Romance 101: Create Instant Ambiance with an Electric Fireplace

You’re planning the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend full of romance. But wait a minute – where’s the fireplace?

There’s nothing like a beautiful fire to set the mood. And believe it or not, it’s simple to turn any room you choose into a dazzling romantic retreat with an electric fireplace.

Why Buy an Electric Fireplace?

Thanks to creative leaps in technology, style and engineering, electric fireplaces are more affordable, more realistic, and easier to install than ever before.

There’s a reason that electric fireplaces are the fastest-growing category in the fireplace market. “We like to think of it as instant architecture,” said Lisa Cody, Vice President of Marketing for Twin Star Home™, the market leader in electric fireplaces and a premier designer and manufacturer of home furnishings.  “You can create your own ambiance — and unlike a conventional fireplace, you can choose where you want to put it and even take it with you when you move.”

Many of Twin Star Home’s new products feature Classicflame® electric fireplaces with patented 3D Flame® effect. This is the most realistic flame effect on the market for lifelike dancing flames. They have five speed settings, from roaring fire to barely flickering flames. They can also be adjusted for brightness and even flame color! Hues range from “Sapphire” to “Campfire” for just the right mood.

Unlike wood or gas fires, electric fireplaces don’t create smoke, so there’s no need for a flue or ventilation. Moreover, they come in a huge range of options, from a slim wall-mounted model to a versatile TV stand unit with a custom-fitted fireplace insert. Most of them require only a 120V outlet to run and can operate with a remote control. Even better, ClassicFlame electric fireplaces provide supplemental zone heating for up to 1,000 square feet to help you save money.

If you haven’t looked at electric fireplaces in a while—or if you’re new to the concept—you’ll be amazed at the elegance and sophistication of the new products on the market. Here’s a quick guide to fireplaces for your best Valentine’s Day date-night ever…

Electric Fireplace inserts

If you already have a fireplace built into your home but are ready to give up the overhead of gas or wood burning, an electric fireplace insert may be the easiest and least expensive way to fill that gaping hole. Starting at a compact 18 inches, inserts can cost as little as $300—less than a weekend at a romantic B&B.

Electric Log Sets

An electric log set is another great option for non-working or unused fireplaces. Using a duraflame® electric log set is easy. Simply place it in the unused hearth, plug it in, and adjust to find the perfect temperature and flame effect. Customers have discovered that brightness and flame speed controls aren’t the only way to customize the look of their fire. The look of dancing flames on the walls of the fireplace also changes depending on where the log set is positioned.

Wall Mantels

Don’t have a fireplace? A wall mantel electric fireplace can be assembled with little more than a Phillips head screwdriver. Mantels come in every style from traditional or rustic stone to sleek modern. As a bonus, look for a mantel that is designed to also serve as a TV stand with media storage. Brilliant flames below and your favorite rom-com above makes for the perfect date night in!

Electric Stove Heaters

Think of an electric stove heater as a smaller fireplace with big benefits. Most electric stove heaters are small enough to move from room to room. They also have the stylish look of old-fashioned wood stoves. In either case, supplemental zone heating and the appeal of realistic and mesmerizing flame effects are paired with major convenience. Stoves are also an especially good choice for corners and areas that may be more undefined.

Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces

Similar to electric stove heaters, wall mounted electric fireplaces are great space savers. They can hang on any wall in much the same way as a flat-screen TV. Most of them come with an included pedestal stand, too. That way, you also have the option to stand it on a tabletop surface. Wall mounted fireplaces are sleek, elegant, and ideal for contemporary interiors.

Furniture with Fire

A fireplace surrounded by a mantel is expected. But what about a bookshelf, TV stand, or wine cabinet with an electric fireplace in it? Functional and stylish furniture designed to accommodate brilliant flames can fit smoothly into your decorating scheme. Look for pieces that are part of a collection for an entire coordinated look.

The bells and whistles

Make your fire your own without ever having to chop a stick of wood. Many fireplaces come standard with controls that will change the color, speed, and brightness of the flames. You can even customize further by choosing the base of the firebox. A traditional log set and ember bed give a more natural look. Meanwhile, river rocks or fire crystals offer contemporary style.