Best Electric Fireplaces (2026): TV Stand, Wall-Mount and Insert Picks for Cozy Living Rooms
Quick answer
The best electric fireplace for most living rooms is a slim unit you can plug in, run with the flames only on mild nights and size to your TV wall. Our top three: the Touchstone Sideline 50″ (5.5 inches deep, wall-mount or recessed, rated for a TV just 8 inches above), the Walker Edison Arundo 70″ Reeded TV Stand with Fireplace for TVs up to 75 inches, and the duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove, a renter-friendly freestanding stove with a flame-only mode. Use the width chart and running-cost table below before you order.
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- Touchstone Sideline 50″ Recessed Electric Fireplace Best Overall
Only 5.5 in deep, wall-mount or recess; TV can sit 8 in above.
Check current price on Amazon → - Walker Edison Arundo 70″ Reeded TV Stand with Fireplace Best Electric Fireplace TV Stand
70 in reeded console for TVs up to 75 in, 18 in insert with remote.
Check current price on Amazon → - duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove Best Freestanding (Renter-Friendly)
Plug-in stove with opening glass door, 5,200 BTU, flame-only mode.
Check current price on Amazon →
An electric fireplace gives a living room the one thing a space heater never will: a focal point. You get a glowing flame you can watch with the heat off in October, a 1500 watt heater for a cold January evening, and none of the chimney, gas line or ash that comes with a real fire. For renters and apartment dwellers, it is often the only way to have a fireplace at all. If you want a real flame outdoors instead, see our guide to the best fire pits, from smokeless wood pits to propane fire pit tables.
This guide compares seven electric fireplaces from Amazon across budget, mid-range and splurge levels, in every common style: an electric fireplace TV stand, a wall mounted electric fireplace, an electric fireplace insert for an existing hearth, a freestanding stove and a full mantel package. Every width, wattage, BTU rating and TV size below comes from the product listings. On top of the picks, you get the planning most roundups skip: how wide a fireplace should be for your wall and TV, the electric fireplace cost to run with and without heat, which options work for renters, and how to style a faux mantel for Christmas.
If you mainly need heat rather than a focal point, our guide to the best space heaters covers models built for that job, and our tips on how to keep an apartment warm pair well with any of the picks here.
Electric fireplace width vs wall and TV size
Size is the mistake people notice most once the box is open. A fireplace that is too narrow looks like an afterthought under a big TV, and one that is too wide crowds the wall. Two simple rules keep things balanced. First, an electric fireplace TV stand should be at least as wide as the TV itself, ideally a few inches wider on each side, so the screen does not overhang. Second, a wall mounted electric fireplace below a TV looks best when it is about the same width as the screen or slightly narrower, and it should leave at least a couple of feet of open wall on each side.
Remember that TVs are sold by diagonal size, not width. A 16:9 screen is roughly 87 percent as wide as its diagonal, so a 65 inch TV is about 57 inches across. Use the chart to match your TV and wall to a fireplace width, then check which best electric fireplace picks fit. If you would rather skip the heater, our best TV stands guide uses the same width math for non-fireplace media consoles.
| TV size (diagonal) | Approx. TV width | Balanced fireplace or stand width | Wall width (comfortable minimum) | Picks in this guide that fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 in | About 44 in | Stand 48 to 60 in; wall unit 36 to 50 in | About 8 ft | Ameriwood Southlander (60 in), Touchstone Sideline 50″ |
| 55 in | About 48 in | Stand 55 to 65 in; wall unit about 50 in | About 9 ft | Ameriwood Southlander (TVs up to 60 in), Touchstone Sideline 50″ |
| 65 in | About 57 in | Stand 65 to 75 in; wall unit 50 to 60 in | About 10 ft | Walker Edison Arundo 70″, Touchstone Sideline 50″, Dimplex IgniteXL 60″ |
| 75 in | About 65 in | Stand 70 in or more; wall unit 60 to 74 in | About 12 ft | Walker Edison Arundo 70″ (TVs up to 75 in), Dimplex IgniteXL 60″ or 74″ |
| No TV or a corner | None | Firebox 24 to 28 in, or a 60 in mantel | Any wall or corner | duraflame stove (24 in), Dimplex Featherston mantel (61 in), Dimplex Revillusion insert (existing fireplace) |
Height matters as much as width. A TV is most comfortable when its center sits near seated eye level, roughly 40 to 45 inches off the floor. A low TV stand keeps it there; mounting a TV above a wall unit pushes it higher, so keep the fireplace low on the wall and follow the maker’s minimum gap. Touchstone, for example, specifies at least 8 inches between the top of the Sideline and a TV or mantel.
