Ask Joshua: What Are the Best Freestanding Electric Fireplaces for a Living Room?
Hi Joshua,
My boyfriend and I just moved into a modern apartment in Milwaukee, and we’d love to make our living room feel a little cozier before winter really sets in. We don’t have a fireplace, and on those really cold nights, it would be nice to have a little extra warmth while we’re hanging out on the couch.
I’ve been looking at plug-in electric fireplaces online, but some of them look a little cheesy in the photos. I’d love something that looks like it belongs with the rest of our furniture. Since we rent, it would have to be something freestanding that we can just plug in.
Are there any freestanding electric fireplaces you’d recommend that would look good in a modern living room and give off a little extra heat?
Thank you,
Krisi — Milwaukee, Wisconsin
A warm, modern Scandinavian living room designed by virtual interior designer Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co. AI rendering.
Hi Krisi,
Yes, I’d consider a freestanding electric fireplace for your apartment. For a modern living room like yours, I’d start with either a compact electric stove with clean lines or a slim fireplace with a simple mantel. The stove can make an empty corner feel cozier, while a mantel can give a blank wall a focal point.
What makes an electric fireplace look good?
When I’m shopping for an electric fireplace, I pay as much attention to the firebox as I do to the finish. I tend to look for a dark interior, understated faux logs, and a warm flame that can be dimmed. For the exterior, I’d look for matte black, warm white, or a wood tone that works with the furniture you already own.
If the listing has a video, watch it with the flame on. That’ll give you a better feel for how the flames move and how bright they are than a product photo can. I’d also look for a model that lets you run the flame effect separately from the heater so you can enjoy the glow when the apartment is already warm.
Should you choose a compact stove or a fireplace with a mantel?
If you’re happy with your furniture layout and just want a little warmth and glow, I’d lean toward a compact electric stove. I like a simple silhouette that looks good even when the stove is off.
If there’s a blank wall that feels unfinished, I’d choose a freestanding electric fireplace with a mantel. For your apartment, I’d look for a surround with simple lines and enough width to feel in proportion to the wall. Before you order, use painter’s tape to mark the fireplace’s width and depth on the floor. That’ll show you how far it projects into the room and how much walking space you’ll have around it.
For those cold Milwaukee nights, look for a model with a built-in heater and an adjustable thermostat. Think of it as supplemental heat for the living room. Before you settle on a spot, check the manufacturer’s clearance requirements and make sure the cord can reach a wall outlet directly.
Shop Freestanding Electric Fireplaces
I’ve rounded up freestanding electric fireplaces I’d consider for a living room, from compact stoves that work in smaller spaces to mantel styles that can give a blank wall a focal point. Click any fireplace below to see the product details, including its dimensions and heat settings.
Warmly,
Joshua
Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.
Affiliate Disclosure - I picked these fireplaces with different living room layouts and styles in mind. Some of the product links in this post are affiliate links, so if you make a purchase through one of them, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Ask Joshua and my work at JJones Design Co.
