Electric Fireplaces

Baby it’s cold outside!

In many homes the TV has become the focal point of the family relaxing space but we would like to suggest another option. The electric fireplace brings back the much-enjoyed crackling hearth without the mess and stresses.

Sitting around a fire has been a comforting activity since prehistoric times. Basic survival requirements were met through warmth and security from animals and cooking. As society developed, tales told around the fireplace helped develop social behaviour and were used to teach children invaluable life lessons. So it is not surprising that our brains still recognize sitting around a fire as a comforting and relaxing experience.

What may be surprising is that apparently sitting around a simulated fireplace can have the same psychological benefits. According to research conducted by The University of Alabama watching a fireplace video provides a calming focus which promotes relaxation and even lowers blood pressure (an average of 5%!). Accordingly, the Netflix fireplace burning is a very heavily played program during the winter months and particularly at the holidays. Teachers even use the fireplace app during reading circle to keep children calm and comforted.

So it seems there is just cause for the electric wall mount fireplace having quickly gained in popularity. There are many models on the market ranging in price from a few hundred to thousands of dollars however the $400 to $600 range can give you a very nice model.  Beauty in design and the added benefit that most of them function as a heater as well as having realistic flame make these wall mount fireplaces very appealing to most home owners. Many of them have varying settings which include flame intensity, colour effects and interchangeable “fuel” such as faux wood, crystals, driftwood or rounded stones. The dimplex fireplace featured in our Shediac River Cottage offered a beautiful array of LED lights sparkling across a bed of crystal pebbles for a truly mesmerizing display.

The designs tend to be slim, making them ideal for small spaces and they are available in a wide range of widths and styles. So if you are considering impact, making options for your new home or a renovation project for an existing home consider a wall mount fireplace. Installation is simple with just a standard wall receptacle needed however we suggest installing a recessed wall mount receptacle to avoid the visible power cord. Add a natural stone tile wall behind as we did in our Tech Home or place them against a painted or papered focal wall and they bring life to any room.

Best of all you can add the feel of a hearth without chopping or carrying firewood.