A new fireplace can add more than just literal warmth to your home. It’s also a beautiful design element that can serve as a focal point for your living room, family room or even bedroom. While large brick structures may be the first thing that comes to mind, today there are a wide variety of fireplace styles to choose from to suit traditional to modern aesthetics.

In addition to warmth and style, electric fireplaces bring convenience and safety to the picture. Many even play double duty, serving as a TV console as well as source of supplementary heat. Plus, no special wiring is required! Read on for the latest in electric fireplaces, including design styles and optional features.

All the Flame, Without the Hassle

Electric fireplaces offer many advantages over traditional wood-burning fireplaces. You can still achieve the feel of a wood-burning fireplace, without the logs, venting, gas line, chimney and smoke. You'll have no ashes to clean up and no harmful emissions. These features make electric fireplaces a safer option for families with children. Additionally, you never have to worry about overheating your area, because you can simply adjust the temperature by remote control on some models.

How to Choose an Electric Fireplace

If these safety and convenience factors sell you on electric fireplaces, the next step is to narrow down the model and style. When selecting an electric fireplace, one of the first things to consider is the level of supplemental heat you want to add to your room. Some electric fireplace models warm to 400 sf; while others offer heat up to 1,000 sf. If you are looking for mostly ambiance and a little glow of flames, an option on the lower end may be your best bet. If you want to add significant supplemental heat, perhaps to a chilly lower -level family room, a model on the high end may be right for you.

Of course, electric fireplaces offer more than just supplement heat. Choose a new model with advanced functionality for added performance and safety. Don’t want to worry about forgetting to turn the fireplace off after a relaxing evening? You can choose a fireplace with safe sensor technology that will automatically turn off the fireplace when the doors cover the flame/heat area.

If you want to use your electric fireplace as a media console or TV stand, it’s important to consider the size of your television and choose a model accordingly. Electric fireplaces may house TVs up to 80-inches, depending on the model. You can use the media mantel with or without the heat function, and many models offer convenient media shelves to store other components.

Contemporary Style

While curling up by the fireplace may seem like a traditional way to spend an evening, today’s electric fireplaces look anything but dated. A wide range of styles are available, including sleek and modern looks. For instance, an electric fireplace with a black gloss finish can work well with any contemporary décor. For a trendy and current look, consider an industrial design fireplace with factory-inspired frosted glass sliding doors; or select a model with barn doors for a country-chic inspiration.

No matter your design aesthetic, a new electric fireplace can get you relaxing in warmth and style this winter season, and on chilly nights throughout the year.