Electric fires are one of the most flexible fireplace options for modern homes, apartments, new builds and properties without an existing chimney. They can create the look and atmosphere of a real fire without requiring a chimney, flue or gas supply.
Electric fires are available in a wide range of styles, from traditional inset fires and freestanding electric stoves to modern media wall fires, front facing fires, corner fires, double sided fires and 3 sided feature fireplaces. The right electric fire will depend on your room layout, wall design, style preference and how you want the fireplace to be used.
Electric Fire Options
Electric fires can suit both traditional and contemporary interiors. Some are designed to fit into an existing fireplace opening, while others are built into a media wall, feature wall or false chimney breast.
Because electric fires do not need a flue, they are often easier to plan than gas or solid fuel options. They can be used for visual effect, supplementary heat or as the main feature within a living room, bedroom, dining area or open-plan space.
Media Wall Electric Fires
Media wall electric fires are one of the most popular choices for modern homes. They are built into a feature wall, often below a television, to create a clean and contemporary focal point.
A media wall electric fire can be front facing, corner, 3 sided or panoramic depending on the design. The fire, TV, wall depth, cable routes, ventilation and final finish should all be considered before the project begins.
Inset Electric Fires
Inset electric fires are designed to sit neatly within a fireplace opening, wall or surround. They are a good option for homeowners who want a simple and practical fire with a traditional or modern finish.
Inset electric fires can be used to update an existing fireplace or create a new feature without needing a chimney or gas supply. They are available in a variety of styles, flame effects and fuel bed designs.
Freestanding Electric Fires
Freestanding electric fires and electric stoves are ideal if you want a flexible fireplace feature with minimal building work. They can be positioned in a fireplace opening, on a hearth or used as a standalone feature within the room.
This type of electric fire is popular in homes where a wood burning stove or gas stove is not practical but a stove-style look is still desired.
Front Facing Electric Fires
Front facing electric fires are viewed directly from the front and are suitable for fireplace openings, media walls, chimney breasts and feature walls.
They are one of the most versatile electric fire options because they work well in both traditional and contemporary rooms. A front facing fire can create a simple central focal point without needing a flue.
Corner Electric Fires
Corner electric fires are designed to be viewed from the front and one side. They are often used in media walls, feature walls and room layouts where the fire needs to sit at an angle.
This style works well in modern living rooms, open-plan spaces and rooms where a standard front facing fire does not suit the layout.
Double Sided Electric Fires
Double sided electric fires, also known as see-through electric fires, can be viewed from both sides. They are often used in room dividers, open-plan living spaces and feature walls between two areas.
A double sided electric fire can create a strong design feature while keeping two spaces visually connected. Because it does not need a chimney or gas supply, it can be a flexible option for modern interiors.
3 Sided Electric Fires
3 sided electric fires, also known as panoramic electric fires, offer a flame view from the front and both sides. They are commonly used in media walls, feature walls and open-plan living spaces.
This style creates a wider, more architectural fireplace feature and is ideal where the fire needs to be visible from different parts of the room.
Traditional Electric Fires
Traditional electric fires are suited to classic fireplace settings, period-style rooms and existing fireplace openings. They can be paired with a fireplace surround, hearth and slips to create a complete fireplace feature.
They are a good choice where the look of a traditional fire is wanted without the need for a chimney, gas supply or solid fuel.
Modern Electric Fires
Modern electric fires are designed for clean lines, larger flame views and contemporary interiors. They often feature realistic flame effects, glowing fuel beds, colour settings, remote controls and built-in heat options depending on the model.
They work especially well in media walls, feature walls, apartments, new builds and modern living spaces.
Choosing the Right Electric Fire
The right electric fire depends on your room, wall layout, style preference and how much heat or visual effect you want. A traditional inset electric fire may suit an existing fireplace, while a wide media wall fire may be better for a contemporary living space.
Before choosing an electric fire, it is important to consider:
- Room size
- Wall depth
- Fire size
- Viewing angle
- Heat output
- Electrical supply
- Ventilation requirements
- TV position
- Surrounding materials
- Traditional or modern design preference
Do Electric Fires Need a Chimney?
No, electric fires do not need a chimney or flue. This makes them suitable for homes where a traditional fireplace, gas fire or wood burning stove may not be possible.
Electric fires usually require a suitable electrical supply and safe installation according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are Electric Fires Good for Media Walls?
Yes, electric fires are one of the best options for media walls. They do not need a chimney or gas supply, and many models are specifically designed to be built into feature walls.
When planning a media wall, the fire size, TV position, wall depth, cable routes, ventilation and finishing materials should all be considered.
Electric Fire FAQs
Running costs depend on how the electric fire is used. Many electric fires allow the flame effect to be used without the heater, which uses less electricity. Using the heat function will cost more and depends on the appliance output and energy tariff.
Yes, many electric fires include a heater that provides supplementary heat. Some are mainly chosen for visual effect, while others can provide useful warmth for a room.
Yes, electric fires do not need a chimney or flue. This makes them suitable for apartments, new builds, media walls and homes without existing fireplaces.
Yes, many electric fires can be installed below a TV, especially in media walls. The correct clearances, ventilation and manufacturer instructions must be followed.
The best type depends on the room and the look you want. Media wall fires are popular for modern interiors, inset fires suit fireplace openings, freestanding electric stoves create a classic stove look, and 3 sided fires create a wider feature fireplace.
Some built-in electric fires require ventilation gaps around the appliance to prevent overheating. The exact requirements depend on the model and manufacturer instructions.
Yes, many electric fires are designed to be built into a wall, media wall or false chimney breast. The wall must be built to the correct depth and allow for any required ventilation.
Yes, electric fires are very suitable for new build homes because they do not need a chimney, flue or gas supply. They are commonly used in media walls and modern feature walls.
Many modern electric fires have highly realistic flame effects, glowing fuel beds, log sets, colour settings and adjustable flame visuals. The level of realism depends on the model and technology used.
Electric fires and gas fires suit different needs. Electric fires are flexible, low maintenance and do not need a flue. Gas fires offer real flames and often stronger heat output. The best choice depends on your property and priorities.
Electric Fire Advice
An electric fire can create a clean, stylish and low-maintenance fireplace feature for almost any home. Whether you prefer a traditional inset fire, a freestanding electric stove, a media wall fire or a 3 sided feature fireplace, the right choice should be based on the room layout, fire size, electrical requirements and final look you want to achieve.
Contact our team for advice on choosing the right electric fire for your project.