Electric fireplace cost to run: flame-only vs heat mode
The second most common question is what an electric fireplace costs to run, and the answer depends almost entirely on whether the heater is on. The flame effect uses LED lighting and draws very little power; the heater is what uses electricity. The table below is a generic estimate by wattage, not a measurement of any model on this list, using the U.S. average residential electricity price of 18.31 cents per kWh (U.S. Energy Information Administration, EIA). Your local rate may be higher or lower, so swap in the price from your own bill.
| Mode (generic wattage) | Power draw | Cost per hour | 4-hour evening | 30 evenings (4 h each) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flame only, low LED | 25 W | About 0.5 cents | About 1.8 cents | About 55 cents |
| Flame only, bright LED | 50 W | About 0.9 cents | About 3.7 cents | About 1.10 dollars |
| Flame only, brighter or older unit | 100 W | About 1.8 cents | About 7.3 cents | About 2.20 dollars |
| Heat, low setting | 750 W | About 13.7 cents | About 55 cents | About 16.48 dollars |
| Heat, high setting | 1,500 W | About 27.5 cents | About 1.10 dollars | About 32.96 dollars |
| Heat, 240V built-in | 2,500 W | About 45.8 cents | About 1.83 dollars | About 54.93 dollars |
Math used: watts divided by 1,000, times hours, times 18.31 cents. Real costs are usually lower than the heat rows suggest, because a thermostat cycles the heater off once the room reaches the set temperature. Most listings do not publish the flame-only wattage, so check the manual if you want an exact figure. The takeaway for anyone comparing the best electric fireplace options: running the flames alone for ambiance costs pennies a night, while heat mode costs about the same as any other 1500 watt space heater.
Can an electric fireplace lower your heating bill? Only through zone heating: warming the room you are sitting in while you turn the central thermostat down a few degrees. The U.S. Department of Energy’s winter energy tips explain why lowering the thermostat saves money; a 1500 watt fireplace will not heat a whole house.
Best electric fireplaces compared
All numbers come from the Amazon listings (W x H x D in inches). Where a listing does not publish a figure, we say so rather than guess.
| Fireplace | Type | Size W x H x D (in) | Heat output | Flame options | Power | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touchstone Sideline 50″ Recessed Electric Fireplace | Wall-mount or recessed | 50.4 x 21.5 x 5.5 | 1500/750 W, 5,000 BTU | 3 flame colors, 10 ember colors | Plug-in or hardwire | Under a 55 to 65 in TV |
| Walker Edison Arundo 70″ Reeded TV Stand with Fireplace | Electric fireplace TV stand | 70 x 23.75 x 15.75 | Not listed (18 in insert) | Flame with or without heat | Plug-in | TVs up to 75 in |
| duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove | Freestanding stove | 24 x 23.4 x 13.07 | 1500 W, 5,200 BTU | Flame-only mode, dimmable | Plug-in | Renters, corners |
| Ameriwood Home Southlander TV Stand with Fireplace | Electric fireplace TV stand | 60 x 19.69 x 17.05 | 400 sq ft rating | Flame with or without heat | Plug-in, 120V | TVs up to 60 in |
| Dimplex Revillusion 25″ Electric Fireplace Log Insert | Electric fireplace insert (log set) | 25.63 x 19 x 13 | 1500 W, 5,118 BTU | Color themes via remote | Plug-in, 120V | Existing fireplaces |
| Dimplex Featherston Electric Fireplace Mantel Package | Mantel package | 61 x 44 x 16 | 1500 W, 5,118 BTU | Red and blue ember options | Plug-in, 120V | Holiday mantels |
| Dimplex IgniteXL 60″ Built-in Linear Electric Fireplace | Built-in linear | 60.25 x 16 x 6 | 1500 W/5,118 BTU (120V), 2500 W/8,530 BTU (240V) | 8 color themes | Hardwire only | Media walls |
| Silonn 50″ Smart Electric Fireplace | Wall-mount or recessed | 50 wide, 3.9 deep wall-mounted (height not stated) | 1400 W, 4,777 BTU listed | 20 flame colors, auto cycle | Plug-in (corded) | Phone control, slim walls |
| Tehanld 60″ Ultra-Thin Electric Fireplace | Recessed, semi-recessed or wall-mount | 60 x 17 x 3.5 | 750/1500 W | 12 flame and fuel-bed colors, 6 levels | Plug-in (corded) | Large walls, 65 in+ TVs |
| duraflame Electric Log Set Heater | Log set for existing fireplace | Not stated | Infrared quartz, about 5,200 BTU listed | Adjustable brightness, flame without heat | Plug-in (corded) | Unused wood fireplaces |
The 7 best electric fireplaces for cozy living rooms
We ordered these from the safest all-round choice to more specialized picks. Each card lists the facts that matter for a living room: size, heat output, flame options, TV guidance and how it gets power.
