What better way to create a homely, cozy ambiance in your home than with a roaring fireplace. With many styles and designs to choose from, you can combine extra warmth with an eye-catching centerpiece. If you’re looking to add a stylish, striking, luxurious fireplace to your living space, it’s worth taking a look at double-side electric fireplaces. Installing one in your home is guaranteed to give you a warm glow and dazzle your guests.
Double-sided fireplaces, also known as see-through fireplaces, function as bold architectural room features as well as supplementary heaters. They’re a modern twist on traditional fireplaces, enabling you to add warmth and atmosphere to open spaces or adjoining rooms. Even when unlit, they allow light to pass through them—a stylish accent that’s sure to brighten any home.
Practical and aesthetic, double-sided fireplaces work like chic room dividers, linking several rooms or breaking up the expanse of a single large space. As they run on electricity, they’re cheaper to run (and lower maintenance) than gas or wood-burning versions. Their double-sided design allows them to heat up larger expanses of space—meaning greater energy efficiency and even distribution of warmth. So, why not fan the flames of your creativity and fire up your imagination? Let’s discover what these contemporary electric heaters have to offer.
Suppose you’re looking to add some warmth to a large living space. Maybe you want to add a modern, classy feature that looks great and is an effective heater. A double-sided electric fireplace is the perfect mix of aesthetics and functionality. Here we’ll explain what features these types of heaters are comprised of and what you can expect from the models available on the market today.
Features to Look Out for
Heating
Double-sided electric fireplaces work like conventional electric heaters, except that they’re usually placed between two full-sized areas rather than installed by a wall. They’re ideal for larger rooms or open-concept rooms, which would benefit from the even distribution of heat that they provide (as well as being a striking centerpiece).
These fireplaces are usually either hardwired directly into your home’s electrical system or plugged into an appropriate power outlet. Simple to use, low maintenance, and with no need for a chimney or flue, they’re a hassle-free heating and design solution.
As your space would need only one heater, they work out less expensive to purchase and run than installing two or more separate fireplaces. Most of these appliances can heat up areas up to 800 square feet. Plus, they’re more energy-efficient, too. Many models can heat separate areas at different rates for more customized comfort. These versions are controlled by two remote controls (one for each side of the fireplace).
Another factor to consider is that these types of heaters are safer than many other versions. As they’re encased in sturdy glass, there’s an extremely low risk of fire or injury. Perfect if you have young children or pets.
Cost
These innovative heaters are a relatively new addition to the market. As such, they tend to be more expensive than other available fireplaces. Only a few manufacturers produce these double-sided electric versions. You’d be hard-pressed to find a good quality model for under $1,000. However, purchasing one could be a fantastic investment. It’s a novel way to spruce up any interior, a great talking point with guests, and will save you energy costs in the long run. If your budget allows for it, it’s well worth checking out any hot deals.
Design
Most double-sided electric fireplaces come in contemporary styles and work well in spaces that incorporate a more modern or simplistic décor. They’re designed to be installed in a partial room divider (usually no more than 3 feet high) or existing wall or panel between two rooms. These fireplaces are encased in sturdy glass that can either be transparent, semi-transparent, or opaque. What you go for depends on how much light you want to pass through it (or how much privacy you want it to provide). Some designs even allow you to change the transparency of this screen when desired.
As this heater runs on electricity, it contains no chimney, flue, or vent, so it can be installed wherever you like. However, it looks best in the center of a large space, forming a sophisticated divider that provides equal amounts of heat throughout the area. It creates a “wow” factor in any room with ample enough space. Dining room, living room, sitting room, family room, bedroom, or bathroom—the choice is yours.
Many of these fireplaces contain stunning design features allowing you to customize their look for different moods or occasions. For instance, you can make the “flames” change color according to the type of ambiance you wish to create. Many models offer numerous color and speed options to select from. You can choose to have a traditional-looking “log” fire or a multi-colored, crystal “ember” bed, illuminated from below by color-changing lights. Your new fireplace is guaranteed to be a dazzling focal point for your home.
These electric fireplaces use LED lighting to generate high-intensity light, day or night. Energy-efficient, these lights require little to no servicing and are guaranteed to burn brightly for years to come. These lighting features can brighten up your room or cast a warm, cozy glow according to your preference on any given day.
Controls
As you’d expect from appliances using advanced technology and innovative design, these double-sided electric fireplaces can be controlled using remotes and thermostats. And as we’ve mentioned, many models come with two remote controls, one for either side of the fireplace for extra comfort and convenience.
