Making your home come alive with an electric fireplace

Imagine coming home on a cold winter’s night to the warmth of a new electric fire. With gorgeous LED flames, realistic logs and radiant heat, your home will be transformed into the ultimate cosy retreat.

But how do you make it your own? Well, there are plenty of ways to personalise your electric fireplace: all you have to do is consider the space, style and decorations you have to hand.

What’s the appeal of an electric fire?

In the last ten years, the demand for electric fireplaces has surged dramatically.

Their popularity has been the result of major technological advancements and design varieties. Now, homeowners can heat their property with a 100% energy-efficient fireplace that not only works well but looks great!

For sleek, minimalist visuals, the New Forest range from British Fires offers uncompromising beauty. These LED electric suites would be equally at home in period properties and modern apartments.

Or you can call back to more historic designs with a steel-bodied, free-standing electric stove. With realistic decorative logs and ember effects, you can get all the benefits or a wood-burning fireplace without any of the maintenance.

So, aside from their beautiful aesthetics, why else should homeowners choose an electric fire?

Ease of use

One of the best parts about electric fires is how easy they are to operate.

Many come with remote controls, meaning users can adjust temperature and flame settings from the comfort of their sofa. With this convenience, you eliminate the need for constant tending and the hassle of firewood or gas connections.

Safety for families

If you live in a home with young children or pets, safety is always a priority.

Electric fires are designed to remain cool to the touch, even when in use! They reduce the risk of burns, which are a significant hazard with wood-burning units.

The absence of real flames means there’s also no risk of embers or sparks that could lead to accidental fires. This aspect makes electric fireplaces a worry-free option for family homes, where they can be enjoyed without constant supervision.

How to make a fireplace come alive

So, now that you’ve chosen your perfect electric fireplace, how can you best maximise its beauty?

Creating a focal point

The most traditional way to position a fireplace is to place it centrally on the most prominent wall.

This area naturally draws the eye and anchors the room’s layout! In living rooms, this often means placing the fireplace on the wall opposite the main entrance or under the largest wall space between windows.

For smaller rooms (or to create a more intimate space), consider placing the electric fireplace in a corner.

Doing this can help utilise otherwise underused space and add a cosy nook to your room. Corner fireplaces are particularly effective in bedrooms or dining areas, where space is at a premium.

Decorative elements

Now, it’s time to decorate! This step will be specific to your home and style, but there are a few failsafe tips to elevate your fireplace even further.

First, candles: while this may seem odd, as your fireplace is already a glowing source of light, real or LED candles can create a warm, inviting ambience.

Invest in some decorative holders and, for a more dramatic look, consider using candles of varying heights and sizes. Next is artwork! Consider placing a proportional art print above your fireplace for an extra dash of visual interest.

Or, swap this out for a mirror, which will reflect natural light and create the illusion of space. Finish this off with ornaments, sculptures or figurines that inject personality into your new display.

Add greenery and plants

Invest in a houseplant collection and fill your room with vibrancy and colour!

With hanging plants (real or fake), you can utilise the vertical space around your fire. The lush, cascading effect of pothos, spider plants or ferns is ideal for bringing a sense of freshness.

If you’re not green-fingered, low-maintenance plants like succulents and cacti can make a great addition to your fireplace without needing too much care. They thrive even with limited watering, making them ideal for busy households.

Layering textiles and fabrics

Create even more dimension by incorporating textiles and fabrics into the space around your fire. Area rugs are always a winner, defining the space and adding a degree of cosiness.

Combine throw pillows of various shapes, sizes, and textures on couches near your fireplace.

Mixing patterns and solids can create a dynamic, unique look. You can even swap out pillow covers seasonally for a fresh start! Use lighter fabrics and brighter colours for spring and summer and warmer, richer tones and heavier textures for autumn and winter.

While mixing and matching can be fun, maintain a unified theme or colour palette to ensure that the space doesn’t feel cluttered or disjointed.