1. Touchstone Sideline 50″ Recessed Electric Fireplace: Best Overall
If you want the clean look of a modern linear fireplace without hiring a contractor, the Touchstone Sideline is the best electric fireplace to start with. The 50 inch model measures 50.4 x 21.5 inches and is only 5.5 inches deep, so it can hang on the wall with the included bracket or be recessed into a framed wall for a flush finish. The heat vents face forward, which is why Touchstone says the Sideline can sit just 8 inches below a flat-screen TV, and the listing shows 3 flame colors and 10 ember bed colors.
The heater runs at 1500 or 750 watts, rated at 5,000 BTU for about 400 square feet of supplemental heat. The remote handles flame color, flame intensity, the heater and a shut-off timer, and the box includes faux logs and crystals for the ember bed. It can plug into a standard outlet or be hardwired for a cord-free install. At 59 lb, anchor it into studs if you wall-mount it rather than relying on drywall alone.
- Only 5.5 in deep
- Wall-mount or recess
- Front vents allow a TV 8 in above
- Plug-in or hardwire
- 400 sq ft heat rating is modest
- Recessing means cutting drywall
Best for: A wall mounted electric fireplace under a 55 to 65 inch TV, modern living rooms
Check current price on Amazon →2. Walker Edison Arundo 70″ Reeded TV Stand with Fireplace: Best Electric Fireplace TV Stand
An electric fireplace TV stand solves two problems with one piece of furniture: a home for the TV and a focal point under it. The Walker Edison Arundo, our best electric fireplace TV stand for big screens, is 70 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep and 23.75 inches tall, and the listing rates it for TVs up to 75 inches. Reeded door fronts and I-shaped pulls give it the fluted look that is everywhere right now, shown here in English Oak with other finishes on the listing.
The center holds an 18 inch fireplace insert with a remote, and Walker Edison says the flame runs with or without heat. Behind the doors are adjustable shelves and cord management for consoles and streaming boxes. The listing does not publish the insert’s wattage or BTU rating, so treat this as an ambiance-first piece and check the manual if heat output matters. It weighs 126 lb, so plan on two people for assembly.
- Fits TVs up to 75 in
- On-trend reeded doors
- Flame runs without heat
- Storage plus cord management
- Small 18 in insert for a 70 in stand
- Heat output not listed
Best for: Large TVs, renters who want a fireplace look with zero installation
Check current price on Amazon →3. duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove: Best Freestanding (Renter-Friendly)
Not every room has a free wall for a fireplace. The duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove (model DFI-5010-01) is the best electric fireplace for renters who cannot mount anything, a classic stove on legs: 24 inches wide, 23.4 inches tall and 13.07 inches deep, with side viewing windows, a glass door that really opens and a brick-style back panel. It tucks into a corner, beside a sofa or into a bedroom, and you can carry it to another room when the seasons change.
Infrared quartz heat is rated at 5,200 BTU at 1500 watts, and duraflame lists coverage for rooms up to 1,000 square feet as supplemental heat. Flame and heat have independent controls, so the glowing logs can run alone in warmer months, and the listing mentions an adjustable thermostat, flame brightness levels and an automatic timed shut-off. A remote with batteries is included, and setup is just attaching the legs.
