How to choose an electric fireplace in the apartment. How to choose a fireplace: an electric fireplace in the interior

Probably, everyone would like to have a fireplace in the house, because for most people it is the embodiment of home warmth and comfort. Who has not dreamed of sitting on a rocking chair on a cold winter evening, relaxing and watching the flames dance in the hearth, listening to the soothing crackle of embers. A fireplace in an apartment or house is also a sign of high status, because it is not cheap. If the house has a fireplace, the sale of real estate becomes much more attractive and more expensive.

But you need to be aware that a traditional wood-burning fireplace is not only expensive, but also quite complicated. Often, the presence of a fireplace must be taken into account already at the stage of building a house, because under it you need to build a foundation and a chimney. If you decide to install a fireplace in an already finished house, be prepared for serious construction and repair work, as well as high financial costs. Even if you are ready to endure the temporary inconvenience associated with the construction of a fireplace and subsequent repairs, this is only half the battle. The erection of a fireplace must be coordinated with the state police. If you want to build a wood-burning fireplace in a private house, obtaining a permit is not difficult, but if you decide to decorate an apartment with a fireplace, you will most likely not receive a permit.

What about people who build a fireplace in an apartment in an apartment or those who cannot afford a traditional wood-burning hearth in a private house? The most rational solution would be decorative electric fireplaces.

Now the choice of electric fireplaces is simply huge and everyone can choose a model for their interior. When choosing an electric fireplace, remember that its portal should match the color of the furniture and contrast with the color of the walls. Electric fireplaces in an apartment most often become the central element of the interior, so it should be noticeable and not merge with the wallpaper. Please also note that electric fireplaces are quite compact, so they will not look very harmonious in a large room. Electric fireplaces have many advantages over traditional fireplaces, but there are also disadvantages. In this article we will try to objectively consider all the pros and cons of electric fireplaces.

Advantages of electric fireplaces

1. Easy to install. To install an electric fireplace, neither a foundation nor a chimney is needed. You do not have to mess with bricks and mortar, and after installation, make repairs in the room. An electric fireplace in an apartment does not require much trouble: it is brought in, placed in a suitable place and connected to the network.
2. No need for firewood and coal. Since decorative electric fireplaces are powered by the mains, you do not have to harvest, store somewhere, and constantly throw coal or firewood into the firebox. Another plus is the absence of burning and smoke in the room.
3. Efficient space heating. In addition to the decorative function, electric fireplaces are also designed to heat the room. The average power of electric fireplaces is 2 kW, which is enough to heat a room of about 20 square meters. On many modern models, relays are installed that turn the heating on and off, maintaining a constant set temperature in the room. In most cases, traditional wood-burning fireplaces are inefficient in terms of heating. Their design is such that almost all the heat "flies into the pipe."
4. Fire safety. A properly installed and connected electric fireplace is no more dangerous than any other electrical appliance. A wood-burning fireplace with fire safety is not all that great, which is not surprising, given the close proximity of an open fire and, suppose, a wooden floor or carpeting. Many cases are known when a fire started from a coal that flew out of the furnace.
5. Price. Electric fireplaces are much cheaper than their wood-burning counterparts. This is a definite plus, which often becomes decisive. Although some modern electric fireplaces are complemented by portals made of precious wood, marble, metal, so their price can be comparable or even higher than that of traditional fireplaces. But such models are rather an exception.
6. Transportability. Electric fireplaces are usually small and light. They are not fixed anywhere and most often are not built into the wall. Thanks to this, the electric fireplace can be easily moved to another room or even taken with you to the country. When you move, you can take your favorite fireplace to a new apartment or house.
7. No permissions or approvals are needed. If you decide to install an electric fireplace, you do not have to ask permission from anyone, and this is a very big plus with our bureaucracy.
8. Fast installation. It takes a lot of time to build a full-fledged fireplace. The electric fireplace can be used already on the day of purchase.
9. Ability to enable economy mode. Electric fireplaces can work for heating, or they can simply project a flame in the furnace, consuming no more than 100W.

