Fireplaces are beautiful, and owning one shows a touch of class and sophistication on your part, but what happens when that touch of class and sophistication puts your budget and lifestyle in jeopardy? A gas fireplace can be incredibly expensive, and as a result your fireplace might have set unused in your house for some time. Surely you enjoyed the days when you could sit around a roaring fire and enjoy the company of friends and family, and the good news is you can have those days back if you really want!
Another reason that you aren't running your fireplace like you really want to could be that you haven't installed one. Reasons for not installing a good fireplace could be that you don't have enough room. In small houses this can be a serious problem, but luckily there is a simple solution.
The corner electric fireplace is a perfect solution for someone that doesn't have the space or the money to actually run a full blown fireplace, and they are also much more efficient than the standard woodburning stove. This is exactly what it sounds like; a small fireplace that sits in a corner and plugs into the wall to become your new family fireplace that will only cost you a small amount on your electric bill.
I used to join the murmurings about “ Where are the qualified women?” As we murmured, we would all gaze about the room, up toward the chandelier, into the corner behind the potted palm, under the napkin, hoping perhaps that qualified women would pop out like leprechauns.
— Jane O’ Reilly, U. S. feminist and humorist. The Girl I Left Behind, ch. 5 (1980)
One great part about these is that you can actually use it for a TV stand if you really want to. You can put other things on it as well, so not only is it a great fireplace, it's also a great storage space, or a place to show off your family photos.
The prices for these units can vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It all depends on your taste and your budget. Obviously the higher end ones are much better, but the less expensive models will also have some noteworthy features.
A prime example of low end corner electric fireplaces is the SEI FA8513 E from Maxwell. It has a golden oak finish and three different setting knobs that control the size of the flame, the heat, and the glow. This is definitely something to look into if you're on a budget because it costs around $300.
Like the train’s beat
Swift language flutters the lips
Of the Polish airgirl in the corner seat.
— Philip Larkin (1922–1986)
A higher end model is the Classic Flame 28CE671AWN-0501 that features a center shelf for media devices, wire management channels, a hand finished exterior, and all the features from the normal corner electric fireplaces. This model costs around $1300.
When you simply don't have the room, a corner electric fireplace is here to save the day. Just go to your local home improvement store or shop online. You're sure to find exactly what you need, and it will likely fit into any corner in your house.