News — table top

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.

How to Be Prepared for Winter Black-Outs

Depending on where you live, winter can be a long and arduous time of year. The temperature drops, the road freezes over, and people get sick. This is the time when you should be prepared for all eventualities. You have no way of knowing whether something will happen when you least expect it. This is why you should have the following list of items in your home to be ready for a possible black-out this winter.

Ventless fireplace

Ventless fireplaces can be fueled by natural gas. This means that they have no need for electricity. The latest models of these fireplaces come with an automatic ignition. When the power goes out, you will still have the ability to operate the fireplace. You will be kept toasty warm throughout the power outage. 

Medicines

If you have medicine that normally is kept in the fridge, it will not remain cold forever. The power to the fridge will be cut off, and eventually everything inside will go bad. This is especially the case if the fridge is continually opened. Try keeping a small cooler in an accessible place. This will keep the important medicine cold for a longer period of time. 

Alternative light sources

The darkness can be a frightening thing. Prepare for a winter black-out by having some extra light sources handy. Flashlights and lanterns are a safe bet. They require batteries and oil to light up the darkness, so make sure you keep a supply of those as well. Candles can work in a pinch, they provide a smaller beam of light.

Stock up on water

If you know in advance that a winter storm is coming, it is a good idea to have clean water available. Many people will fill up their bathtubs with water so that they have a large supply. This water should be used for hygiene purposes. Have a separate supply of water on hand for drinking.

Check the insulation

If you do not have proper insulation in your home, you will not be happy during winter black-outs. If you can, check to see that the work was done properly and efficiently. Having to redo insulation can be a huge pain. However, it will be worth it in the long run when you and your family are safe and warm during winter black-outs.

Winter black-outs do not have to be scary. By making a few key preparations beforehand, you can get through the storm in comfort. If you know that a storm is coming, it is easier to make preparations. However, you should always have some supplies in place in just case you are caught unawares.

Giving Your Patio a Makeover

Are you tired of looking out the window at your boring old patio? Perhaps you are finally getting sick of sitting outside at the same 20-year-old table? Could you use some inspiration when it comes to redoing your patio? Well look no further! We will be talking about some basic ideas when it comes to sprucing up your patio and giving it a much-needed makeover.

Outdoor Rugs

These rugs are soft and durable; perfect for bare feet to run over. Outdoor rugs tend to be made out of materials such as polypropylene and nylon. These are more weather resistant than other materials, and bring a splash of color to the space.

Ventless Fireplace

Ventless fireplaces are becoming more common and popular. This means that they are also getting more affordable than they were in the past. They do not require ventilation, so they can be installed outside on the patio. They provide a warm synthetic flame which will be appreciated on cool summer nights.  

Weather Resistant Furniture

Choosing furniture that is made out of natural wood may be a good option for your patio. This could include a cedar sofa that has been upholstered for comfort. The material must be able to stand up to the weather conditions of your area. The furniture will not look as worn out or frayed if you are careful about selecting the right material for it.

Throw Pillows

Any seating area looks more welcoming with pillows, am I right? Adding a few throw pillows to the benches or outdoor sofas can bring a sense of comfort. The space will feel more like an outdoor living room, as opposed to a patio.

Plants

Plants don’t have to be restricted to the garden, they can have a space on the patio too. Adding some potted or hanging plants will provide a breath of fresh air. Hanging plants are nice because they do not take up any floor space on the patio. As well, they give some privacy from neighbors if the houses are close together.

Candles

The patio should be a calming atmosphere for you to relax in. This means that you can incorporate things that help you to de-stress. Candles appeal to most people because of their fragrant scents. Lighting some candles and sitting outside at night looking up at the stars can be exactly what you need.

Artwork

This can include whatever you consider to be art. If you enjoy figurines or statues, you can find a place for a few on the patio. Perhaps you enjoy a certain decoration and want to add it into the design. Personal touches such as artwork can bring the space together and make it more inviting.

How to Decide When to get a Ventless Fireplaces



As time goes on, people are being offered more and more choices. Companies want you to choose their product over their competitor. This means that they will be continually expanding their product line, trying to find something that will entice you. Eventually, this can get pretty overwhelming. For example, if you go to the store to buy a fireplace, you will be confronted with many different types. Gas, electric, wood burning, ethanol, and more. This article is meant to help you narrow down when you need a vent less fireplace.

Cost

If you are on a budget, a vent less fireplace may be the right option for you. These models are typically less expensive than a wood burning one. They cost less to install, so the initial payment is lower. As well, they do not cause a significant increase in your electricity bill. On a monthly basis, electric vent less fireplaces cost less than their gas equivalents. As well, you do not need to buy fuel for them, as they are powered by electricity. This is opposed to traditional stoves, where you need to purchase wood to keep them burning.

Environmentally Conscious

If you are someone who worries about polluting the atmosphere, you will not need to with this fireplace. Vent less fireplaces do not produce any harmful by-products into the air. They only provide a synthetic flame, instead of a real one. This is also helpful if you are worried about the health effects of the inhabitants living in the home. There is no danger to them if there are no toxins being released.

Smaller Spaces

Electric vent less fireplaces do not provide as much heat as traditional models. They will sufficiently heat one or two rooms, but not the whole house. This is why they are preferred by people who live in smaller spaces. For examples, people who live in small apartments like vent less fireplaces because they will heat the entire space. If you have a large house that you are trying to heat solely with the fireplace, you may want to consider a different option.

The type of fireplace that you choose depends entirely on your own needs. Everyone is different, and therefore requires a unique set up for their home. If you find yourself confused about what exactly you are looking for, stop and review your criteria. Evaluating your different options according to the criteria that you are looking for will help you immensely. It will narrow down your focus, and show you the pros and cons of each option. Eventually, you should find yourself with a final contender from the list of options.

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.