Electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire: an elegant interior decoration

Many people want to have a fireplace in their apartment or house, since this interior detail is associated with warmth and comfort. However, not everyone can install a real fireplace in a residential area, which is associated with a number of certain restrictions and requirements. Electric fireplaces with the effect of a live fire will help to implement a similar idea. They have many advantages and will become a real decoration for any interior. What they are and how to choose them correctly - this article will tell you.

What is "live" fire

Many people think of burning wood and tongues of flame on them when they say "living fire". In the modern world, this is also called the 3D effect, which is created by a special design of a steam generator and backlight. It is she who is the basis for the electric fireplace.

When it is turned on, the generator starts, which begins to actively produce cold steam. It goes through a woodpile, where it is illuminated by a diode tape and the effect of burning without fire and smoke is obtained. To further enhance the naturalness, the lighting is periodically changed, creating the illusion of a real flame.

The cold steam generated by the electric fireplace perfectly moisturizes the room. It can be made warm if necessary. Rest near such a hearth allows you to relax after a hard day at work.

The device and the main elements of the electric fireplace

Regardless of the manufacturer and type of electric fireplace, all models have a number of the same elements:

• artificial smoldering firewood and coals;
• capacity that plays the role of a hearth for an electric fireplace;
• grate replacement;
• a device that creates a simulated flame;
• decorative elements.

The electric fireplace itself has been developed for a long time, but its active use in interior design has gained particular popularity for the last 2-3 years. It was then that fashion magazines began to place photos of electric fireplaces in the interior of the living room and bedroom. The increased demand for this type of decor made manufacturers think about the design of hearths.As a result, the main elements listed above began to be decorated in various styles. The number of offered models allows you to use the electric fireplace in the interior of any apartment or office.

Note! The hearths offered today can be placed anywhere in the apartment: in the living room, in the kitchen, on the balcony, in the bedroom. At the same time, the price of electric fireplaces with a live fire effect in a mobile version is affordable.

The principle of operation of the electric fireplace

The principle of operation of any electric fireplace is the same. It is quite simple and not particularly complex. The difference between the models may lie in the presence of additional elements (steam generator, backlight or sound card), but they do not have a particular effect on the operation. Their purpose is to enhance the burning effect and make it as realistic as possible. Having understood the principle of operation, you can, with certain knowledge and skills, assemble an electric fireplace with your own hands.

Consider how an electric hearth works. Tubular electric heaters are used to generate heat. They can be quartz, ceramic or nichrome. To prevent heating of the walls of the electric fireplace, a reflector is located inside. It directs streams of warm air upward to exit through special ventilation holes.

In addition to heating elements, there are diode lighting and special lamps inside the fireplace. They operate in a specific mode to simulate the burning of a flame. At the same time, the blinking never repeats twice in a row.

Many models have fans in their design. Their purpose is to increase the intensity of convection. Such models have much higher efficiency than without fans. This allows you to reduce energy consumption during operation.

Recently, models with a steam generator have been very popular. The water poured into the tank turns into steam and is directed upward with the help of a fan. The backlighting of halogen lamps, reflected in small water particles, enhances the burning effect and makes it natural.

Simulation and heating systems operate separately from each other. This allows electric fireplaces to be turned on in summer.

Note! You should not choose an electric fireplace as a heating device for the entire room. He produces a certain amount of heat, but only at a short distance near him.

Existing types of electric fireplaces

Several types of electric fireplaces are widely used today. The difference between them lies in the design itself and the installation method.

By design features, the equipment can be divided into:

• electric fireplace with a portal for decoration. Such a device creates the complete illusion of a real fireplace. To design the portal itself, manufacturers quite often use stucco, tiles, wrought iron or marble tiles. Such built-in electric fireplaces with a live fire effect are most often used in large apartments and private houses;
• freestanding structures. This type of electric fireplace resembles a cast iron stove or potbelly stove. If you wish, you can separately buy a portal for an electric fireplace and place this type of heating device in it;
• an electric fireplace resembling a wood burning stove. These models are mobile. They can be carried from room to room;
• cabinet electric fireplaces. This type is distinguished by small and compact dimensions. They can be built into furniture.