Disadvantages of electric fireplaces:

1. High power consumption. As already noted, modern electric fireplaces in heating mode consume about 2 kW. Therefore, if you turn on the electric fireplace, microwave oven and boiler at the same time, the wiring may not withstand. If you use an electric fireplace as the main source of heating, you need to be prepared for impressive electricity bills.
2. Fan noise. The electric fireplace works on the principle of a fan heater. Several spirals are heated in it, through which air is driven by a fan. At the same time, the noise of the fan is quite clearly audible (at least in budget models of electric fireplaces).
3. Artificial flame. No matter how hard the manufacturers of electric fireplaces try to make the flame as natural as possible, they fail and probably never will. If you look closely, the flames move with a certain cycle, and the "flame pattern" is periodically repeated. Artificial flames do not have the inexplicable magic that real fires have. In addition, few models of electric fireplaces can please owners with the sound of crackling firewood. It is the artificial flame that is the main reason for the disappointment of the owners of electric fireplaces, a fireplace with such a flame is not able to catch the eye for hours and become a place where you want to spend the evenings away.

How to choose an electric fireplace

If you plan to use a fireplace to heat a room, pay attention to its power. Optimally, when 1 kW of power falls on 10 square meters of floor space. When choosing power, objectively evaluate the capabilities of your wiring.
It is better to opt for electric fireplaces of the middle price category. The choice of electric fireplaces is huge, and the price range is correspondingly wide. Dimplex electric fireplaces can be attributed to the lower segment. The price pleases them, but the possibilities are rather limited: there is no relay to maintain a constant temperature, there is no adjustment of the brightness of the flame, the portals are made of MDF. There are also very expensive, but original fireplaces, such as Planika. They are made in high-tech style, and the traditional hearth is very remotely reminiscent. Prices for such fireplaces, to put it mildly, "bite". Electrolux electric fireplaces can be attributed to the middle price segment. The manufacturer has long established itself in the market of electrical appliances, so Electrolux fireplaces are quite high quality. They are equipped with a relay for maintaining the temperature and a flame brightness regulator. The flame in Electrolux electric fireplaces is as close as possible to the real one. The model range is wide, prices (taking into account quality) are democratic.
Be sure to check out the warranty. It is advisable to choose a model from a manufacturer that has service centers in your area.

In general, electric fireplaces are a good alternative to traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They are especially worth paying attention to if you live in an apartment building, in which it is very problematic to build a real fireplace. You also need to understand that an electric fireplace is rather a well-decorated convector that cannot become a real home. No matter how hard the manufacturers try, an artificial flame cannot replace the real one, so that inexplicable magic and comfort cannot be fully achieved.

Many home owners dream of a real fireplace, around which it is so cozy to spend an evening. Most often, the idea is rejected because of the possible difficulties associated with installation and maintenance. In an apartment building, fire safety rules and other requirements do not allow installing a fireplace.

Meanwhile, do not rush and cross out the dream! Because electric fireplaces come to the rescue - equipment made of high-tech materials with a thoughtful design. It performs many of the functions of a wood burning hearth and has a number of other advantages.

The design is an infrared electric heater of directional radiation. The fireplace consists of a body, a heating element, decorative parts, a protective screen and a remote control. The principle of operation is to heat a tubular electric heater. After turning on the equipment, the air is reflected from the inner walls, due to which the heating effect is created.

Therefore, the heat is directed forward, and not dissipated to the sides. Electric fireplaces are available in different sizes, shapes, textures and colors. Not only these characteristics made the equipment so popular. On sale you can find models made in different design styles:

classical;
eastern;
African;
modern;
Art Deco.

If the thought of an electric fireplace does not let go, it is important to find out all the advantages and disadvantages of the design. This will help you understand which one is better to buy from a wide range offered by manufacturers.

