With the arrival of Fall and cooler temperatures, AT reader Jaime sent us a question about finding a stylish fireplace for her home.
"Is there a such thing as a good looking, modern electric fireplace? With the winter coming and no fireplace in our home, I think it could be cozy or could be really, really bad. Having a hard time finding non-ugly options..."
We agree - the selection of modern or contemporary portable fireplaces is lacking a bit in the style department. That being said, with some creativity, you can create the look you want. Here are two ideas - one is more DIY and one is more pricey. If you prefer either direction, there are more options within each but this is a start.
This Arched Contemporary gel fireplace is a good base and affordable. You can apply any paint color or material (mirror, tinted glass, bricks, wallpaper) to freshen up the look.
These units tend to be pricey but look neat and make a statement. The PLAZA Fireplace by Seiger Design for Conmoto is free-standing and vent less. Although not sure how much heat this smaller unit would radiate?!
And when Spring and Summer roll around next year, you can consider revising your fireplace space to add more light reflection by placing a leaning mirror inside. Check out this look from domino.
What do you think AT readers? Any other ideas for Jaime?
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Comments (12)
Chiasso makes some cool looking modern fireplaces. They are pricey though.
I'd love to know if there are modern wood pellet stoves out there... we've been looking and all we can find are these awful clunkers.
Wittus Fire is a great place to find modern and more befitting fireplaces. Also Focus fire has some brillant designs as well.
Rebecca--
The OP was specifically asking for an Electric Fireplace...
...after doing a simple Google search - there are plenty to be found - such as these here:
http://www.electricfireplacesdirect.com/wall-mount-electric-fireplaces;jsessionid=0a0101441f4364ddb67197e54160ac15d877bda8a8d4.e3eSc3uNaNuTe34Pa38Ta38Naxb0
I have an electric fireplace and I got it from somewhere online for $300 (free shipping, its all about the free shipping). I recomend not getting anything too big (don't try to "fake" a big, roaring fireplace, it will look like faking a TV as an aquaium by using a DVD of fish swimming) and to make sure you get something solid wood that gives you the option to have the flame without the heat. The flame itself will always look fake up close, but if its small and accented well with a good rug and a mirror or painting over it, it doesn't look cheap. And its a hell of a lot prettier when off or on then a regular space heater.
I suggest going with a wood fireplace as well, its something you wouldn'y usually see with a real fireplace and will really look good with many decors.
I agree with leely16, Chiasso has the coolest modern/portable fireplaces....for about $2000.
This post has me wanting a fireplace too :)
These are similar to the ones on Chiasso.
http://www.amazon.com/s/?&url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=blomus chimo fireplace
"I suggest going with a wood fireplace as well, its something you wouldn'y usually see with a real fireplace and will really look good with many decors."
I believe the reason the OP might be asking for an electric fireplace is that LA has a ban on new wood-burning fireplaces.
"I suggest going with a wood fireplace as well, its something you wouldn'y usually see with a real fireplace and will really look good with many decors."
I think maybe Rebecca meant a fireplace with a wood surround, not a wood-burning (i.e., "regular") fireplace?
Anyway, as an alternative, there are some slick little kits by a company called EcoSmart which burn some kind of distilled ethanol. No flue or connections required. Probably not cheap; they have them at DDC on Beverly Blvd. if you want to find out.
http://www.ecosmartfire.com/USA/product/5/1/burner_kits
http://www.conmoto.com/kamine_ohne_abzug.html?&L=1
They don't run on electricity, but rather liquid fuel. Look at the shelf mounted one. That's my favorite. Very Cool. Very German.
Thanks for all of your great suggestions, AT! I posted about the Arch fireplace as a gel option. Another idea along with the electric option that Jamie first asked about. That's a way to go too!
Some nice deocor options...any feedback on how they work as a heatsource? I'm thinking of getting one instead of a spaceheater but if all about the ambiance without any warmth...not worth it for me.