19 Creative Electric Fireplace Ideas to Add Warmth and Style

An electric fireplace is a versatile and stylish addition to any home. Unlike traditional fireplaces, these modern units offer the cozy ambiance of a real flame without the need for a chimney, vents, or complicated construction. 

From sleek, minimalist designs to rustic, built-in features, an electric fireplace can transform a room, add value to your home, and serve as a stunning focal point. 

In 2025, electric fireplaces are more sophisticated than ever, with features like customizable flame colors, smart technology, and highly realistic flame effects.

1. The Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace Ideas

A wall-mounted electric fireplace is a great solution for a modern or minimalist space. These units are sleek, frameless, and can be hung on the wall like a piece of art.

Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace Ideas
  • Wall-mounted models range from $50 to $4,000, with many popular, mid-range units costing between $200 and $500.
  • Installation is simple and can often be done by a handyman for an hourly rate of $40 to $140.
  • The absence of a hearth makes this design ideal for small spaces.

2. The Electric Fireplace with a Shiplap Wall

Combine the rustic charm of shiplap with the clean lines of a modern electric fireplace for a cozy, farmhouse look. This design is a popular choice for living room remodels.

The Electric Fireplace with a Shiplap Wall
  • Shiplap is an affordable material, with a full wall costing anywhere from $250 to $700 for materials.
  • You can DIY this project over a weekend, or hire a contractor. The cost of a professional installation in Phoenix, for a full fireplace and shiplap wall, can start around $2,000.
  • This design is perfect for a modern farmhouse or rustic living room.

3. The Built-In Electric Fireplace

A built-in electric fireplace is a great way to add a permanent, high-end feature to your home. These units are recessed into the wall, creating a seamless and sophisticated look.

Built-In Electric Fireplace
  • A custom built-in fireplace can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 for the unit and professional installation.
  • Installation in a city like New York can be on the higher end of that range due to labor costs.
  • This is a great design for a modern or minimalist living room.

4. The Electric Fireplace TV Stand

An electric fireplace TV stand is a great way to combine two essential living room features into one. These multi-functional units provide warmth and a place for your media and television.

Electric Fireplace TV Stand
  • A quality TV stand with a fireplace insert can be purchased for as low as $150 to $400 from a major US retailer.
  • This is a great option for apartments or small spaces where you want to maximize functionality.
  • Look for a model with built-in storage for a clutter-free look.

5. The Electric Fireplace with a Stone Surround

Electric Fireplace with a Stone Surround

A stone surround is a timeless design that adds a rustic, elegant feel. You can use stacked stone or a natural rock facade to create a striking focal point.

  • The cost of materials for a stone surround can range from $5 to $25 per square foot.
  • This is a great way to transform an outdated or non-functional fireplace opening.
  • The stone surround design is perfect for a mountain home or rustic decor.

6. The Electric Fireplace in the Bedroom

An electric fireplace is a great way to add warmth and a cozy, romantic atmosphere to a bedroom. A small, freestanding unit or a wall-mounted fireplace is a great option.

Electric Fireplace in the Bedroom
  • A small freestanding fireplace can be purchased for as little as $100 to $300.
  • This is a great design for a master bedroom or guest room.
  • Look for a model with a timer and a remote control for convenience.

7. The Electric Fireplace as a Room Divider

For an open-concept living space, an electric fireplace can be used as a room divider. A double-sided or see-through fireplace can create a visual separation between two rooms.

Electric Fireplace as a Room Divider
  • A double-sided fireplace can be a significant investment, costing between $3,000 and $10,000 for a full built-in unit.
  • This design is a great way to add a lot of visual interest and a unique architectural element to your home.
  • This is a great design for a modern or minimalist living space.

8. The Electric Fireplace with Built-In Shelving

A built-in electric fireplace with shelving on either side is a great way to add storage and style. You can use the shelves to display books, photos, and other decor items.

Electric Fireplace with Built-In Shelving
  • A custom built-in unit with shelving can cost between $2,500 and $7,000 for materials and labor.
  • This design is a great way to add a multi-functional feature to your living room.
  • This is a great design for a modern or transitional style living room.

9. The Electric Fireplace in an Empty Fireplace

An electric fireplace insert is a great way to give an old, non-functional fireplace a new lease on life. The insert simply slips into the existing opening, creating a cozy and stylish look.

Electric Fireplace in an Empty Fireplace
  • Electric fireplace inserts range from $500 to $2,000.
  • This is a great DIY project, as no construction is needed.
  • This is a great design for a traditional home.