The type of heating element is open or closed. Each of them has its own subspecies. For example, open-type fireplaces are easily recognizable by the spiral stretched between the ceramic rods. In closed type equipment, the heating element is sealed inside a glass bulb, which can be frosted, transparent or translucent.

The main parts of the structure are the portal and the firebox. The first is a place to place the hearth, made of metal, wood or ceramics. The firebox is built-in, specially made for a particular model. It is controlled by a remote control. The second type is a replaceable firebox, which is available in various sizes.

The electric fireplace with the effect of live fire is powered by a built-in silent fan heater. Its principle of operation is as follows: the fan drives cold air through the heating element and releases it into the room. How warm and strong the airflow will be depends on the power of the fan.

Device classification

The equipment differs in mobility, location and type of accommodation. The electric fireplace is built-in and portable. The first group includes a wall-mounted type, which is installed with its back against the wall. The second type of electric fireplace is distinguished by the presence of rollers and compactness. It does not require stationary placement and is easy to operate.

Manufacturers offer hanging, floor and even desktop models that differ in size and design. Thanks to a large selection, you will be able to find a fireplace that will organically fit into any space. For example, a corner device is useful for those who have a very small apartment.

The equipment is available in various sizes. Among the assortment of manufacturers there are mini-models, as well as large-format devices. When deciding which one to buy for an apartment, you should focus on the correct ratio of the size of the electric fireplace and the area of \u200b\u200bthe room.

Features and functions of the equipment

The device is equipped with sensors that allow you to maintain the desired temperature and reduce energy consumption. Thanks to the thermostat, the fireplace will automatically turn off when the air in the room heats up to a certain point.

The main difference and benefit of an electric fireplace from a real one is the ability to adjust the power and mode of operation with a remote control. Therefore, the owners of the house do not waste time cleaning the firebox from coal. If desired, you can turn on the live fire simulation mode without heating or at half power.

The power consumption is indicated in the equipment passport and depends on the device model. It is determined by such technical characteristics as:

dimensions;
functional;
work productivity.

Popular electric fireplace models are equipped with various special effects. Manufacturers have come up with the following decorative functions: imitation of a flame with stripes of fabrics, reproduction of fire on a liquid crystal screen.

On sale you can find electric fireplaces with a 3D hearth, water vapor or sound effects. A multimedia unit or device is also produced that simultaneously humidifies and purifies the air.

Advantages and disadvantages of the device

Given the variety of models produced, everyone who dreams of a fireplace will be able to find a suitable option. Manufacturers offer both budget electric fireplaces and premium ones. The main advantages of the equipment are:

lack of soot and dust;
noiselessness;
simple care.

The installation of an electric fireplace is allowed in apartment buildings. The device complies with fire safety requirements, has a realistic resemblance to a real hearth. The disadvantages of the equipment include the reduction of oxygen due to the operation of the device, which is eliminated by the arrangement of good ventilation. Maintenance and operation of the electric fireplace is possible only after carefully studying the instructions. Keep in mind that equipment will make more noise as parts wear.

Which electric fireplace models are called the best

Everyone has individual selection criteria, someone judges a product by price, others are more interested in special effects. Below is a rating of high-quality electric fireplaces that have proven themselves well.

Electrolux EFP/W-1150URLS

This electric fireplace is one of the best devices with live fire imitation. Thanks to the modern system, the artificial flame is indistinguishable from the real one. The device is either built-in or wall-mounted. The thickness of the equipment is 11 centimeters.

The electric fireplace is made in a rounded shape, controlled remotely. There are two heating modes and overheating protection. Consumes a minimum amount of electricity.

Advantages:

does not require special care;
can be installed in residential and office premises;
compactness;
there is a sound effect.

Flaws:

stone decor crumbles;
hot air is not blown forward, but upward. Therefore, you should not install it under wooden shelves.

Average price: 16,499 rubles.

Real Flame Saturn

The Real Flame brand has been producing fireplaces for over 30 years. All its products comply with international safety standards and satisfy any consumer needs. If you are interested in an electric fireplace with legs, then you should take a closer look at the Real Flame Saturn.

