Fireplaces add a certain charm to a home, and with cooler days ahead, it’s the perfect time for cosying up by the fire. We all want to create spaces that not only reflect our personality and style, but that are warm, inviting and relaxing… and what better way to do that than by introducing a fireplace.

If you reside in a house, adding a fireplace to your home can often be done with relative ease. However, condo-dwellers are not always so lucky, often encountering challenges such as minimal space, lack of proper ventilation or structural issues. And, while many condos and lofts being built today often feature gas or even wood burning fireplaces, if this is not your reality not to worry as all is not lost. The electric fireplace market has advanced so much over recent years now offering an abundance of possibilities and styles that will still give you the beautiful ambiance a fireplace creates while facilitating any limitations you may face.

The industry today boasts stylized fireplace units that often rival the “real thing.” They feature designs that use revolutionary ultrasonic technology to create true-to-life looking flames as well as smoke effects simulating a real wood-burning fire. Advancements in technology have also created the three-dimensional flame, which is a fabulous and realistic design for an electric fireplace.

Style options

As the industry continues to move forward, the “flame” has advanced greatly to resemble a more traditional type found in gas or wood burning fires. One of my go-to brands for electric units is Amantii, with style options ranging from a traditional fireplace insert to a more modern linear approach, cast-iron electric wood stove option to three-sided glass units. The company’s designs, along with industry advancements, have produced fireplaces that enhance aesthetics from traditional to modern.

Choosing the right design and function for your fireplace is key to maximizing the usage and enjoyment of your investment. As space can sometimes be limited, the addition of a fireplace to your condo should be well planned, and the right sized unit and heat output is definitely an important factor. The nice thing about electric fireplaces is the fact that the depth of the units, and required clearances are usually less than gas or wood counterparts, making it easier to work within smaller confined spaces. However, adding a fireplace to your home is not simply about functionality or installation. Let’s face it, a fireplace can be a stunning focal point in any space whether it’s a traditional fireplace mantel, incorporated into custom built-in millwork or a stunning modern concrete feature wall. Whichever way you choose to incorporate a fire feature in your home, rest assured there are boundless design choices that are sure to make your space unique to you.

Environmentally friendly

Today we are fortunate to have a vast array of electric fireplaces, inserts and woodstove options available to us that no longer restrict condo-dwellers or those that may be a little bit space challenged from enjoying the seasonal charms and comforts of a roaring fire. Electric fireplaces are both environmentally friendly, with zero emissions, and far more budget friendly than its gas or wood burning alternatives. Whether your tastes veer to the more traditional or whether you’re out to make a bold statement, you undoubtedly have an abundance of options and design inspirations to draw on.

With the seasons changing, and the colder days fast approaching, it’s time to create for yourself an inviting, relaxed space for those chilly nights ahead.