10. The Electric Fireplace with a Floating Mantel

Electric Fireplace with a Floating Mantel

A floating mantel is a modern design trend that adds a clean, minimalist feel. A floating mantel on a fireplace wall with a built-in electric fireplace creates a sleek and sophisticated look.

  • A floating mantel can be purchased for as little as $50 to $200.
  • This is a great DIY project that can be done in a single weekend.
  • This is a great design for a modern or minimalist living room.

11. The Electric Fireplace with a Brick Surround

A brick surround is a timeless design that adds a rustic, classic feel. You can use a new brick or reclaimed brick to create a fireplace that looks like it’s been there for years.

Electric Fireplace with a Brick Surround
  • This design is great for a farmhouse or traditional style home.
  • The cost of materials for a brick surround can range from $5 to $15 per square foot.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

12. The Electric Fireplace with a Concrete Surround

A concrete surround is a great way to add an industrial or modern feel to your fireplace. The raw, unpolished look of the concrete creates a unique and stylish statement.

Electric Fireplace with a Concrete Surround
  • This design is great for a modern or minimalist home.
  • The cost of a concrete surround can range from $500 to $3,000 for materials and installation.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

13. The Electric Fireplace with a Tile Surround

A tile surround is a great way to add a touch of personality and color to your fireplace. You can use a mix of black and white tiles or a pop of vibrant color to create a unique and stylish design.

Electric Fireplace with a Tile Surround
  • The cost of tile can range from $2 to $50 per square foot or more.
  • This is a great design for a modern or traditional style home.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

14. The Electric Fireplace with a Mirror Surround

A mirror surround is a great way to add a touch of glamor and luxury to your fireplace. The mirror reflects the light and makes the fireplace a true statement piece.

Electric Fireplace with a Mirror Surround
  • This design is great for a modern or traditional style home.
  • The cost of a mirror surround can range from $200 to $1,000 or more.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

15. The Electric Fireplace with a Bookshelf Surround

A bookshelf surround is a great way to add a touch of functionality and a personal element to your fireplace. You can use the bookshelves to display books, photos, and other decor items.

Electric Fireplace with a Bookshelf Surround
  • This design is great for a modern or transitional style living room.
  • The cost of a bookshelf surround can range from $500 to $3,000 or more.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

16. The Electric Fireplace in a Small Space

An electric fireplace is a great way to add warmth and a cozy feel to a small space. A wall-mounted fireplace or a freestanding fireplace is a great option.

Electric Fireplace in a Small Space
  • This design is great for an apartment or a small living room.
  • The wall-mounted fireplace design is great for a small space.
  • A freestanding fireplace is a great option for a small space.

17. The Electric Fireplace with Hidden Storage

An electric fireplace with hidden storage is a great way to add a multi-functional and stylish element to your home. You can use the hidden storage to store media, books, and other decor items.

Electric Fireplace with Hidden Storage
  • This design is great for a modern or minimalist living room.
  • A custom built-in unit with hidden storage can cost between $2,500 and $7,000 or more.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

18. The Electric Fireplace with Custom Lighting

An electric fireplace with custom lighting is a great way to add a touch of personality and a unique element to your home. You can use a mix of lighting and color to create a fireplace that is a true statement piece.

Electric Fireplace with Custom Lighting
  • This design is great for a modern or transitional style living room.
  • The cost of custom lighting can range from $100 to $500 or more.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

19. The Electric Fireplace with Custom Shelving

An electric fireplace with custom shelving is a great way to add a multi-functional and stylish element to your home. You can use the shelving to display books, photos, and other decor items.

Electric Fireplace with Custom Shelving
  • This design is great for a modern or transitional style living room.
  • The cost of custom shelving can range from $500 to $3,000 or more.
  • This is a great design for a fireplace that is a focal point in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric fireplaces safe?

Yes, electric fireplaces are very safe. They do not produce real flames, smoke, or carbon monoxide. They are also cool to the touch, making them a great option for homes with children or pets.

Do electric fireplaces provide good heat?

Electric fireplaces are highly efficient and can provide great zone heating. They can effectively heat a small to medium-sized room and are a great way to supplement your existing heating system.

How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace?

The cost to run an electric fireplace depends on your local electricity rates. On average, an electric fireplace costs around $0.18 per hour to operate, making it a very affordable heating option.

Conclusion

an electric fireplace offers a versatile and stylish solution for bringing warmth and ambiance into any room. From minimalist wall-mounted units to traditional mantels and custom built-ins, these 20 ideas demonstrate that there is a design for every aesthetic and space. By choosing the right model, you can effortlessly create a cozy and inviting focal point that enhances your home’s comfort and style without the complexities of a traditional fireplace.