Are electric fireplaces naff?

[FrostedFlakesAreMyJam]

Bought a new-ish house. Had sworn I wanted a character filled older house and all that jazz, but my house is spacious, has a brilliant lay out and is perfect for me.... except there is no fireplace. I reaaaally wanted a fireplace. Tbh mostly for aesthetic purposes. Friend suggested an electric fireplace. Anyone have one? Are you happy with it? Do they feel 'real' or are they really tacky?

Yes, we got one from The Range and although it looks pretty with all its fancy lights and whatnot it is actually shit at being a heater as the blower isn't powerful enough to blow the heat very far into a room

If you just want a fireplace/mantlepiece then get one without the fire and put some nice flowers or something in it

I would love a stylish electric fireplace, following with interest to see if such a thing exists.

Actually ordered this one a few years ago but it stuck out too much for the space we had for it. Never seen one that didn't look crap, hoping such a thing exists.

We live in a 1930s house. Didn't fancy the mess and pollution of a wood burner stove. We took out the gas fire, opened up a hole in the chimney breast, and put in an oak fire surround, and nice tiles on the walls and hearth. We use it to display things e.g. flowers, candles, seasonal decorations. We could have put in an electric fire or stove, but they are expensive and we didn't need it for heating. Look on Pinterest for non-working fireplace ideas.

@FooFighter99

Yes, we got one from The Range and although it looks pretty with all its fancy lights and whatnot it is actually shit at being a heater as the blower isn't powerful enough to blow the heat very far into a room

If you just want a fireplace/mantlepiece then get one without the fire and put some nice flowers or something in it

Could you post a pic/link?

I am trying to find one that actually looks nice in real life. It's so hard to tell from the online images.

@twointhemorning

We live in a 1930s house. Didn't fancy the mess and pollution of a wood burner stove. We took out the gas fire, opened up a hole in the chimney breast, and put in an oak fire surround, and nice tiles on the walls and hearth. We use it to display things e.g. flowers, candles, seasonal decorations. We could have put in an electric fire or stove, but they are expensive and we didn't need it for heating. Look on Pinterest for non-working fireplace ideas.

Would totally do that, except I don't even have a chimney breast haha. Just straight wall. So yeah will probably look ridiculous. I just really wanted a mantle and fireplace. I guess it's not a huge sacrifice for an otherwise fabulous house, but still.

@Doublevacc

I would love a stylish electric fireplace, following with interest to see if such a thing exists.

Actually ordered this one a few years ago but it stuck out too much for the space we had for it. Never seen one that didn't look crap, hoping such a thing exists.

me too!

Probably but I've got a brushed stainless steel one which fits into the alcove/existing fireplace as we had our gas fire and boiler removed. You can get a similar one with a surround and mantle included if you don't have a fireplace. I had a brushed stainless steel mantle shelf made to order for mine as I wanted a streamlined modern look rather than trying to make it something it's not, if you know what I mean. Bloody love it. The flames look quite realistic (Optiflame) and make the room feel cosy even without any heat. Our property is 1970s so flat walls.

@fussychica

Probably but I've got a brushed stainless steel one which fits into the alcove/existing fireplace as we had our gas fire and boiler removed. You can get a similar one with a surround and mantle included if you don't have a fireplace. I had a brushed stainless steel mantle shelf made to order for mine as I wanted a streamlined modern look rather than trying to make it something it's not, if you know what I mean. Bloody love it. The flames look quite realistic (Optiflame) and make the room feel cosy even without any heat. Our property is 1970s so flat walls.

This sounds promising. Realistic flames sounds fab! I'll look it up!