Having a fireplace once meant the need to clean and inspect chimneys, remove soot and ashes and haul wood all season long. Forget that! The new ventless fireplaces have eliminated all that. Now you can have an elegant electric fireplace that assembles easily and plugs into any standard electric outlet in your home or office. The new advances in engineering and design makes these ideal for apartments, condos, offices, conference rooms and anywhere else you don't want to tear out walls, install chimney flues and take on major remodeling activities. These portable fireplaces can easily moved from room to room or packed up and moved to a new home or office. While most people choose the portable models, there is the option of hard wiring for a permanent installation. Be careful if you choose this option and you go to sell your home. It will be considered a permanent fixture of the house unless you explicitly exclude it on the sales contract.

The new electric fireplaces have become very versatile with the addition of new features and design improvements. Equipped with a blower or fan, an electric fireplace can generate enough heat to warm a small room or area. They aren't going to replace your main heating source and they won't operate if you lose electric power as a wood burning fireplace would. But they do give off a little warmth to provide a cozy area to gather around. Most models allow you to operate with flame only, heat only or both.

When selecting an electric fireplace you have several options to consider. If you're looking to renovate an existing fireplace you will want to select an electric fireplace insert. These are available in different size fireboxes to fit you're existing fireplace. You can also purchase a fireplace surround and mantel if you want to completely redo fireplace look. The other and probably more popular approach is the freestanding or portable electric fireplace.

Models and styles of electric fireplaces can be found to meet any decor you might want. If you have a small space, a corner fireplace model might be just perfect. Maybe you are looking for something rustic or maybe more traditional. The many styles to choose from are quite amazing. If contemporary is what you are looking for, your are in luck. Pick your finish from popular choices like Mahogany, Maple or Oak. Complete your selection with your favorite style of grills and doors to make that very special fireplace to enjoy with family and friends.

One thing is for sure. The electric fireplace has come along way in design and engineering. It has become an elegant upscale piece of furniture that will significantly enhance a setting and provide flexibility in interior design. Now you can add a strikingly stylish piece of furniture to your home and at the same time add the warmth and charm of a beautiful fireplace.