Wall mounted electric fireplaces offer a simple way to add warmth and ambiance without venting or fuel hassles. They fit in living rooms, bedrooms, and even bathrooms, combining style with zone heating.
Many believe electric fireplaces always produce heat, but most let you run flames-only for year-round ambiance. Choosing the right model hinges on heat output, installation type, size, and smart features.
Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Features Compared
| Model | Best for | Heat Output | Flame & Color Options | Installation Type | Smart Controls | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Touchstone Sideline 50″ In-Wall Electric Fireplace | Best for Realism | 1,500W | 30 ember/flame colors | In-wall recessed or wall mount | Alexa/WiFi enabled | Check price on Amazon |
| R.W.FLAME 60″ Recessed Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace | Best for Slim Profile | 750W/1,500W | 12 flame and LED bed colors | Recessed and wall mount | Remote and touch screen | Check price on Amazon |
| Riseon 36″ Electric Fireplace with 196 Color Combos | Best for Color Variety | 750W/1,500W | 196 color combos | Recessed, wall mounted, or freestanding | Touchscreen and remote | Check price on Amazon |
| Northwest 36″ White Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Heater | Best for Decor Flexibility | 750W/1,500W | 10 color options, 3 backgrounds | Wall mounted | Remote only | Check price on Amazon |
| Northwest 25.5″ Black Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace | Best for Small Spaces | 750W/1,500W | Adjustable flame brightness | Wall mounted | Remote control | Check price on Amazon |
Best Wall Mounted Electric Fireplaces for Heat, Style, and Control
Touchstone Sideline 50″ In-Wall Electric Fireplace
R.W.FLAME 60″ Recessed Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
Riseon 36″ Electric Fireplace with 196 Color Combos
Northwest 36″ White Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Heater
Northwest 25.5″ Black Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace
Match Heater Size to Room Dimensions
A wall mounted electric fireplace’s heating power must suit your room size to work efficiently.
A common rule of thumb is about 10 watts per square foot of well-insulated space. So a 150-square-foot room needs roughly 1,500 watts. Most plug-in electric fireplaces top out at this 1,500-watt range, which fits small to medium rooms nicely.
If your room is poorly insulated or drafty, plan for extra wattage or use the fireplace as supplemental heat rather than the main source. It won’t replace a central heating system but can warm a specific zone cost-effectively.
Say your living room measures 12 by 14 feet, making it 168 square feet. Multiplying 168 by 10 watts gives 1,680 watts. The Touchstone Sideline 50″ with its 1,500-watt heater comes close enough to keep that space comfortable without wasting energy.
Wall mounted propane heaters exist, but they’re rare and usually outdoor-rated units. For indoor spaces, electric models dominate due to safer vent-free operation. If you want a wall mounted heater with a blower fan, look for electric fireplaces that specify a built-in blower for better heat circulation, like the Northwest Wall Mounted Electric Fireplace Heater.
Install Safely and Wisely for Optimal Performance
Choosing between recessed and surface mount installation affects both style and heat distribution.
Recessed units fit flush into the wall, creating a sleek, built-in look but need framed wall space and more planning. Surface mount fireplaces hang on the wall’s surface like a large picture frame, easier to install but they extend 4 to 6 inches outward.
Clearances matter, especially near TVs and mantels. Most electric fireplaces require at least 12 inches of clearance from combustibles and recommend keeping TVs at least 6 inches above to avoid heat damage or screen warping.
Electric fireplaces plug into standard 120-volt outlets but check power cord length and outlet location. Avoid extension cords; plug the unit directly into a dedicated outlet on a 15-amp circuit to prevent tripped breakers during peak operation.
Never install a fireplace where it contacts combustible materials like wood trim or curtains. Use the mounting hardware supplied and follow manufacturer instructions closely to keep the unit secure and allow proper airflow for safe heating.
To install a wall mounted electric heater, mark the mounting points on your wall using the bracket template, drill pilot holes, and attach the bracket with appropriate anchors. Then hang the fireplace, connect power, and test the unit. If you want an electric fireplace under a mounted TV, ensure the combined heat output won’t harm the TV’s electronics or mounting hardware by maintaining recommended clearances.
For more on choosing the right wall mounted fireplace and tips for installation, see Transform Your Space with These 5 Top Wall Mounted Fireplace Heaters.
Choose Flame Technology and Style for Your Decor
Smart wall mounted electric heaters often include advanced flame technology that lets you tailor the look as well as the heat. The HELIOVISION™ system in the Modern Flames Orion 100″ offers three flame styles and six color choices, delivering a striking, customizable fire effect that suits a range of tastes.
Evoflame HD technology, found in models like the European Home 60″ 3-sided fireplace, creates a deeper, more realistic flame with multi-dimensional flicker visible from several angles. This suits rooms where the fireplace is a focal point and visible from multiple sides.
Flame color and ember bed customization adds personality to your setup. The SimpliFire Alusion 40″ lets you adjust flame colors from warm oranges to cooler blues and pick from 14 ember bed themes, matching everything from a modern farmhouse to a mid-century modern aesthetic.
If your electric fireplace will sit under a mounted TV, look for slim designs that won’t interfere with screen sightlines or heat that could affect electronics. Slim smart fireplaces like the Amantii Panorama BI 60″ combine multicolor flames with WiFi controls, perfect for a sleek, tech-forward living room.
Multi-sided viewing options enhance visual impact in open-plan spaces or large rooms where you want ambiance from multiple angles. Ambient crackling sound effects, available on some models, add relaxing realism without the mess or maintenance of a wood fire. This feature is a simple way to boost mood without extra heat.
Calculate Running Costs and Energy Efficiency
Electric fireplaces generally run at 750 or 1,500 watts. Converting to kilowatt-hours, 1,500 W × 1 hour = 1.5 kWh used. At 17 cents per kWh, that’s about 25.5 cents per hour on the high setting.
Using the lower 750 W setting halves the power draw to about 0.75 kWh per hour, cutting running costs roughly in half while still providing gentle warmth. Many models let you switch between these settings depending on your comfort and budget.
Heat zoning with a wall mounted radiator or electric fireplace means you heat only the room you’re in, avoiding the higher cost of central heating the whole house. This approach is more efficient and can save significant money over winter.
Wall mounted radiators offer direct, focused heat and often have quick warm-up times, but they rely on electricity, so costs add up if you run them constantly. They usually include thermostats and timers to help manage use efficiently.
Electric fireplaces are energy efficient in that they convert all used electricity into heat, with no loss through venting. Still, the electricity cost at 17 cents per kWh adds up if you run a 1,500 W unit for 8 hours a night: 1.5 kW × 8 hours = 12 kWh, or about $2.04 per night.
Check Safety Certifications and Maintenance Needs
Wall mounted propane heaters aren’t safe for typical indoor use unless they’re vented and designed specifically for that purpose. Most wall mounted electric fireplaces don’t use propane at all and don’t need venting.
Look for an ETL or UL listing on any wall mounted electric fireplace you consider. These certifications mean the unit has passed safety tests for electric shock, fire risk, and mechanical hazards.
Tip-over switches and overheat shutoffs are standard safety features on quality electric fireplaces. The tip-over switch cuts power if the unit is jolted or knocked loose, preventing fire risk. Overheat sensors shut the heater off if internal temperatures get too high.
Electric fireplaces require very little maintenance compared to wood or gas fireplaces. They don’t produce ash, soot, or creosote so you won’t need chimney cleaning or fuel storage. Just dust the vents and screen occasionally to keep airflow clear.
Homes with kids or pets benefit from electric fireplaces because there’s no open flame or hot glass surface to cause burns. The exterior stays cooler than gas or wood units, reducing the risk of accidental injury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wall mounted electric fireplace and how does it work?
Can I install a wall mounted electric fireplace myself?
Are electric fireplaces energy efficient compared to gas or wood?
Can I run the fireplace without heat for ambiance only?
Which smart features are available on wall mounted electric fireplaces?
What maintenance does a wall mounted electric fireplace require?
Can wall mounted electric fireplaces be installed safely near TVs or in bathrooms?
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