Small Fireplaces for Small Spaces: Which One Should You Choose?

If you’re looking to save space with small fireplaces, you’ve got some fun and pretty cool choices.

The options available will work for you whether you want a fireplace some of the time, all of the time or simply want a mini-sized version of the real thing for interesting decoration options.

The selection of small fireplaces you can consider are…

Wall-mounted fireplaces
Compact fireplaces
Table-top fireplaces
Virtual/Digital fireplaces

But before we get into the unique selection of small fireplaces available, let’s talk about two things you’ll need to consider when comparing fireplaces.

The two differences that you’ll likely come across when viewing fireplaces is that some small fireplaces run on gel fuel and some run on electric current.

Should You Choose Gel Fuel or Electric?

When you come across the choice of choosing between a small gel fuel fireplace and a small electric fireplace, you might be wondering which one is better. Well, the good news is that both are eco-friendly but that’s where the commonalities stop.

From there whichever one is best for you is circumstantial. But there are certain things you can consider that will help you decide.

The first thing that might be important to you is the longevity of gel fuel versus the costs. Most gel fuel cans will last about 3 hours. Given that you usually purchase them as a case of twenty-four, you can do the math and figure out that each case of gel fuel will cost you about $65 on average and last for 72 hours total.

Although most retailers make it quite clear, the cost of gel fuel alone should make it pretty obvious that these small fireplaces are more for decorational purposes rather than primarily for heating.

As for electric fireplaces, the major advantage is that you don’t have to make trips to the store to get what you need to keep it going.

They run off electricity. However, the downside will be that your electric bill might take a beating if you run your small fireplace too much. But that’s nothing that a little monitoring of usage can’t take care of.

If you are conscientious in both circumstances then neither should be of disservice to you. In the end what makes them both a phenomenal choice is that they are easy to install. They don’t require venting or any special hook-ups. You can also rejoice that they are clean and odor-free.

Wall-Mounted Fireplaces for Small Spaces

Ahh, these can offer a great service to a small home in need of a beautiful, flickering small fireplace. They mount on the wall, which means no extra floor space is taken up. Simply the best of both worlds.

The downside is that most wall-mounted fireplaces have a modern or contemporary look and feel, so if you’re interested in something with a traditional style, they’re really hard to come by, if not impossible.

But I imagine in time as wall-mounted fireplaces catch on, the selection will continue to grow and offer all types of styles for those of us who like a lot of variety.

Meanwhile if you don’t mind the modern look and you’re looking for wall-mounted fireplace, I recommend the Dimplex Stainless Steel Fireplace. It is popular and well received and will likely impress you.

Compact Fireplaces for Small Spaces

Traditional styled fireplaces are mainly available as floor models. That’s where compact fireplaces come in.

You can save space with these models by selecting a corner unit like the Freestanding Chelsea Corner Fireplace, or cut down on space by selecting one that’s one-third to half the size of a normal fireplace, like the Windsor White Electric Stove.

Since many full-sized fireplaces are around 40-50 inches wide, a fireplace that is about 25-35 inches wide would classify as a small fireplace.

You’ll find that both the Chelsea Corner Fireplace and Windsor Electric Stove live up to those space saving expectations. Ranging between 26-29 inches wide, you can be confident either will fit snuggly in a small room while adding the much needed beauty that you may be longing for.

Tabletop Fireplaces for Small Spaces

Tabletop fireplaces are just plain fun. If you don’t want a wall-mounted or floor-model version, and you’re not quite interested in candles but you want something that imitates a fireplace, then the table-top fireplace will probably satisfy your thirst.

Not to mention they’re sure to be a great conversation piece.

They are miniature-sized versions of the real thing and usually portable. They’re great for home offices, bedrooms and living rooms. Actually just about anywhere would work.

The downside is that there aren’t many out there yet but the ones that are available are definitely worth considering.

Also most are fairly expensive for the size but if you really enjoy them and you’re looking for something affordable, the Ledge Stone Personal Fireplace might do the trick for you. It runs on gel-fuel, which means it’s fume and smoke-free and it can be used indoors or outdoors.

Virtual Fireplaces for Small Spaces

Now, I must admit. Way back in the late eighties or early nineties, I was laughing at these things. The mother in the movie “Better off Dead” with John Cusack had something like this for the Christmas season.

If memory serves me well, she had one of those really huge floor model CRT TVs (basic televisions). The thing was so old and ugly it made her virtual fireplace look silly. But I was an idiot back then. Early teens made me stupid.

But now that I’m older and wiser, I’m thinking they’re kind of cool. Especially now that advanced technology has had a few things to do with newer and improved versions of virtual fireplaces and televisions.

Anyway, if you’re not sure what a virtual fireplace is, it’s just a DVD that you can put into your TV (or PC if you’re inventive) to create your own personal fireplace. The DVD loops around and you get all of the advantages of a real fireplace without having one. But you still may find that it can in no way replace the real thing.

If you’re judging these virtual fireplaces with high expectations you might find yourself disappointed with video quality or that it’s simply not real enough for you. But on the other hand if you’re looking for a beautiful prop for a romantic evening with your partner or a way to wind down for the day, then this could be the answer.

You can put it on when you want to read a book and cozy up on the couch.

It’s what I consider to be the perfect option for anyone with casual intentions who wants a fireplace to contribute to a nice day at home.

So What Does This Mean to You?

You can still have a nice decorative fireplace even if you have a small living room. You can mount one on a wall, place it in a corner, sit it on a desk or even play it through your TV or computer.

Living in a small place doesn’t mean you have to do without. But it does sometimes mean that you have to make compromises.

Usually you have to sacrifice something if the real deal doesn’t work for you. For the simplicity of gel and electric fireplaces you might have to pay a higher bill.

For wall mounted fireplaces, the limited style will likely be the cost. Traditional-styled fireplaces are pretty much omitted.

For compact and table-top fireplaces you pay with limited variety. You won’t find too many compact fireplaces that are truly small scale. And as for table-top fireplaces… how many people have even heard of them? Let alone make them?

For virtual fireplaces you may pay in picture quality. If you have high expectations you may not be entirely pleased with what’s out there.

However in spite of all of these negatives, it doesn’t mean there aren’t just as many positives.

All of these choices are no less worthy of considering.

With gel and electric fireplaces you can be proud they’re eco-friendly. With wall mounted, compact and table-top fireplaces you save on floor space. And with virtual fireplaces, you get the romance without the high costs of having the real thing.

So, you see… no disadvantage is without an equal advantage.

All choices are great…

But there will always be a choice that stands out among the rest. A choice that will be the best choice for you.

One that you feel is worth the small compromise in the end.

Bookmark this page...