For many years, electric fireplace design has been focused on linear models, with profiles that are much wider than they are tall. This has been a response to the desire for homeowners to install their TVs above their fireplaces – the wider fireplace profile offers better balance with the TV above. However, there are great improvements being made in more traditional square electric fireplace designs. Homeowners tend to expect a more traditional electric fireplace to look more realistic than a linear model, because it’s trying to replicate a masonry fireplace. With a linear fireplace, they are more forgiving and open-minded about the realism because it’s not really trying to be a wood-burning fire.
There are some disadvantages to having a square electric fireplace if you’re planning to have it below a TV:
- A large TV will be wider than the fireplace below.
- A large square electric fireplace may force you to mount the TV higher than is comfortable for viewing.
However, if you like the idea of separating the TV from the fireplace, a square electric fireplace may be the ideal solution. Because it more closely resembles a natural, wood-burning fireplace, a square fireplace will never go out of style. You can make it look traditional or contemporary with the materials you install around the fireplace. There are also a range of different media kits to change the look of a square electric fireplace from the inside. You can choose from logs, stones or crystals to coordinate the fireplace with your décor. Add to that the variety of flame and lighting colours that are standard in most electric fireplaces, and your square electric fireplace can adapt to any room design.
Below, we’re sharing the best options for square electric fireplace designs, and our top tips for incorporating them into your home.
A square electric fireplace for luxury spaces
If you’ve been avoiding electric fireplaces because you don’t think they will look good in a luxury interior, you need to get familiar with a new breed of square electric fireplace. These fireplace inserts incorporate the latest technologies into a traditional format and are exceptionally good at mimicking both gas and wood fires.
Amantii Signature BI-TRD-38-SIG
Signature combines Dimplex Optimyst water-vapour flames with Amantii’s LED fireplace features. When combined with full-size logs and an impressive size, the flame and lighting effects create one of the most realistic fire experiences available in a square electric fireplace. This is a built-in fireplace, and it requires a water line connection, so it is meant for custom fireplace designs, where there is space for the extra depth required to house all the technology.
Napoleon Elevation X NEFB36LCD-MF
Elevation is a line of both gas and electric fireplace inserts. They follow the exact framing dimensions, allowing builders to switch from gas to electric without changing their designs. Because Elevation electrics will be compared side by side with their gas counterparts, Napoleon has designed them to be incredibly realistic, with multi-layered flame effects that run from front to back through the oak logs, as they would on a gas fire. While the original Elevation electric is all LED, the Elevation X adds in a video flame behind the LED flame effects. Because it’s a video, you can choose from a wood fire or a gas fire. These are large square electric fireplaces, made to be built in to a custom feature wall, where space allows for extra depth and height.
A square electric fireplace for existing masonry openings
When you’re fitting an electric fireplace insert into an existing masonry opening, you need to be sure that there are trim kits available to cover any gaps around the insert. There is no such thing as a ‘standard’ fireplace opening, so it’s almost impossible to get a perfect fit. You need to find the largest insert that will go into the cavity, then use a trim kit to cover the gaps between the insert and the opening. It helps if the insert is shallow, with tapered sides. There are several good options for square electric fireplaces in this category.
Modern Flames Redstone RS-2621, RS-3021, RS-3626, RS-4229, RS-5435
Redstone electric fireplaces have a framing depth of just 10-inches (12-inches on the 5435), and the sides are tapered, so they are perfect for retrofits into old masonry fireplaces. An added bonus is that they come standard with 2 small trims, one that is just 5/8-inch wide and another that is 1 5/8-inch wide. That means you could possibly get away without buying a larger trim kit if your opening size is compatible with the insert size. If you do need the wider trim kit, Modern Flames makes 2 different trim widths for each of the 2621, 3021 and 3626 models, and those trims replace the standard trims, so they are perfectly integrated with the firebox. As with all Modern Flames electric fireplaces, the Redstone has many colour options for the flames, ember bed and overhead lighting.
Napoleon Cineview NEFB26H, NEFB30H
Cineview is limited to just 2 sizes, with one of the shallowest framing depths – just 7.75 inches. It is sized to fit the most common fireplace openings, and there is an optional trim kit available for both models. The trim kit comes in 4 pieces, and the bottom piece may be left off if you only need trim on the sides and top. Cineview inserts have yellow, orange and blue flames, as well as changing ember bed colours. They come with both logs and crystals, and you can remove the logs if you prefer.
A square electric fireplace for traditional spaces
Dimplex Revillusion REV24, REVF30, REV36, REV36P, REV42 When authenticity matters, Revillusion electric fireplaces deliver with a variety of interior panels, including herringbone and neutral brick. A Mirage panel places the LED flames in the middle of the logs, where they belong. Those logs glow and pulse to replicate burning. Trims are available for the REV24 and REV30, if you need to fit the insert into a gas or wood-burning fireplace opening.
A square electric fireplace for budget spaces
Napoleon Element NEFB36H-BS, NEFB42H-BS
Napoleon Element offers a lot of features at a value price point. The height of the orange flames may be adjusted, and there is downlighting to highlight the logs below. Logs are full size and realistic, with a dark glass ember bed under the grate. Optional trim kits are available for both sizes, which is unusual for such large inserts. This is a great square electric fireplace if you are on a tight budget and need a large insert.
Amantii Fire & Ice Classic CE26, CE30, CE33
This is a bare bones bargain fireplace insert. The flame effects are not as realistic as other Amantii models, but it comes in 3 popular smaller sizes, and has a nice wide picture frame as well as a brick interior to elevate the look.
Summary:
If you prefer a more traditional square electric fireplace, there are lots of great options that have all the latest features.