The peculiarity of the model lies in the safety and beautiful design, so it will complement any interior. In summer, the product can serve as a decorative element, and with the onset of cold weather - a real heater.

Advantages:

compact size, so it fits in an average room;
illumination of the internal chamber;
fast heating.

Flaws:

not detected.

Average price: 15,590 rubles

Fireplace set Altur P33 with Firespace 33 S IR

The Master Flame brand presents a ready-made electric fireplace kit with infrared heating. These are inexpensive devices consisting of a portal and a hearth. Thanks to a wide range of portals, which are made in different styles, the set looks organic in any interior.

The infrared heater is located at the top. Management is carried out using the remote control. Imitation of firewood is done perfectly, a status indicator and a timer are provided.

Advantages:

6 heating modes;
sound effects;
adjusting the brightness of the flame.

Flaws:

does not heat a large area.

Average price: 43,400 rubles.

Narvi NM 450 4.5 kw

The product from the Finnish company is easy to use and very durable. The device belongs to the standard type, is made of carefully selected materials. The electric fireplace is suitable for a sauna, mostly at home.

It has a large compartment for stones, thanks to which the steam is of excellent quality and in large quantities. You can install the equipment without the help of specialists. During installation, you should choose which side the switches will be located on - left or right.

Advantages:

the heating element last a long time due to the large diameter;
does not require cleaning;
does not emit harmful substances during operation.

Flaws:

consumes a lot of electricity.

Average price: 13,000 rubles.

Dimplex Opti-Myst Juneau

Dimplex is one of the largest manufacturers of electric fireplaces. The Opti-Myst Juneau went through a lot of testing and verification before being made available to consumers. A feature of the electric fireplace is that the firebox can be used separately or together with the portal.

It can be installed in a wall niche. An electric fireplace with a steam generator will be an excellent addition to the interior of a country house. The model is distinguished by its compact size, the real effect of a living flame. There is a humidification function. There is a special container for water. During the operation of the electric fireplace, it turns into steam, which is similar to the smoke from a real fire.

Advantages:

creates a relaxed atmosphere;
economical;
looks like a real fireplace;
safe to operate.

Flaws:

high price.

Average price: 95,900 rubles.

How to choose an electric fireplace

The best device manufacturers are Dimplex, Real Flame, Classic Flame. Equipment companies have passed the test of time and operation in different conditions. The brand name is not everything for buying a device. You can ask several people which company's electric fireplace is better, and get completely different answers.

How to choose equipment? Learn its functions and characteristics.

The first rule to remember is that the more opportunities an electric fireplace has, the higher the price.

The popularity of models is also affected by the type of placement, the level of noise emitted during operation.

The purpose of the equipment should also be taken into account, because an affordable electric sauna stove cannot be placed in an apartment. If we briefly describe the algorithm for choosing an electric fireplace, then it consists of studying the following characteristics:

appearance;
parameters;
functions;
configuration;
flame images;
the possibility of adjusting processes;
ease of management.

How much the equipment costs is also an important question. Considering the types produced, it is not difficult to buy a suitable electric fireplace. Having decided on the technical characteristics, you should pay attention to the design.

When choosing a device, the area and interior of the heated room are taken into account. In accordance with this, a place for equipment is already being selected. It is important that the portal is combined with the decoration of the room. In small apartments, a narrow electric fireplace is often installed, which will take up little space and become almost invisible.

For an apartment, it is better to choose equipment with automatic temperature maintenance, power and brightness adjustments. It will not be superfluous to turn off the backlight. Humidification and air purification functions are welcome, but more designed for an amateur. Everyone chooses an electric fireplace for an apartment, cottage or country house in accordance with individual taste and preferences.

Do not just forget about the safety and quality of operation, so you should not save and buy suspiciously cheap products. With the right choice, an electric fireplace will last for many years, warming and soothing thanks to special effects.

