A modern electric fireplace is my favorite shortcut to making a small room feel instantly polished and cozy, without the mess or renovation drama. I’ve used them in multiple tiny apartments, and the right placement can turn even the most awkward wall into a clean, intentional focal point.
Low, Long Fireplace Under a TV
In a narrow living room, I mounted the fireplace extra low so the TV didn’t end up touching the ceiling visually. That low-profile layout keeps the wall balanced and leaves room for a simple art frame or ledge.
Give these a look:
- Wall-Mounted Electric Linear Fireplace: Achieve this sleek look by installing a wide, linear electric fireplace directly into your media wall structure.
- White Textured 3D Wall Panels: Recreate the distinct backdrop of this media wall using textured panels that mimic white brick or stone.
- Floating TV Console Cabinet: Complete your low-profile setup with a modern floating cabinet to house your electronics and support the fireplace.
Linear Fireplace Media Wall
In my 450 sq ft place, pairing a linear electric fireplace with a simple media wall made the living room feel custom-built instead of cobbled together. I kept the lines super clean so the TV and flames read like one sleek feature, not two competing boxes.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Recessed Linear Electric Fireplace: Create a sleek, modern focal point with a wide electric fireplace insert that sits flush against your wall.
- Floating Wooden Mantel Shelf: Add warmth and display space above your fireplace with a minimalist floating wood shelf in a natural finish.
- Large Decorative Floor Vase: Enhance your media wall’s aesthetic by styling a textured floor vase with tall dried grasses or reeds.
Flush-Mount Built-In Look
I’m obsessed with the flush-mount look because it keeps walkways clear in tight layouts and makes everything feel more architectural. In one studio, I framed it in so the front sat nearly level with the wall, and it instantly looked high-end.
May just do the trick:
- Recessed Electric Fireplace Insert: Achieve a sleek, seamless wall design by installing a modern recessed insert for that custom built-in aesthetic.
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Add warmth and rustic texture above your fireplace with a chunky wood beam that mimics reclaimed timber.
- Faux White Brick Wall Panels: Create the look of a traditional masonry chimney breast easily using textured, paintable faux brick wall paneling.
Minimal White-on-White Surround
When I wanted my tiny living room to feel bigger, I did a modern electric fireplace in a white surround so it blended in but still felt special. The flames pop against a clean backdrop, and the whole wall looks brighter.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Modern Electric Fireplace Insert: Create a stunning focal point with this sleek electric insert, offering realistic flames and adjustable heat for your space.
- Tall White Ceramic Floor Vase: Add textured elegance beside your fireplace with a crisp white vase, perfect for holding decorative natural grasses.
- Dried Pampas Grass Stems: Soften the modern lines of your fireplace surround by styling these fluffy, natural stems in a tall vase.
Vertical Slat Feature Wall
I used vertical wood slats behind an electric fireplace once, and it made my ceiling feel taller overnight. It’s such an easy “designer” move that still reads modern and works with small-space furniture.
Check these products out:
- Acoustic Wood Slat Wall Panels: Instantly create a modern feature wall that dampens sound and adds texture to your electric fireplace surround.
- Linear Recessed Electric Fireplace: Install this sleek heating unit flush with your slat wall for a seamless, contemporary focal point.
- Macrame Wall Hanging: Soften the clean architectural lines of the wood slats with a handmade boho-style textile art piece.
Stone-Look Texture for Contrast
Adding a strip of stone-look texture around a linear fireplace gave my neutral room dimension without needing more decor. I’ve found it’s especially great in apartments where you want character but can’t change much else.
A few helpful options:
- Peel and Stick Stone Tile Panels: Transform your fireplace surround easily with lightweight, self-adhesive panels that mimic the look of natural stone texture.
- Linear Electric Fireplace Insert: Create a modern focal point by installing a sleek, recessed electric fireplace with realistic flame effects and heating.
- Tall Ceramic Floor Vase: Style your new stone fireplace ledge with a minimalist textured ceramic vase to hold dried pampas grass.
Corner Installation to Save Space
Corners are gold in small homes, and I’ve tucked a modern electric fireplace into one to free up the main wall for storage. It also creates a natural seating angle, which made my tiny space feel more like a “real” living room.
Useful items to consider:
- Corner Electric Fireplace Insert (See-Through): Create a stunning focal point with a multi-sided insert that provides warmth and ambiance from multiple angles.
- Minimalist Floating Mantel Shelf: Finish off your custom fireplace build with a sleek wooden shelf to display decor without visual clutter.
- Woven Log Storage Basket: Add a touch of rustic charm and texture next to your modern fireplace with this practical storage solution.
Slim Wall-Mounted Fireplace
When I was renting, a wall-mounted electric fireplace gave me the vibe without committing to construction. I loved how the slim profile kept the floor open for baskets and a tucked-in ottoman.
Might be a good match:
- Wall Recessed Electric Fireplace: Create a seamless modern look with this flush-mount unit that adds warmth and ambiance to any room without clutter.
- Woven Storage Basket: Store throw blankets or firewood logs stylishly in this textured basket to enhance your cozy fireside aesthetic effortlessly.
- Round Woven Pouf: Add flexible seating or a comfortable footrest near your fire with this natural texture ottoman that saves space.
