For those with a real fire, there’s nothing cosier – but as an alternative, there are many different fireplaces in varying types and styles, which are attractive, practical and sure to warm you on even the chilliest of days.
Here are five popular fireplaces, to spark some ideas if you’re thinking of investing in a new one.
Castleton Electric Fireplace Suite
One of the most talked about fireplaces is this glass-fronted electric fire with multi-function remote control, letting you adjust the settings. It has 100 per cent LED lighting in 13 different multi-coloured ‘moods’, four levels of brightness, flame effects and 1 or 2kW thermostatic room temperature control. This mid-range fire comes in a very light cream MDF, to suit any décor, and is available for around £300 (Amazon). It comes as a flat-pack for self-assembly to aid transportation but it is reportedly simple to build.
Monaco Free Standing Electric Fireplace
Easy to use and beautiful to look at, this is free standing so it doesn’t involve making any alterations to the wall or floor. A realistic flicker flame adds to the cosy, contemporary style, which has a white rock effect. Modern in design, the surround is solid MDF in white with a black base, meaning it will blend in well to most lounges or dining rooms. With a power output of 50Hz 220-240 volts, you need never have cold feet again. And if you fancy the flicker without any heat, you can set it to do that. On sale from £349.99 (Amazon).
Homcom Large LED Curved Glass Fireplace
With a lovely curved design and striking features, this product has a full LED flame effect with seven colour options, including an ambient side light. It is wall mounted, so you can put it on almost any wall and it doesn’t take up any floor space or need a lot of preparation. The glass is black and tempered for strength and durability and it has two heat settings, 1kW and 2kW, which manufacturers say is more than enough to keep you warm. Particularly attractive in the evenings, this slim-line plasma hottie is now available at a sale price of around £100 on Amazon and usually retails at an affordable £139.99.
Calor Provence 3kW Portable Flueless Gas Stove Heater
From Universal Innovations, I’m pleased to see this doesn’t have a flu but find myself wondering exactly how portable a gas stove heater actually needs to be. Anyway. It comes in matt black, so will go with virtually anything you wear as you cart it around everywhere you go! More likely to be shifted between rooms in your house, it has a rather specific price of £313.05 on Amazon just now. Another welcome treat is that the instructions are clear, it’s uncomplicated to set up and proud owners say this is a good alternative to a real stove. Someone describing themselves as “Norma’s other half” put on an Amazon review that it “adds a touch of class to the conservatory” – which I’m sure we all agree is extremely important. It also adds a touch of gas to the conservatory.
Adam Helios Brushed Steel Electric Fire
With a pebble bed glow effect, this won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but it’s certainly a bit different with its brushed steel exterior. The pebble bed can be illuminated independently. It has 1kW and 2kW heat settings, will apparently fit into all standard openings and sits flat to the wall. You simply plug it in, with no self-assembly required. And if you’ve never seen pebbles burn, you have now. For a rather reasonable £94.99 (Amazon), all this could be yours. I think it is certainly worth noting too that those who bought this from the popular online retailer, picked up a Reig Deluxe Saxophone for a nifty fifteen quid, at the same time. Random.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here