Varieties of electric fireplaces and their features

An electric fireplace is an electrical household appliance, the main function of which is additional heating of the room. In addition, it plays the role of a decorative element, in some models this function is the main and only one, therefore it is impossible to heat the room with their help. The power of electric fireplaces varies from 0.5 to 2 kW, the device belongs to unprotected electrical appliances and its operation must be organized under constant supervision. Electric fireplaces have a long service life and require almost no maintenance during operation. Electric fireplaces, in addition to their functional purpose, may differ in the installation method, in the method of simulating fire, and in the presence of additional functions.

By installation method electric fireplaces are divided into the following types:

Portable fireplace. This type of electric fireplace perfectly imitates a real wood-burning cast-iron fireplace, its advantage is that it is absolutely mobile and you don’t need to specially think out a place for it or prepare the surface, just put it in any free part of the room and enjoy a very realistic fire. In addition to the excellent design solution, it is able to heat the room, the degree of heating is regulated by a thermostat. Such electric fireplaces are equipped with a control panel on the body and have a remote control, different modes allow you to set different degrees of brightness of the flame. In addition, the fire effect can be turned on without the heating function. Such a fireplace does not require special care and is designed for a long time of operation. The power of fireplaces is about 1200-1800 W, while the surface of the fireplace does not heat up. Portable electric fireplaces are made in different sizes, they can be used without problems in residential and office premises, acting as a heating device, which, in addition, decorates the interior. Especially popular are classic models that create a unique atmosphere of antiquity in the house.
Universal model for an apartment or a country house
wall fireplace, the design of which is built into the wall or hung on it. Its main advantage is space saving, hence the main disadvantage is the need for a box for a built-in structure and additional wall surface finishing. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are mainly used in modern interiors in the style of minimalism, functionalism and high-tech. The prices for such fireplaces in comparison with portable ones are about twice as high. Fireplaces are equipped with a remote control with the ability to adjust the heating mode and the degree of brightness of the flame. Heating power in different models varies from 1 to 2 kW, in some models there is no heating mode at all. In appearance, wall-mounted fireplaces do not differ much from each other, but the size range is unlimited. The fireplace can be chosen both small and large, which can take up a significant part of the wall and become the center of attention in the room. A wall-hung or built-in electric fireplace creates a realistic flickering wood effect and perfectly creates the effect of a natural flame. Style and comfort are combined in such models.
Embedded design
Electric fireplace with a portal perfectly imitates a real fireplace with fire. The cost of such fireplaces is not limited at all and depends mainly on the material from which the portal is made. The portal can be made from the simplest materials, such as mdf and plastic, as well as from the most expensive: natural wood, natural stone, brass, ceramics, etc. Design ideas for the design of portal fireplaces can be very diverse, since you can use any materials without fear for their fire resistance, as is the case with wood. The portal electric fireplace consists of a hearth (heating block) and the portal itself, which can be purchased as a set or equipped separately. Portals are made in any style, even with their own hands, and the purchased heating block is simply inserted into a pre-prepared niche. Therefore, with the purchase of a heating block, it is best to decide in advance so that it fits perfectly in size.
Classic version

An electric fireplace with a portal, in addition to the classic design, can be angular. This arrangement creates an unusually cozy atmosphere and atmosphere in the house.

portal fireplace

One of the latest variations of the portal electric fireplace is furniture with a built-in hearth. Most often, manufacturers offer a TV cabinet and a multimedia system; it has open and closed shelves for storing the necessary equipment. This design will be the ideal solution in terms of functionality. The design and color of the electric fireplace can be easily matched to the existing furniture in your interior. In addition, the design is completely mobile, however, its price is not democratic.