Renter-Friendly Faux Built-In Frame
I once created a faux surround with a clean, boxy frame so my electric fireplace looked built-in, even though it wasn’t. It’s the best renter-friendly trick I’ve used to get that custom-wall look on a tighter budget.
A few choices to try:
- Recessed Electric Fireplace Insert: Choose a slim, recessed electric fireplace insert to serve as the centerpiece of your new faux chimney breast.
- Peel and Stick Marble Contact Paper: Apply faux marble contact paper to the surround for an upscale stone look without the heavy weight or renovation.
- White Mantel Surround Kit: Install a pre-made white fireplace mantel surround to quickly frame your insert and instantly create architectural depth.
LED Backlighting for a Soft Glow
I added LED backlighting around my fireplace wall and suddenly the whole room felt like a boutique hotel at night. It’s a small detail that makes a modern electric fireplace look extra intentional, especially in open-concept spaces.
Items that may come in handy:
- Warm White LED Strip Lights: Create a cozy perimeter glow by installing these flexible strips behind your fireplace or along the base.
- Aluminum LED Channel Diffusers: House your light strips in these channels for a professional, seamless finish without harsh hotspots.
- Smart Wi-Fi LED Controller: Upgrade your setup to control brightness and scheduling directly from your phone for effortless ambiance.
Flame Color Matching Your Mood
I’m a big fan of adjustable flame colors because I can shift from warm amber to cool tones depending on the season. In my studio, changing the LED flame colors made the same furniture feel totally refreshed.
Products that could assist:
- Electric Fireplace Insert with Adjustable Flames: Upgrade your existing mantel with customizable flame colors to instantly shift the ambiance from cozy to modern.
- Freestanding Console with Color-Changing Firebox: Add a complete focal point featuring multi-color LED flames that let you set the perfect mood effortlessly.
- Replacement Fire Glass or Log Set Media: Refresh your current electric fireplace display with new crystals or logs to enhance the colorful lighting effects.
Crystals or Pebbles in the Firebed
Swapping the firebed to acrylic crystals or smooth decorative pebbles is the quickest style upgrade I’ve ever done. It made my electric fireplace look more modern instantly, with zero layout changes.
Consider these options:
- Clear Acrylic Ice Crystals: Upgrade your fireplace instantly by adding these clear crystals that reflect light beautifully for a modern sparkle.
- Smooth White River Stones: Create a spa-like, Zen atmosphere in your home by arranging these smooth, polished stones along the firebed.
- Small Neutral Gravel Fillers: Use these smaller, natural-toned stones as a base layer to add texture and depth beneath larger pebbles.
Built-In Storage Wall Around It
For clients with small apartments, I love framing a linear electric fireplace with slim cabinets so it becomes part of a full storage wall. I did this in my own place and it finally gave me a “home base” for books, baskets, and all the random little stuff.
A few things you might like:
- Linear Recessed Electric Fireplace Insert: Create a cozy focal point by embedding a sleek, modern electric fireplace into your custom storage wall.
- Woven Seagrass or Hyacinth Storage Baskets: Organize clutter and add warmth to your open shelving with natural woven baskets that hide everyday items.
- Unfinished Cabinet Doors or Wood Panels: Customize your built-in look by installing paint-ready cabinet doors to hide lower storage compartments seamlessly.
Unexpected Bedroom Fireplace Moment
I once put a compact modern electric fireplace at the foot of my bed, and it turned my bedroom into the coziest retreat. It’s surprisingly practical in small spaces because it adds ambiance without needing extra decor or candles.
Try these:
- Freestanding Electric Fireplace Mantel Suite: Add instant warmth and a focal point to your bedroom with a stylish, easy-to-install mantel unit.
- Textured Beige Throw Blanket with Tassels: Layer your bed with a soft, textured throw to perfectly complement the cozy fireplace ambiance.
- Framed Botanical Leaf Wall Art Set: Create a serene atmosphere above your bed with simple, nature-inspired prints that match a neutral palette.
Bathroom Spa Nook With Electric Flames
In a small bathroom refresh, I added a slim electric fireplace on a blank wall near the tub area, and it felt like an instant spa. I keep the styling minimal—just towels and one plant—so the fireplace stays the star.
You might like:
- Wall-Mounted Slim Electric Fireplace: Transform your bathroom wall instantly; install this sleek unit for ambient warmth and a luxurious spa-like atmosphere.
- Large Woven Storage Basket: Organize your plush towels or cozy blankets in this textured basket to maintain a tidy, relaxing space.
- Faux Potted Greenery Plant: Add a touch of vibrant nature to your nook without the maintenance; perfect for brightening calm interiors.
Under-Window Bench With a Fireplace Insert
My most “wow” small-space idea is building a window bench with a modern electric fireplace insert centered underneath. I tested this layout in a compact living room plan, and it created a cozy reading spot and a focal point in the same footprint.
Possibly handy products:
- Electric Fireplace Insert: Add warmth and ambiance to your custom bench build with an easy-to-install, modern electric heating unit.
- Custom Bench Cushion: Make your new reading nook comfortable by adding a perfectly sized, plush cushion for endless relaxation.
- Chunky Knit Throw Blanket: Layer texture and coziness onto your seat with a soft throw blanket perfect for chilly afternoons.
