How to make an electric fireplace look real in 2023: Your guests will never know the difference!

If you’re looking for a way to add some extra coziness to your home, an electric fireplace is a great option. But if you’re worried that it won’t look as realistic as a traditional fireplace, don’t worry! There are a few simple things you can do to make sure your electric fireplace looks just as good as the real thing.

How to make an electric fireplace look real – Quality

The main and best thing you can do is begin by purchasing an electric fireplace that looks as realistic as possible. There is a tonne of options on the market, but only a select few actually look close to the real thing. They often come with a heftier price tag than ones that don’t, for obvious reasons. We have a whole guide on the most realistic electric fireplaces if you haven’t yet invested in one, and want to start your journey off on the right foot.

But if you’re in a hurry here are a couple of our favorites:

1. DIMPLEX Opti-Myst Open Hearth
2. MagikFlame Athena with mantel

How to make an electric fireplace look real – Flame technology

The flame technology in an electric fireplace has gotten better and better over recent years. In past times, it was actually bare near impossible to find a realistic looking electric fireplace, but due to advancements in technology, there are now some pretty amazing options.

Some of the major players in electric fireplaces are constantly competing to make their flame technology the best.

Dimplex, for example, offers technology such as Optimyst. Optimyst “uses ultrasonic technology to create the world’s most realistic flame effect, with an ultra-fine water mist that mimics flame and smoke. As the mist rises through the logs warm light is emitted which reflects against the water, creating an incredibly realistic 3D illusion of flames and smoke which is commonly mistaken for the real thing.” – Dimplex

While Celsi offer technology such as the Electriframe VR – “this remarkable technology delivers further sophistication that is virtually indistinguishable to that of a real flame emanating from beneath the fuel bed, and throughout the authentic natural aesthetics of the logs.” – Celsi

How to make an electric fireplace look real – Fireplace wall

The fireplace wall is the next obvious and main step to take when making your electric fireplace look real. Putting effort into things such as the design of the wall itself, custom cabinetry or mantels, and simple home decor such as real wood logs around the fireplace can all make an electric fire appear more real.

If you are using a freestanding fireplace inside of an old fireplace opening, consider adding a flue for aesthetic reasons. No genuine wood-burning stove exists without a flue, so to make it look as real as possible, add one after the fact to your electric fireplace.

How to make an electric fireplace look real – Installation technique

Leaving an electric fireplace on the carpet or hanging it from a wall are sure-fire ways to make your electric fireplace NOT look real. There is absolutely nothing wrong with these methods if it’s the style you are after, but if you’re looking for realism you need to make the fireplace itself as built-in as possible. Also, think about the electrical wires and ensure these are not remotely visible.

Paying attention to your installation method will ensure your electric fireplace looks as real as possible.

How to make an electric fireplace look real – Settings

Many electric fireplaces come with a heap of fancy flame and color settings, and while this can be fun, setting your fireplace to have bright green and pink flames is a very quick way to make your fireplace look fake. Spend some time learning all the different settings for flame colors, speeds, and other effects and find the one that looks as natural as possible.

How to make an electric fireplace look real – Firebed

Many electric fireplaces come with a choice of decorations inside including crystals and logs. While crystals look great in a more modern setting, choose logs and embers for a realistic burning effect.

Conclusion

Making an electric fireplace look real is all about attention to detail and choosing the right product. With a realistic electric fireplace, the installation method is key, as well as ensuring the wires are hidden and the settings are on point. Finally, don’t forget to accessorize with items such as logs and embers for an authentic burning effect.