The design is designed to store multimedia equipment

By the method of imitation of fire electric fireplaces are classified as follows:

Flames from scraps of cloth. The visualization of fire is achieved by the fact that a small fan raises the pieces of fabric made in the form of flames with air currents, and the lamp from below illuminates them with warm light. This method is implemented in the most affordable models and is slightly inferior to others in terms of realism.
Flames broadcast on the screen. With this method, the real image of the flame is broadcast on a liquid crystal screen. As a rule, the program contains several images that can be switched. The picture comes out very realistic, sometimes you won’t guess that you have an electric fireplace in front of you, and not a real wood-burning one.
LED flame. The effect of a burning fire is achieved by flickering LED bulbs mounted in a plastic model of logs. The LEDs glow in different colors and with different strengths, so the flame looks very natural. The method is the most economical, because LEDs consume a minimum of electricity.
Smoke effect flame- a relatively new feature implemented in some models of electric fireplaces. A steam generator is built into the heating block, in which, using ultrasound, water is sprayed into small particles and creates a smoke effect. As a result, the electric fireplace, in addition to its main functions, also performs the function of an air humidifier. Therefore, if there is a need for two devices, then such a model will save space in the room.
Sound accompaniment. Thanks to a digital device built into the fireplace, the effect of crackling firewood and swaying flames is created. This option is inexpensive and can be purchased separately from the fireplace.

Before buying a fireplace, it is advisable to visually see all the simulation options and choose one of them to your taste. All options, in principle, quite realistically visualize the flame, but there are individual features that one may like and another may not like.

How to choose

A wide range of electric fireplaces will allow you to find a model of the right size that will heat, decorate the room or combine both functions. Various factors can affect your choice, so before buying an electric fireplace, you should take into account all the features so that in the future the fireplace does not disappoint the consumer and is actively used. As a rule, the fireplace in the room always attracts the eye, so its design should be linked to the overall design and style of the room. Designers are increasingly using this element in their projects, and portal design ideas can be the most unexpected and unique.

Place of installation. There are no restrictions on the place of use of an electric fireplace. Such a device will organically fit into the premises of an apartment or a country house, offices or public buildings. The fireplace can be placed in the bedroom, kitchen and living room. The most versatile model, of course, will be a portable electric fireplace, it can be moved from one room to another and transported to the country. The wall-mounted fireplace is also very portable and can be easily fitted into absolutely any room.
Dimensions. The size range of electric fireplaces is very diverse, but it is important to select a fireplace so that its dimensions are proportional to the room in which it is placed. For small rooms less than 20 square meters, an oversized model is suitable. In a spacious room of a larger area, a small fireplace will be lost, so it is best to pay attention to fireplaces with a massive portal or large-format wall models. The dimensions of wall-mounted fireplaces vary in width - from 400 to 1500 mm, and in height - from 400 to 900 mm.
Profitability. The most economical model of an electric fireplace is a fireplace without a heating function. If you do not pursue the goal of additional heating of the room, then such a model will be very useful. If it is necessary to heat the room in winter, the fireplace is turned on at full power, and in summer it is more expedient to use the fireplace in the mode of burning logs without heating, since most modern appliances are equipped with this mode. In the mode of burning logs, the fireplace consumes no more than 0.4 kW. All heating electric fireplaces have a high heat output and an efficiency close to 100%, so they are often used as an additional source of heat in an apartment or country house. In order to reduce electricity consumption, fireplaces can be equipped with a temperature sensor that turns off the fireplace when the room reaches the set temperature.
Type of instalation. The area of the room in which the fireplace will be placed significantly affects the choice of the type of installation. If the room is small, then it is preferable to use wall mounted or mounted models. And also remember that the built-in model requires a small niche for installation. For large rooms, the type of installation of the fireplace is not critical.
Manufacturer. English companies are the leaders in the production of electric fireplaces, because the first fireplace was invented just in England. Very high quality is characteristic of English fireplaces, the price of such fireplaces is one of the highest on the market. High-quality fireplaces in German and Scandinavian are produced by German companies. Large manufacturers of fireplaces are also American and Chinese companies that are gaining immense popularity in our country, offering prices much lower than European ones, and therefore slightly inferior to them in quality. In addition, there are several Russian companies that sell a variety of electric fireplaces at an affordable price.
Price. The price of an electric fireplace depends on many factors: on the size, manufacturer, set of additional functions and finishing material. Prices for electric fireplaces start at $100 and can reach very high limits for luxury models. If you make high demands on the fireplace, then you should not save on it. It must match the interior and meet all the requirements of the buyer, so the choice is always yours.

