases are let out into the air. This means that these fireplaces require cleaning often. If they are not cleaned  there is a safety concern. Excess creosote in the chimney can cause dangerous fires. Another safety concern includes children and pets. They will need to be kept away from the fireplace to ensure that they do not get burned by touching the hot surface.

Although wood burning fireplaces are still the favorite of many, they come with an innumerable list of cons. Ventless fireplaces can solve most, if not all, of these issues. The overall convenience and modern touches make going ventless a joy! You may be attached to your old wood burning fireplace, but take a minute to think over the alternative. You might be doing yourself a favor in the long run.

Ventless Gel Fireplaces

If you have heard of bio ethanol fireplaces, then you already be familiar with the idea of ventless fireplaces. A synthetic flame is burned inside or outside the house. There is no need for ventilation, as no smoke or by-products are being produced. The difference with gel fireplaces is that the fuel that is used is gel instead of ethanol. Let’s go over some of the things to consider when thinking about gel fireplaces.

Basic information

Gel fireplaces operate by using a special type of gel as their fuel source. The fire that is produced is not real, so it is considered a ‘faux fireplace’. This means that the fireplace does not require any ventilation, and does not need to be hooked up to a chimney. There are ceramic logs in the fireplace so that it gives the appearance of the traditional stove model. The gel comes in cans, and three of them can be burned at once.

Are gel fireplaces easy to work with?

If you have just purchased a gel fireplace, you will, of course, need to know how to install it. Luckily, these fireplaces can be installed fairly easily. If you are having trouble following the directions, consult a professional before proceeding. The same goes for if you are trying to convert your existing fireplace to a gel model. It can be done, but should not be attempted by yourself if you are unsure.

How much heat is produced?

A gel fireplace will not be producing as much heat as a traditional stove would have. However, gel fuel will produce approximately the same amount of heat as bio ethanol. The amount of space that it heats is ideal for small to mid-sized homes. Every can of fuel that you add to the fireplace will last for 2 – 3 hours. If the fire starts to go out, you simply add another can.

How does gel differ from bioethanol?

Ethanol fireplaces are fueled by bioethanol, while gel models use a gel fuel source. These fuel sources are different materials, which makes a big difference. A bioethanol fireplace has only one burner, which makes it more flexible to work with. Another difference is that gel tends to burn for only 3 hours, while ethanol burns for 5-8 hours. This means that you will need to use more gel to produce the same effect as if you were using ethanol.  

Overall, bio ethanol tends to be a safer option. If you have children or are simply safety conscious, this might be the better choice for you. However, you might simply enjoy the look of fireplaces that use gel fuel. If you have a bio ethanol fireplace, under no circumstances can you use gel fuel to operate it. The two cannot be mixed, as this is a safety issue.

Safety

Gel fuel will typically burn for about 3 hours and is considered to be very safe. Seeing as these fireplaces are not producing real flames, there is a reduced chance of being burned. The outside of the fireplace will not be hot to the touch unless you get too close to the heat vent. As well, this fireplace will not be giving off any toxic fumes, or ashes. You do not need to worry about your house filling with smoke or gasses that will make you ill.

This type of flame cannot be regulated, so it is more dangerous than using bio ethanol. Some people choose to use gel fuel outside, so it is safer than being in an indoor enclosed area. You should always be careful.   

Even though gel fireplaces are a fairly new invention, they seem to be holding up quite well in the market. People are attracted to the clean and environmentally-friendly way that they operate. You do not need to worry about venting away the smoke and by-products. Their easy installation is an added bonus. People do not have to deal with ventilation and chimneys when they purchase their gel fireplace. Overall, it is a cheap alternative for heat, but it is highly flammable, and should be handled with caution.  

Investing in a Ventless Fireplace

There are many reasons to love having a fireplace in your home. They provide warmth, comfort and a positive ambience. What could be even better than having a fireplace? Having all the benefits of a fireplace, but not having to put up with the negative aspects of them. This can be done, and it is through an invention known as the vent-less fireplace.

Safety

It has been said that vent-less fireplaces are unsafe because they take the oxygen in the room and convert it into carbon monoxide. However, this does not necessarily mean that these fireplaces are unsafe. For example, most models contain a built-in detector that knows when the fireplace should be shut down. The detector can sense when the level of oxygen in the room is too low, so the fireplace is turned off right away. As well, having a steady flow of oxygen in the room is an easy way of staying safe. As long as there is enough oxygen in the room, a vent-less fireplace should be of no danger to you or your family.

Environmental Impact

A vent-less fireplace burns by using bio ethanol or it can be powered by electricity. They are not generating fumes into the air, and are producing no harmful by-products. If you decide to purchase an ethanol fireplace, you will need to add fuel to keep it running. The bio ethanol fuel is made from organic, natural materials (potatoes, corn and cellulose). This helps the environment, because the fuel is not made from chemicals that add to the pollution in the air. The fuel is renewable, as well as biodegradable. This means that it will go right back into the Earth, and be able to be used again in the future.

Flexibility

Vent-less fireplaces are great in the sense that you can place them wherever you want. Fireplaces requiring chimneys had to be placed where they had a connection to the vent. This could impact the design of your home, and would have been a nuisance every time you wanted to redecorate. Vent-less fireplaces do not give homeowners this concern. You can easily set up a vent-less fireplace in whatever room and area that you want it to be in. As well, you do not need to adjust your design, or make any special customizations to accommodate your fireplace. It will fit right in with the rest of your house, and can be moved whenever you have the need for a change.

Although vent-less fireplaces are fairly current inventions, they can be relied upon to perform their job sufficiently. They require less maintenance than other types of fireplaces, and therefore are preferred by many homeowners. Seeing as there are different types of vent-less fireplaces, it is likely that you will find something that meets your needs. If you do not want to add fuel to the fireplace, you might prefer an electric model. Or if you do not want an increase on your electricity bill, perhaps an ethanol fireplace might be right for you.