- No install: attach legs and plug in
- Opening glass door, side windows
- Flame-only mode
- Moves between rooms
- Small footprint is not a focal wall
- Stove style does not suit every decor
Best for: Renters, corners, bedrooms, cabins and small apartments
Check current price on Amazon →4. Ameriwood Home Southlander TV Stand with Fireplace: Best Budget TV Stand
For a smaller TV wall, the Ameriwood Home Southlander is the best electric fireplace TV stand for a smaller TV and budget: 60 inches wide, 17.05 inches deep and 19.69 inches tall, rated for TVs up to 60 inches or 95 lb. The black oak woodgrain laminate with black H-panel feet keeps the look simple enough for most rooms, from a first apartment to a basement den.
Its 23 inch insert is larger than the Walker Edison’s, with flame and heat settings you can change from the remote or a touch panel. Ameriwood says it heats a room up to 400 square feet, plugs into a standard 120V outlet and uses LED flame lighting rated for up to 50,000 hours, and the flame can run without heat. Two side cabinets hide four shelves (two adjustable), each rated for 20 lb, with wire-management holes.
- Larger 23 in insert
- Published weight limits
- Flame works without heat
- Remote plus touch panel
- TVs only up to 60 in
- Laminated particleboard
Best for: 50 to 55 inch TVs, apartments, budget buyers
Check current price on Amazon →
5. Dimplex Revillusion 25″ Electric Fireplace Log Insert: Best Electric Fireplace Insert
If you have a brick fireplace you never use, an electric fireplace insert is the easiest way to bring it back to life. The Dimplex Revillusion RLG25 is our best electric fireplace insert pick, a plug-in log set that sits inside the existing firebox: about 25.63 inches wide, 13 inches deep and 19 inches tall. Resin logs rest in a metal grate-style frame, and a partly frosted Mirage flame panel behind them shows larger, brighter flames without the mirror reflections cheaper log sets have. A glowing ash mat is included.
A fan-forced ceramic heater gives up to 1500 watts (5,118 BTU), which Dimplex rates for zone heating up to 1,000 square feet, and the heat can run independently of the flames. It plugs into a standard 120V outlet, comes with a multi-function remote with color themes and carries a 2-year parts and 1-year service limited warranty. Measure the firebox width, depth and height first, and make sure the cord can reach an outlet. A 20 inch version (RLG20) suits smaller openings.
- Revives an unused fireplace
- Mirage panel for realistic flames
- Plug-in, no hardwiring
- 2-year parts warranty
- Needs a firebox of the right size
- Cord runs out to an outlet
Best for: Unused wood-burning or gas fireplaces, older homes
Check current price on Amazon →6. Dimplex Featherston Electric Fireplace Mantel Package: Best Mantel Package
If you want the best electric fireplace for a classic look, a mantel package gives you the whole traditional fireplace, surround and all, in one box. The Dimplex Featherston pairs a pine mantel with a gray stone-look surround and measures 61 inches wide, 44 inches tall and 16 inches deep, a classic size that fills a wall the way a real hearth would. Its flat mantel shelf is exactly where stockings, garland and candles go in December.
The 28 inch firebox uses Dimplex inner-glow logs and luminous embers, with red and blue ember lighting and adjustable flame brightness. The 1500 watt heater (5,118 BTU) is rated for supplemental heat up to 1,000 square feet, and the unit runs with or without heat. It needs no venting or gas line, only a single 120V outlet, and a remote is included. It is a large, heavy piece, so choose the spot before you unbox it.
- Mantel and surround in one
- Stone-look finish
- Flame-only mode
- A ready-made Christmas mantel
- Big footprint for small rooms
- Heavy, needs two people
Best for: Living rooms without a fireplace, holiday decorators, cabin or traditional style
Check current price on Amazon →7. Dimplex IgniteXL 60″ Built-in Linear Electric Fireplace: Best Splurge Built-In
The Dimplex IgniteXL XLF60 is the best electric fireplace here for a true built-in look, and our splurge pick. It measures 60.25 inches wide, 16 inches tall and 6 inches deep, and Dimplex’s Multi-Fire XD technology layers flame effects in 8 color themes over an acrylic ember bed. You can mount it on the wall (mount not included) or fully recess it into a framed wall for a seamless media wall.
It is the only pick here that must be hardwired, on 120V or 240V, and Dimplex notes that 240V gives the best heat: the title lists 5,118 BTU at 1500 W on 120V and 8,530 BTU at 2500 W on 240V, with heat for up to 1,000 square feet. That makes it a project for homeowners with an electrician, not renters. It weighs 95 lb, a multi-function remote controls temperature, flame color and power, and 74 and 100 inch versions exist for very large walls.