Profitability in use, functionality, ease of installation and operation makes the electric fireplace a very popular element in an apartment or a country house. A carefully selected model with the necessary parameters and design will certainly create coziness and comfort in any room.

To create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere in the house, you can use the hearth. Modern realities are such that we do not need to build a full-fledged brick fireplace, build a chimney, stock up on firewood, it is much easier to buy an electric analogue. An electric fireplace will allow you to enjoy the view of a live fire, add warmth to the house, bring peace and comfort with it.

In this material, we will tell you how to choose an electric fireplace for an apartment, for a private house, what criteria you should rely on and what points to take into account.

Modern contrast living room interior

Basic moments

For apartments in multi-storey buildings, the construction of a traditional brick structure is unacceptable, and you will not receive permission for such an improvement in living space. Even for a private house, such a system is not always justified, because it is quite bulky, expensive, complex, requiring attention, but for fuel to work. It is much easier to install an electric fireplace, an easy-to-use and safe device that does not require special handling skills, but successfully performs all its functions.

Thinking about how to choose the right electric fireplace, we decompose its functionality into two components:

Its main task is decorative, it should look beautiful in the room, harmonize with the surrounding space, and qualitatively imitate fire on a visual and sound level. Becoming the center of attention, this system must certainly please the eye and give warmth to the soul.
A secondary function, without which it is quite possible to do, heating the room. Choosing a suitable device for yourself, you should not neglect it, but you do not need to attach decisive importance either. In a small apartment of 20-25 sq. m. The electric fireplace is able to increase the air temperature by a couple of degrees. Power from 1 to 2.5 kW is enough for this. If you need, buy a specialized device, such as a convector, fan heater or radiator.

The main task of an electric fireplace is to create the highest quality and most beautiful imitation of a real fire. There are many ways to do this naturally, as you can see for yourself by looking at what artificial fire looks like.

Rest and relaxation area in the house

Like their traditional counterparts, most often electrical counterparts are graded at the installation site, the following types are distinguished:

Floor options - in appearance, traditional structures, usually placed in the center of the wall of the living room. The classical performance allows you to clearly articulate and compare what you see in the subconscious, thereby taking everything at face value. Outdoor fireplaces can be wall-mounted or free-standing.
Corner models - installed in the corners of the room. This arrangement saves space, which has a positive effect on the interior of small rooms.
Built-in - can be placed in wall niches, in furniture. Typically, such an arrangement of decorative elements, fireplaces is inherent in modern interiors planned at the construction stage. The main nuance in the use of such models is the thickness of the walls, which cannot be less than 30-40 cm.
Wall-mounted - electrical appliances for hanging on walls. They resemble modern paintings, which are equipped with a dynamic image, sound, and are controlled using a remote control. By placing such a device in the bedroom, you can use it as an impromptu night light.

Classical execution of a fireplace complex

To create the desired look in the firebox, fake coals and firewood are used. Such dummies are made of plastic or glass, and then painted properly. Built-in lights, reflective screens, everything is done so that the fire seems real.

To make the picture of what is happening even more complete, most devices are equipped with sound. The crackle of firewood, or smoldering coals, just adds realism to the visual effects.

A large number of owners of country houses and ordinary apartments are thinking about choosing an electric fireplace. Today, there are a sufficient number of models of electric fireplaces on the market, and that is why it becomes difficult to choose the right model.

When choosing, you need to be very careful and understand well what you need it for and how it will be used. If you plan to operate it for space heating, then you definitely need to look at the power of the model you like. The best option is 1000 watts of power per 10 square meters of space. Do not forget that an incorrect selection of the cross section of the supply wire can lead to heating and ignition as a result of a short circuit. It is better to implement power for the fireplace in the form of a separate electrical wiring, and use a separate, automatic one as a switch.