According to the method of installation, the foci can be divided as follows:

• classic models. This type assumes a complete imitation of a real fireplace.It is very difficult to install such an electric fireplace on your own, therefore, the involvement of specialists is necessary for its installation;
• corner. Installing the appliance in a corner saves a lot of space. Such corner electric fireplaces with a live fire effect are an ideal solution for small apartments;
• wall. Such models are most often chosen for interior decoration in modern trends. However, if you wish, you can buy a wall-mounted electric fireplace for a room with a classic interior;
• electric fireplace built into the wall. Such models can significantly save space in the apartment. The installation of an electric fireplace built into the wall takes place during the overhaul. When choosing such a model for yourself, you need to carefully consider how the operation and further maintenance will be carried out.

The sizes and weights of electric fireplaces vary. A large selection of design solutions allows you to choose and buy an electric fireplace with a live flame effect for any interior.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric fireplaces with live flame

Any electric fireplace has a number of advantages. Among them, the most important is the ability to install such a device in any room. During its operation, smoke and soot are not emitted. In addition, the room is not contaminated with ash, soot and other products that accompany the operation of this fireplace.

Electric fireplaces are completely safe for animals and children. The use of heat-resistant glass excludes the possibility of getting burned by accidental contact.

Corner electric fireplaces can solve several problems in a small apartment at once: save space and create a cozy atmosphere.

You can install the hearth yourself. Wall-mounted electric fireplaces are especially easy to install. They are similar in design to paintings. Therefore, it is enough to hang them on the wall and connect to the network.

The presence of a thermostat in the design allows you to set the mode to the desired mode. And the economy mode makes it possible to consume a minimum amount of electricity. The electric fireplace has one big and significant drawback - the flame in it is just an imitation. Therefore, he will never be able to replace real fire.

Review of popular models and manufacturers

Today, there are many companies on the market that are engaged in the production of electric fireplaces with imitation of live fire. The models they offer have many advantages. Any of them will be a great decoration for your home and office. Let's take a look at the most popular brands.

Dimplex electric fireplace with Opti-Mest technology

Dimplex models are distinguished by the creation of a realistic picture of the flame. This effect is achieved by using the special technology Opti-Mest. The firewood used in the fireplace is made by hand. In their appearance, they completely imitate the real ones. When the fireplace is working, they flicker like real logs when burning in a fire.

Among the advantages of the products of this brand are the following:

• the possibility of installing a Dimplex electric fireplace in a medium-sized room. This allows you to enjoy the flame in it from any side. If desired, it can be installed in a special niche. It is sold separately. And you can make a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands, choosing a finishing material at your discretion;
• the neat shape of the models allows them to be used with any style solution of the room;
• absolute safety. Using the adjustment, the owner can choose a mode with or without heating, increase or decrease the intensity of the flame and smoke;
• high quality workmanship and a long warranty.

A significant disadvantage of the models of this brand is the high cost, which makes the device inaccessible to the average buyer.

Related article:

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Panoramic electric fireplaces with live fire effect

The Chinese company Panoramic offers a large line of electric fireplaces with a live fire effect, which can be bought at an affordable price. Among them there are models that are equipped with soundtrack. By adjusting the volume with the remote control, you can fill the room with crackling firewood.

Among the advantages of the models of this brand are:

• the ability to turn on the mode of gradual extinction of the flame, as in a real fireplace;
• all models have thermostats and displays showing the main settings and operating modes of the fireplace. If desired, the owner can independently choose the intensity of combustion;
• the stylistic design of the models creates the illusion of a real fireplace;
• the ability to install inside the portal or separately.

Note! In its models, the Panoramic company installs special systems that reliably protect electric fireplaces from overheating.

Advantages of electrolux electric fireplaces

The Swedish company Electrolux produces not only high-quality household appliances, but also electric fireplaces. They are distinguished by high quality and affordable cost.

Advantages of Electrolux electric fireplaces:

• various design options (vertical and horizontal). This allows them to be installed in different rooms;
• compact dimensions and low weight. So, the weight of the black electric fireplace Electrolux EFP W 1200URLS is only 17 kg, and the thickness is 12 cm. It can be hung even on a plasterboard wall;
• all models have several heating modes. The remote control is used to adjust them;

• the outer panel of the electric fireplaces is made of heat-resistant glass that does not heat up during operation. Even with an accidental touch to such a hearth, a person will not be burned. Electrolux fireplaces are absolutely safe for children;
• economy mode is used. This allows you to minimize the energy consumption during the operation of the fireplace;
• the presence of two modes of operation: heating and simulated flame. Each of them can work separately. If necessary, you can run both at the same time.

Important! Electrolux electric fireplaces are additionally equipped with a mechanical flame control system. Even if the remote control fails, the owner of the device has the ability to manually adjust the operating mode.