- Most heat here (on 240V)
- 8 color themes, acrylic ember bed
- Recess or wall-mount
- 74 and 100 in sizes available
- Hardwire required, no plug
- Not renter-friendly
Best for: Homeowners building a media wall, large living rooms
Check current price on Amazon →8. Silonn 50″ Smart Electric Fireplace: Best Smart Wall-Mount
Silonn’s 50-inch unit is a 2026 addition for people who want app control. It connects to Wi-Fi, so you can adjust it from your phone and warm the room before you get home, and it also comes with a remote and a built-in control panel. It can be wall-mounted with a slim 3.9-inch profile or recessed into a framed wall cavity.
The heater is rated at 1400 watts (the spec table lists 4,777 BTU) with a thermostat from 62 to 86°F. You get 20 flame colors plus an automatic color-cycling mode over a crystal-effect bed, a 1 to 8 hour timer, a child lock and overheat protection, and the listing says it runs under 45 dB. Silonn lists a 1-year manufacturer warranty.
- Wi-Fi app plus remote and panel
- Slim 3.9 in wall-mount profile
- 20 flame colors
- Child lock and timer
- 1400 W, slightly less heat than 1500 W units
- Recessing needs proper framing
Best for: Bedrooms and living rooms where you want phone control and a slim look
Check current price on Amazon →9. Tehanld 60″ Ultra-Thin Recessed and Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace: Best Large Linear Fireplace
Tehanld’s 60-inch model is a wide linear fireplace for bigger walls and larger TVs. It measures 60 x 17 x 3.5 inches and supports fully recessed, semi-recessed or flat wall-mounted installation. It weighs 60.4 pounds per the listing, so plan for two people and solid mounting.
Heat runs at 0, 750 or 1500 watts with a digital thermostat from 60 to 99°F, and flame-only mode lets you use it year-round without heat. The listing mentions 12 flame and fuel-bed colors, 6 levels of flame speed and brightness, a 12-hour timer, a cool-touch screen, a child lock and overheat protection, and says it runs at about 40 dB. Faux logs and crystal stones are included.
- 60 in wide for large walls
- Three install options
- Flame-only mode
- Logs and crystals included
- Heavy at 60.4 lb
- Needs a wide wall cavity to recess
Best for: Large living rooms and media walls with a 65 inch or bigger TV
Check current price on Amazon →10. duraflame Electric Log Set Heater with Infrared Flames: Best Log Set for an Existing Fireplace
If you already have a fireplace you no longer burn wood in, this duraflame log set is the easiest upgrade: no vents, no gas line and no construction. It arrives fully assembled, you place it in the hearth and plug it into an outlet. It uses infrared quartz heat, and the spec table lists about 5,200 BTU with heat for up to 1,000 square feet as supplemental heat.
Flame and heat controls are independent, so you can enjoy the glow without heat in warmer months. The remote (2 AAA batteries included) turns the flame effect on and off, sets the timer and adjusts flame brightness. duraflame lists a 1-year limited warranty. It is a different approach from the Dimplex Revillusion insert above: logs that sit in the firebox rather than a framed insert.
- Plug in, no assembly
- Infrared quartz heat
- Flame without heat
- Remote with timer
- Needs an existing fireplace and nearby outlet
- Not a full insert, so the firebox stays visible
Best for: Homes with an unused wood fireplace that want an easy electric look
Check current price on Amazon →Best-for labels at a glance
- Most living rooms with a TV: Touchstone Sideline 50″, slim enough to mount right under the screen
- Big TVs, no installation: Walker Edison Arundo 70″ electric fireplace TV stand
- Renters and corners: duraflame 3D Infrared Electric Fireplace Stove
- Smaller TVs on a budget: Ameriwood Home Southlander
- An old fireplace you no longer burn in: Dimplex Revillusion 25″ electric fireplace insert
- A classic hearth and a Christmas mantel: Dimplex Featherston mantel package
- A built-in media wall: Dimplex IgniteXL 60″
- Phone and app control: Silonn 50″ Smart Electric Fireplace
- A wide wall above a big TV stand: Tehanld 60″ Ultra-Thin
- Logs for an existing hearth, plug and play: duraflame Electric Log Set
How to choose the best electric fireplace for your living room
The best electric fireplace for you depends on your wall, your TV and your lease. Start with the style that fits your home, then narrow by size and heat. Each type below solves a different problem.
Electric fireplace TV stand
An electric fireplace TV stand is furniture first: a media console with a small firebox in the middle. It is the simplest option, because there is nothing to mount and it plugs into the outlet behind your TV. Match the stand width to your TV (see the chart above), check the listed TV size and weight limit, and look at the insert size, which on stands usually runs 18 to 26 inches. Keep in mind that the insert’s heat vents often blow out the front or top, so do not stack game consoles directly in front of them.
Wall mounted electric fireplace
A wall mounted electric fireplace is a slim linear box, often 5 to 6 inches deep, that hangs on a bracket or recesses into the wall. It gives the most modern look and frees up floor space. Check whether it plugs in or must be hardwired, how far below a TV it can sit, and whether the maker says the sides and back stay cool. For a recessed install you need studs deep enough for the unit’s depth, and some models require a dedicated circuit.
Electric fireplace insert
An electric fireplace insert goes inside an existing fireplace opening. Log sets like the Dimplex Revillusion simply sit in the firebox; box-style inserts slide into the opening with a trim kit. Measure the front width, back width, height and depth of your firebox, confirm an outlet is within reach of the cord, and close the damper. If the fireplace was ever gas, have a licensed professional confirm the gas line is capped before you put anything electrical inside.
Freestanding stove and mantel package
A freestanding stove is the most flexible choice: it works in a corner, a bedroom or a cabin and moves with you. A mantel package is the opposite, a full traditional surround that becomes the room’s anchor. Both plug into a standard outlet and both work well with the flames on and the heat off.
Heat output, flame realism and controls
Almost every plug-in electric fireplace tops out at about 1500 watts, or roughly 5,000 to 5,200 BTU, because that is the limit for a standard 120V household outlet. Square-foot claims vary widely between brands for the same wattage, so compare watts and BTU instead. For flame realism, look for layered or 3D effects, an ember bed with logs or crystals, and multiple color and brightness settings. A remote, a thermostat and a shut-off timer are worth having on any model.
Renter-friendly electric fireplace options
If you rent, skip anything that needs hardwiring or cutting into walls. The best electric fireplace options for renters here are the two electric fireplace TV stands (Walker Edison Arundo and Ameriwood Southlander), the duraflame stove and the Dimplex Featherston mantel package: all of them plug into a regular outlet and leave with you when you move. The Touchstone Sideline can also be plug-in and surface-mounted with its bracket, but that means drilling into studs, so ask your landlord first and keep the patch-and-paint in mind for move-out. If your apartment has an existing fireplace you are not allowed to burn wood in, a plug-in log insert is a good way to use it, again with the landlord’s OK.
Check your lease for rules on space heaters, since some buildings treat electric fireplaces the same way. For more ways to stay comfortable without a big bill, see our guide on how to keep an apartment warm without touching the thermostat.
Styling a faux mantel for Christmas
The best electric fireplace for holiday decorating has a real shelf on top, and an electric fireplace is the easiest way to get a Christmas mantel in a home that never had one. The Dimplex Featherston comes with a real mantel shelf, and the top of an electric fireplace TV stand works the same way, as long as you keep decor away from the heat vents. Here is a simple plan:
- Garland: buy a length equal to the mantel width plus 1 to 2 feet so it can drape at each end. Our picks for the best pre-lit Christmas garland include battery-powered options, which means no extra cords near the fireplace.
- Stockings: use weighted stocking holders and space stockings 8 to 10 inches apart. Keep them away from the flame window and any front heat vent, or run the fireplace in flame-only mode while they hang. Browse our best Christmas stockings for options.
- Candles: use flameless LED candles on a mantel above a heater, not real wax candles.
- Layers: add a wreath or mirror centered above, then pair tall pieces at the ends with low greenery in the middle for balance.
For dozens of full mantel looks, from minimal to maximal, see our Christmas mantel decor ideas.
Holiday tip: electric fireplaces often see holiday deals around Black Friday. Check the current price and delivery date on Amazon before you plan your mantel.
Electric fireplace safety notes
- Treat it like a heater. Even the best electric fireplace is a 1500 watt heater when the heat is on.
- Plug directly into a wall outlet. A 1500 watt heater draws about 12.5 amps. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, and do not share the outlet with other high-draw appliances. Touchstone notes the Sideline can pull 12 amps and may need a 20-amp circuit depending on what else is on it.