Types of fireplaces

Due to their compactness, they can be installed in various positions. There are three main types of electric fireplaces according to the installation method.

floor standing- they are completely mobile, do not need cladding, niche, fireplace portals, they are simple in design. Ideal for small spaces, apartments and offices. They are divided into two subspecies.

Attached(front or corner) - installed close to the wall or in the corner. Freestanding(like a stove-"potbelly stove") - they can be placed even in the center of the room.

hinged, or wall an electric fireplace is a stylish solution that practically does not “eat up” free space. Individual models can be mounted directly into the wall and they will pleasantly heat a small room and illuminate it along the way. Suitable for very small rooms, mainly as an element of decor.

Embedded electric fireplace. The most labor-intensive in terms of installation. It is installed either in a pre-prepared niche in the wall, or in a special fireplace portal, imitating a classic fireplace with great accuracy. In the external decoration of built-in fireplaces, many materials are used: stone, wood, metal or ceramics. This allows you to install fireplaces of this kind in country houses, hotels, large apartments, halls and other spacious rooms.

Functions of electric fireplaces

The interior of any apartment should be not only beautiful, but also functional. Therefore, when deciding how to choose an electric fireplace, it is necessary to pay attention not only to its appearance, but also to its functionality. A modern electric fireplace in an apartment can have the following functions:

remote electronic control;
imitation of burning wood in several modes;
various portal lighting options;
sound accompaniment;
on and off timer;
the ability to select the operating mode (with or without heating);
air humidification function combined with smoke effect (steam generator);
possibility of air ionization.

Some models have all of these features, or most of them, and some have only a few. The price of an electric fireplace depends on this. Therefore, when deciding which electric fireplace in the interior of the living room will look better, it is important to pay attention to the affordability of the chosen model at a cost. In addition, an important parameter when choosing an electric fireplace is its power and energy consumption.

Connecting an electric fireplace

Some fireplaces are enough to bring, put and plug into the outlet. Others require several stages of preparatory work.

Common to all flame models is that their connection does not require the creation of an additional foundation and the construction of a chimney, therefore, everything is much simpler than when building a brick version with a natural flame.

The preparatory work also includes the creation of a decorative or supporting portal for the fireplace. Typically, those developers who install fiery fireplaces at the same time as finishing the room pay their attention to such models of fireplaces.

But sometimes you have to create a portal in an operated residential area. All these subtleties of installation and connection must be considered when choosing a model.

Hinged fireplaces require reliable fastening, as they sometimes have quite a lot of weight. Since fireplaces are often hung on internal partitions, it should be noted that for fastening to plasterboard partitions, reinforcement of the wall frame structure is required; it is impossible to fasten to a sheet of drywall.

simulated flame

The aesthetic function of an electric fireplace is realized by imitating natural fire, which flickers comfortably on its screen. Manufacturers' approaches to creating a "home" atmosphere vary, which affects the final price of the device.

A popular option is in which the interior space is filled with fake logs or coal. They are usually made of transparent plastic or glass. The smoldering effect is created by light bulbs or LEDs; reflective screens help them in this. This solution does not create the full illusion of a blazing fireplace, since the flame is not implemented.

In more expensive models, strips of silk or foil are used, which move gently, forming a complete picture of a burning hearth. Elite electric fireplaces use real coal, the stacked “firewood” seems to be at different stages of “burning” - from barely smoldering to engulfed in flames. Sparks run through the wood, the ashes play with all colors, the coals either cool down, or again become red-hot.

Before buying, ask the seller to turn it on at full capacity. With maximum illumination, the slightest defects and the level of realism will immediately become noticeable, and you will be able to make a final purchase decision.

How to choose an electric fireplace in the apartment. How to choose a fireplace: an electric fireplace in the interior

Advantages of electric fireplaces

Disadvantages of electric fireplaces: