When we decided to build our fireplace TV wall, one of the biggest parts of the whole project was obviously the fireplace.
But instead of adding a traditional fireplace, we went with an electric fireplace.
It gave us the look I wanted without needing an actual wood-burning or gas fireplace — and it also gives off heat when we want it.
Real fireplace or electric?
For this project, electric made the most sense for us.
Why We Chose an Electric Fireplace
Our fireplace wasn't replacing an existing traditional fireplace.
We were creating the entire fireplace wall, so we had the freedom to decide what kind of fireplace we wanted to put into it.
An electric fireplace gave us the visual effect of a fireplace without having to deal with wood, gas or a chimney.
It also gave us a lot more flexibility when designing the wall around the TV.
Here's a quick look at the electric fireplace we added to our fireplace TV wall.
Does Our Electric Fireplace Actually Give Off Heat?
Yes. Ours isn't just there for looks — it has a heat function too.
That's one of the things I like about having an electric fireplace. We can enjoy the look of the flames without necessarily needing heat, and then use the heat when we actually want it.
Living in Florida, we obviously don't need a fireplace for heat nearly as often as someone living somewhere colder, so having that flexibility works really well for us.
One of my favorite features:
We can have the fireplace look without having to turn the heat on.
See the Electric Fireplace We Used
If you're planning an electric fireplace wall or looking for a fireplace insert, you can see the one we used below.
Watch My Full Electric Fireplace Review
The Short above gives you a quick look at it in our finished space, but I also made a longer Amazon review where you can get a closer look at the fireplace itself.
How We Built the Fireplace Into the Wall
The electric fireplace was only one part of this project.
We built the entire fireplace and TV wall around it, including recessing the TV into the wall and adding a frame around the TV so it could have more of an art-style look when we weren't watching it.
It completely changed what had originally been a pretty plain wall in the room.
If you want to see the entire project from the original idea to the finished wall, check out our DIY fireplace TV wall makeover.
Would I Choose an Electric Fireplace Again?
For this type of project, yes.
I really like that we get the look and ambiance of a fireplace, have heat available when we want it, but don't have all of the requirements that would come with adding a traditional fireplace.
And because the fireplace was incorporated into the wall from the beginning, it looks like it belongs there rather than something we added afterward.
Would you choose a real fireplace or electric?
For this house, I'd choose electric again.
More of Our Home Projects
If you like seeing our renovations and the decisions that go into them, you can also check out our living room makeover or visit our About Us page for more of our projects, finds and family.
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