Electric fireplaces with steam generator by RealFlame

The Chinese company RealFlame offers a line of 3D effect electric fireplaces with a steam generator. There are LEDs inside the logs that flicker during the operation of the equipment. All this together allows you to get the most natural imitation of fire in the hearth.

A special reservoir is provided for water in the construction of fireplaces. Liquid is poured into it, which is supplied to the evaporator in certain doses. There, the transformation of liquid into steam takes place. Then it is illuminated by a special lamp. The result is a flame with smoke.

The volume of the tank is designed for 1.8 liters. The design of the electric fireplace provides for a protective system that does not allow the equipment to be turned on with an empty tank.The need to add water will be indicated by a blinking light on the control panel.

According to reviews, electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire and steam generator serve as excellent air humidifiers at any time of the year.

Recommendations for choosing an electric fireplace

The large number of offers of various types of electric fireplaces complicates the choice. All of them have many advantages and additional functions. Where to start choosing the right fireplace for your apartment?

The age of modern technology allows you to make a preliminary acquaintance with existing models without leaving your home. To do this, just look at the photos of electric fireplaces, and also get acquainted with the reviews about working on the Internet.

After that, it is necessary to create a project for the future hearth. This will allow you to determine what size the fireplace should be, what design is suitable for a particular room, as well as what technical characteristics the device should have, etc.

Now you can safely go shopping for a suitable electric fireplace. In this case, you should pay attention to the following points:

• the size. It is better to buy a corner electric fireplace in a small room. This will save space. For a large house or summer cottage, an electric fireplace with a portico is best;
• registration. It is not worthwhile to purchase a high-tech electric fireplace in a room decorated in a classic style. Conversely, a model made of glass and plastic will not look against the Empire style. Such style combinations are not permissible with proper interior design;
• power of the device. If a decision is made to purchase a powerful electric fireplace, then you must first check the wiring. If it cannot withstand the high voltage, then the purchase of a model with high power will have to be abandoned.

Another factor influencing the choice of a fireplace is its cost. In this matter, the last word belongs to the future owner.

Note!The high cost and popular brand are not always the main ones when choosing this type of hearth in the house. So, the price of wall-mounted electric fireplaces may be lower than that of other models, but the technical characteristics of the device and its compliance with the requirements of the future owner are much more important.

Features of installing electric fireplaces

After a model that is suitable in all respects is selected, the question arises about its installation. You can do this yourself, or you can involve specialists in this process. In the latter case, all that is required of the owner is to pay the masters and after a while enjoy the reflections of the flame in the fireplace.

If you decide to carry out the installation yourself, then you should carefully study the main stages of the installation:

• in the selected place, it is necessary to install the base for the hearth. A thick board or wooden board is perfect for these purposes. If a decision is made to buy a built-in electric fireplace, then it is necessary to prepare a niche or furniture where the installation will be made. Do not forget about such important points as the proximity of the outlet and the possibility of further maintenance;
• if the portal or base for the built-in electric fireplace is made independently, it is imperative to carry out subsequent finishing work with paint or stain;
• when installing a new socket for connecting a fireplace, experts recommend placing it behind the device;

• corner portals for electric fireplaces are assembled in the same way as for built-in ones. The only difference is the installation of the structure in the corner of the room;
• the easiest way to install wall-mounted electric fireplaces. They are installed on hangers that come with the device itself. Before installing them, it is necessary to determine the type of wall: capital or pier. In the first case, you need to make four attachment points. When installed on a wall, additional reinforcement is carried out. Without it, the wall may not support the weight of the electric fireplace.

Helpful advice! Nothing limits the fantasy of the owner of the fireplace. He can show his creativity and decorate the electric fireplace with various finishing materials: artificial stone, marble, wood, granite tiles, stucco, etc.

Stylish solutions for electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire: video

The use of an electric fireplace in the design of a room immediately brings notes of warmth and comfort to it. Regardless of the style in which the room is made, it will always serve as exactly that zest that immediately catches the eye and gives the interior completeness. A correctly chosen electric fireplace will delight its owners for many years.

You can buy a 3D electric fireplace in any style: high-tech, classic, minimalism, empire style. For a loft-style room, open models or options for woodpiles enclosed in glass and metal are an excellent choice.

Beautiful stucco molding, a lot of ornate curls allow you to feel like the owner of a real castle, and to stun guests with the existing splendor. For an office and office space, it is better to buy a built-in electric fireplace in a minimalist style. This model will add solidity and composure to a strict business atmosphere.