- Keep clearance. Keep anything that can burn, such as curtains, blankets, paper and holiday decor, at least 3 feet from the front of the heater, and never block the vents.
- Turn the heat off when you leave the room or go to sleep, and use the shut-off timer if your model has one.
- Look for a safety listing such as UL or ETL on the unit or box, and follow the manual’s clearance to TVs, mantels and shelves.
- Route cords safely. Never run a cord under a rug, and keep it out of walkways.
- Kids and pets: the glass and vent area can get warm in heat mode, so supervise young children and pets.
The NFPA’s home heating safety tips cover the 3-foot rule and other basics that apply to any electric heater.
Electric fireplace vs space heater
Heat-wise, a 1500 watt electric fireplace and a 1500 watt space heater put out about the same warmth, because watts are watts. The difference is what else you get. A fireplace adds a focal point, a flame you can enjoy without heat and often furniture or storage; a space heater is smaller, cheaper and easier to move, and some designs move warm air around a room better. If heat is the main goal, compare models in our best space heaters guide; if you want ambiance plus supplemental heat, the best electric fireplace picks above are the better buy.
What to check before buying
- Width and height against your wall and TV (use the chart above)
- Plug-in or hardwire, and where your nearest outlet is
- Heat output in watts and BTU, not just square-foot claims
- Flame-only mode, flame colors and brightness settings
- TV size and weight limits on any TV stand
- Firebox measurements before buying an electric fireplace insert
- Assembly weight and whether you need a second person
- Return window and warranty shown on the product page
Furnishing the rest of the room? A lift-top table pairs well with a fireplace TV stand; see our best lift-top coffee tables and accent chairs for small living rooms to finish the seating area.
How we chose these electric fireplaces
We did not test these fireplaces hands-on. We started with real searches from US shoppers about the best electric fireplace for different rooms, then read each product listing on Amazon for dimensions, wattage, BTU output, flame settings, TV guidance and installation requirements. We kept a mix of types (TV stands, wall-mount, insert, stove and mantel package) and budget, mid-range and splurge levels, and gave each a “best for” label based on its published numbers and the sizing and cost rules in this guide. Listings change, so check the current details on Amazon before you buy; we update this guide when they do.
Helpful resources: NFPA: Heating safety and NFPA: Electrical safety in the home.
Electric fireplace FAQ
What is the best electric fireplace for a living room?
For most living rooms, the best electric fireplace is the Touchstone Sideline 50″: it is 5.5 inches deep, can be wall-mounted or recessed, plugs in or hardwires, and Touchstone says a TV can sit 8 inches above it. If you would rather not mount anything, the Walker Edison Arundo 70″ electric fireplace TV stand holds TVs up to 75 inches.
How much does an electric fireplace cost to run?
At the U.S. average residential rate of 18.31 cents per kWh (EIA), an electric fireplace on high heat (1500 W) costs about 27 cents an hour, and about 14 cents on a 750 W low setting. Flame-only mode usually draws well under 100 W, so the electric fireplace cost to run for ambiance alone is under 2 cents an hour.
Can you put a TV above a wall mounted electric fireplace?
Yes, if the manufacturer allows it. Choose a wall mounted electric fireplace with front-facing heat vents and follow its minimum gap; Touchstone specifies at least 8 inches between the Sideline and a TV. Keep the fireplace low on the wall so the TV does not end up too high for comfortable viewing.
What size electric fireplace TV stand do I need?
Pick an electric fireplace TV stand at least as wide as your TV, ideally a few inches wider, and check its listed TV size and weight limit. A 65 inch TV is about 57 inches wide, so a 70 inch stand like the Walker Edison Arundo fits; for a 50 to 55 inch TV, a 60 inch stand like the Ameriwood Southlander works.
Does an electric fireplace insert work in an existing fireplace?
Yes. An electric fireplace insert or log set, such as the Dimplex Revillusion 25″, sits inside the existing firebox and plugs into a standard 120V outlet. Measure the opening first, close the damper, and if the fireplace was ever gas, have a professional confirm the gas line is capped.
Can you use an electric fireplace without heat?
Yes. Every pick in this guide can run the flame effect with the heater off, which is how most people use an electric fireplace in mild weather. The LED flames use very little power, and you can switch the heat on when the room gets cold.
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