How to Choose the Perfect Mantel & Entertainment Package for Your Home

Getting an electric fireplace with a mantel is one of the most inexpensive, easiest, and safest ways to incorporate a fireplace into your home. An electric fireplace gives you the following key benefits:

• Versatile installation: Anywhere with a power source is fine; no ducts and gas lines are needed.

• Form and function: Electric fireplaces by Napoleon feature realistic flames while also producing supplemental heating.

• Low maintenance: No ash or soot to clean up.

In addition to the above benefits, some units have the option to add an electric fireplace mantel that will boost the aesthetic of your home and provide additional storage. This is especially true for more unconventional or smaller spaces in the home, like an office, dorm, or guest bedroom.

In this guide, we talk about what to consider when choosing an electric fireplace with a mantel for your home. Along the way, we’ll also cover a few important points that you need to know about electric fireplaces.

 

Why Choose an Electric Fireplace?

A Unique Aesthetic Boost

An electric fireplace with a mantel can add an aesthetic boost that rivals that of traditional fireplaces. In fact, certain flame colors, fireplace lighting and embellishments are only possible with electric fireplaces.

Because many electric fireplaces use LEDs to create simulated fire, one common misconception is that all electric fireplaces are just screens showing a fire. Conversely, many top-notch models today have depth and refractors to create a realistic flame. This makes it possible for the fire to be appreciated from an angle or from two sides (as with see-through electric fireplaces).

Because virtually any material can be used, there is a lot of design freedom when it comes to electric fireplace mantels. Homeowners can look forward to many exciting choices.

 

Supplemental Heating

Many electric fireplaces also produce supplemental heating. This requires absolutely no alterations to your home’s current heating system. Some units by Napoleon have a heating capacity of 9000 BTUs which can provide supplemental heating to a space of at least 400 sq. ft. in size. Generally, the heat can also be turned off, thereby showcasing the dazzling simulated fire without the added warmth, which is great in the summer!

 

Do All Electric Fireplaces Have a Mantel Included?

Not all electric fireplaces have a mantel. This is because electric fireplaces don’t really need a mantel to function, but instead offer an integration of decor and entertainment in one’s home. Mantel-less electric fireplaces are ideal in the following cases:

• If the electric fireplace is mounted on the wall or installed into the wall.

• For built-in electric fireplaces that are meant to go inside an existing traditional fireplace.

• For homeowners who want the mantel custom-made.

If you’re looking for an electric fireplace mantel to add storage space or simply because of aesthetic preferences, you can choose from a variety of styles.

 

The Types of Electric Fireplace Mantels

When looking for an electric fireplace with a mantel, there are two main types to choose from.

 

Standard Electric Fireplace Mantel

A standard electric fireplace mantel aims to create the look of a traditional fireplace. Like all kinds of electric fireplaces, these units don’t require special installation aside from hard wiring to a power source, if preferred.

Though electric fireplaces with standard mantels are simply placed against the wall, they can give the illusion of being constructed. The key here is to find an electric fireplace with a mantel that blends with your home’s interiors.

One example of a standard electric fireplace mantel is the one found in The Taylor, which is part of the Decor Series. The entire package consists of: (1) the electric fireplace itself, and (2) an elegant white electric fireplace mantel with dentil moulding and slate surround. The mantel is made to look like an old-world hearth with a detailed pedestal base.

This kind of standard electric fireplace mantel is space-saving and can be used as a stand for your television set. However, some homeowners may intentionally avoid this kind of usage to support the visual illusion of having a real fireplace in the room.

 

Fireplace TV Stands or Media Console Mantels

Fireplace TV stands, also known as media console mantels, are electric fireplaces housed within a media console table. This practical choice is best for homeowners that want added storage space (for gaming consoles, speakers, DVD players, and so on) alongside their electric fireplace mantel.

This mantel type just goes to show that there’s something for everyone—especially when the versatile electric fireplace is involved. The best configuration for fireplace TV stands is as follows:

• A wide top surface for the TV and other desired decor

• The electric fireplace, itself, in the middle

• Two larger storage cabinets flanking the electric fireplace

The above configuration can be observed in The Charlotte, The Hayworth, The Franklin, and The Bella.

 

Choosing the Best Electric Fireplace with Mantel for Your Home

Consider Your Home's Interior Design

Aesthetics is always important when choosing an electric fireplace mantel for your space. Keep in mind that electric fireplaces don’t have actual combustion. As such, an electric fireplace mantel can be made of a variety of materials. Choose the best mantel with a style, color, and texture that unites with the rest of your home’s interior design.

 

Decide How Much Added Storage Space You Need

Standard mantels only have storage space on top—while media console mantels have additional cabinets on both sides. These cabinets can be useful in for a minimalist approach to design by hiding clutter.

 

How Important is the Visual Illusion of a Real Fireplace?

Ultimately, if you’re set on having a convincing-looking electric fireplace, a standard electric fireplace mantel is ideal.

 

Uplift Your Home and Lifestyle with Napoleon

If you’re looking for a beautiful and durable electric fireplace with a mantel for your home, Napoleon offers plenty of options. Whether your home’s style is classic, modern, eclectic, or rustic, you’ll be able to find the perfect electric fireplace mantel in our collection. Uplift your living space and create an altogether warmer atmosphere with stunning mantel entertainment packages.