These multi-function remotes can control the flame speed, flame color, underlighting, brightness, heat blower speed/intensity, and heat output (temperature) of your fireplace. They also contain a timer, so you can schedule your heating to turn on and off whenever you please. Some allow you to disable the heat function as a child safety feature for extra peace of mind.
Installation
Double-sided electrical fireplaces come with an installation guide or manual as standard. There are also many “how-to” installation videos available online. However, unlike wall-mounted, recessed, or open fireplaces, they can be trickier to set up.
These heaters are usually installed into a custom-made wall (or divider) or a pre-existing one. If using an existing wall, you’ll need to cut through it to allow for the exact dimensions of your new fireplace. You’ll also be limited in how much you can customize the final look.
Opt for a new room divider, and you’ll have more scope for creativity. You’ll have more flexibility in terms of its placement, height, thickness, the facing materials you can use, and so on. You’ll be able to fan the flames of your creativity by picking out a custom style for your new fireplace, using the materials, colors, and textures of your choice.
These heaters can either be hardwired into your home’s electrical system or plugged into an appropriate power outlet. If you’re inexperienced in home improvement projects or simply don’t want the hassle of installing a new appliance, it may be a good idea to hire a contractor. They’ll take the heat off of you by ensuring that your fireplace is correctly set up.
Energy-efficiency
As we’ve mentioned, double-sided fireplaces allow for larger spaces to be heated. As the heater has two sides, it can generate and disperse heat to either end of a room. Cold spots which would previously go untouched are now able to be reached and warmed up. Plus, the two sides can be controlled separately, meaning that if one end of a room requires more or less heat than the other, this can be achieved.
Using one heating appliance in place of two or more is more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and saves you money on energy bills. Electric fireplaces only use around 1,500 watts of electricity. If used for simply decorative purposes, they cost between 0.003 to 3 cents an hour to run. When the heat is at maximum power, they cost about 9 cents an hour which works out between $50 to $80 a year to operate. This is still cheaper than a gas-powered heater, which can burn up to $500 a year.
The Afterglow
Double-sided electrical fireplaces are increasingly becoming the desirable alternative to traditional heaters. Adding modern, sophisticated, and customizable touches to a home’s interior, they’re allowing style-conscious homeowners to fire their imaginations and create unique centerpieces. These fireplaces aren’t only attractive; they enable large areas to be heated up more efficiently and conveniently.
If you’re contemplating adding to your home’s heating system, it’s well worth taking a look at these innovative heaters. Bear in mind what “flame” effects and style of hearth you want. Check where you can install it, how much heating power you need, what size room you want to heat, and what extra features you want it to provide.
Don’t be put off by the price; you’re guaranteed to save money on energy bills in the long run. By taking some time to research different manufacturers and models, you’re sure to find a chic and tasteful fireplace that’ll light up your life.
FAQs
Do double-sided electric fireplaces produce real flames?
No. These electric fireplaces produce the look and feel of having a real fireplace without the smoke and maintenance associated with gas or wood-burning versions. They create realistic flame effects through LED lighting. You can switch between different flame colors, speeds, and heights to suit any mood or occasion. Plus, you have the option of using the fireplace merely for decorative reasons without it giving off any heat at all. It’s a perfect household appliance that can be used throughout the year.
Are they safe to use in homes with children and/or pets?
Double-sided fireplaces are a safe, hazard-proof heating option within any household. Inserted and secured within a wall or room divider, they can’t fall over or become loose. They come encased in sturdy, shatterproof glass, meaning that mischievous little hands (or paws) can’t destroy them.
As they tend to be placed centrally within a room, they’re also unlikely to come into contact with flammable materials such as curtains or blinds. Although they’re highly efficient at heating up your living space, they work at a relatively low-temperature setting, using artificial heat. This means that your children or pets won’t burn themselves if they touch the appliance.
Do they require much maintenance?
Double-sided electric fireplaces are certainly lower maintenance than traditional wood-burning or gas fireplaces. There’s no ash or debris to clean up or chimney or flue to be maintained. As they use LED lights, there’s no need for any bulb changes or servicing. You simply need to dust them every so often—easy peasy!
Can I get an outdoor double-sided electrical fireplace?
There are outdoor models available and are chic additions to any patio or decking area. However, you need to make sure that you purchase one that’s outdoor rated. These usually come with a protective cover to protect the fireplace and its electrical components from the weather. Indoor versions aren’t suitable for use outside the home.
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Last Update: 2024-04-19 | Affiliate links/Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
