The technology of indoor fireplaces dates from the middle ages, when people in medieval castles and homes used them to stay warm. Besides being perfect sources of warmth and comfort, fireplaces became popular for their beautiful look that enhances the elegance of the existing interiors. Today, the increased preference to modern and fully furnished homes, lack of space and other maintenance issues became major constraints to accommodate a traditional fireplace.

However, electric fireplaces, which exactly mimic traditional fireplaces, are successfully replacing the old ones. Unlike traditional ones, they require less or no maintenance and don’t require any home renovations to install one. In this article, we will discuss about these modern heating solutions that enhance the room aesthetics apart from providing heat.

Different types of fireplaces

Traditional fireplaces: These fireplaces require masonry and have several parts like the foundation, mantel, firebox, smoke chamber, chimney case, etc. Some burn with wood and few have gas jets inside them. The mantels that surround the firebox improve the home décor.

However, these fireplaces are not energy efficient and also require extra care like removing the ash, cleaning the chimney and so on. Improper usage and ill maintenance makes them unsafe. These flaws in traditional fireplaces promoted the development of electric fireplaces.

Electric fireplaces: These fireplaces use electricity to provide warmth and hence are fire and smoke free. They are cost effective and require less maintenance. They are portable and energy efficient too. Overall, they are environmental friendly alternatives to traditional fireplaces.

Features of electric fireplaces that enhance the aesthetics of the room

Now let us have a look on the different features of electric fireplaces that enable them to compliment your home's appearance.

• Visual appeal - simulated flames that look real

Fireplaces are often admired because of their natural look of firewood, flames and the gentle crackling sounds when wood is burning. All these features are not just confined to traditional wood fireplaces. Even electric fireplaces offer these features.

Modern electric fireplaces are designed to mimic the traditional ones with many features like ‘realistic flame effect screen’ that creates an illusion of solid fuel fire. Few models also have an audio option that produces the sounds of crackling wood, making the arrangement natural.

• Available in different styles and colors

Modern electric fireplaces are available in various designs and colors. Free standing mantel style, corner packages, wall mount, built in TV and media consoles are few types of available electric fireplaces. With these modern and stylish fireplaces, you need not renovate your interiors, as these fireplaces are designed to suit any style of the home.

• Portable feature brings beauty to any room

If you install electric fireplace in your living room, it doesn't mean that its use is restricted to that particular space. Modern electric fireplaces are portable and can be moved to any room without much effort. They can be plugged into any standard household outlet. Depending on your requirement, you can move it around your house to heat any room. Hence, its elegance is not confined to just one room.

With these features, latest electric fireplaces are carrying the same ethnic look of traditional fireplaces along with some additional and advanced features. So, choose an electric fireplace to stay warm and make your home look aesthetic.