A roaring fire can make a room or even a whole house feel cozy and warm. However, tending to a fire can be a hassle, and a fire can also pose a safety risk if left unattended.
An electric fireplace allows you to have a beautiful, warm fire without the stress and risk of a real fire.
However, before installing an electric fireplace, you’ll need to make sure you have enough space.
What are the dimensions of an electric fireplace?
Electric fireplaces are available in a range of styles, so you can usually choose one that suits the size of the room.
Some fireplaces are quite wide, spanning several feet or more, so the fire can be seen from anywhere in the room. Others are more compact and deliver a small amount of heat for a small space.
Most standard electric fireplaces, however, are about 31 inches tall, 44 inches wide, and have a depth of about 13 inches.
The e-Flame USA Alpine LED Electric Fireplace has dimensions of 11.6″D x 44.9″W x 40.2″H.
The SEI Furniture Corner Fireplace has dimensions of 16″D x 52.25″W x 36.5″H.
How much space should I have for an electric fireplace?
Before figuring out how much space you need for an electric fireplace, you’ll need to decide whether you want a built-in fireplace or one you can mount on the wall.
Wall-mounted fireplaces don’t always look as realistic as built-in fireplaces, but they are often less expensive, take up less space, and are much easier to install.
You’ll also want to consider what size electric fireplace you want. How big of a fireplace you want will directly correlate to how much space you need.
For most built-in electric fireplaces, you’ll need a wall or existing fireplace depth of between 4 and 13 inches, and the area should be at least as deep as the depth of the electric fireplace.
You’ll also need a bit of extra space around the fireplace, so plan on a space that is at least an inch or two larger in both height and width than the fireplace itself.
Some freestanding or wall-mounted electric fireplaces come with a frame around them that resembles a mantle.
These fireplaces look beautiful, but the mantle and frame mean that these fireplaces are much larger than others.
You’ll need to ensure that you have plenty of room to accommodate the larger frame before you install the fireplace.
What else do I need to consider before installing an electric fireplace?
Aside from wall space, you’ll also need to follow standard fire safety practices by ensuring that there is plenty of free space around the fireplace.
Although electric fireplaces are enclosed, they can still pose some fire risks. Always make sure that flammable materials are kept at least 6 inches from the fireplace.
For better safety, ensure that anything flammable is at least 3 feet from the fireplace.
Many people also choose to mount a TV above their electric fireplace. This is a great design option, but the fireplace can cause the TV to become too hot.
To protect your TV, make sure the fireplace is at least 8 inches below it. All fireplaces should also be at least 6 inches off the floor.
You’ll also want to think about what heat output options you want. Many electric fireplaces offer various heat output options that you can switch between, but these options may be capped at a certain heat level.
If you want to put the fireplace in a large room, you may need a bigger or more powerful fireplace to heat the entire room.
Conversely, a large or powerful fireplace in a small room can cause the room to feel too warm and stuffy.
Most electric fireplaces can be plugged into a standard 3-prong outlet. You’ll need to ensure that an outlet like this is available and within reach of the fireplace’s cord.
If you want to hide the cord, the outlet will need to be very close to wherever you plan to mount or install the fireplace.
Some fireplaces are hard-wired in, and in this case, you’ll need to make some extra preparations.
Most people consult with an expert when it comes to installing this type of fireplace.
Before installing an electric fireplace, especially if you plan to install it by inserting it into an existing fireplace, consider what you want the fireplace for.
If you simply want to use it for decoration and occasional warmth, an electric fireplace is a fantastic option.
However, if you rely on your fireplace during power outages, an electric fireplace is the wrong choice, as it will not work if there is no electricity.