Mantels Direct takes pride in offering fireplace mantels to fit all styles, needs and budgets.  For this week’s post, we compiled a short list of some of the most creative spaces to install our fireplace mantels and shelves.

In the Nursery, in the Kitchen (or any any room on any wall) Modern electric fireplace technology offers safe-to-the-touch heating options. You can now provide the soft glow and warmth of an electric fireplace mantel package. Set-up is simple and no venting or special wiring is necessary. Just plug in and enjoy the flickering flames and the on demand heat option.

On the Patio Mantels and shelves look great above an outdoor fireplace such as the Napoleon Outdoor Gas Fireplace Insert or any of our Rockwood Outdoor Fireplace Kits.  Our line of Timber Fireplace Mantels offers a rustic, natural feel that is the perfect addition to your outdoor fireplace.

Above an Entryway Fireplace mantel shelves such as the Madison or Hunter Fireplace Shelf models look fantastic above an entryway. If you are thinking of installing a mantel shelf in this space, you’ll want to order a custom shelf size to ensure that it fits into the entryway seamlessly.

Mantels Direct customer Pat Todaro installed a Madison Custom Mantel Shelf above this entryway. How creative!

When the cold winter months roll around, how much do you usually pay in utility bills to heat your home? No matter where you live, supplemental heating is a clever way to increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce those monthly bills. If you think about how much time you spend in each room, you may find that you spend more time in some rooms than others. Supplemental, or zone, heating allows you to keep the thermostat turned down and supplement the heat in the rooms that you use most with electric fireplaces and stoves, gel fireplaces, or gas fireplaces.

Save Energy. When you use traditional heating systems to heat your home, a large amount of energy is used to heat rooms that you are not even using at the time. Supplemental heating uses less energy and lowers your impact on the environment, because the fireplace or stove only operates when you are in the room.

Save Money. Reducing the amount of energy spent on heating your home can dramatically lower your monthly utility payment. Switching to supplemental heating with a fireplace or electric stove is a simple step that can save you a lot of money.

Supplemental Heating Options. Supplemental heating lowers your impact on the environment and saves you money, all while maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home. There are a variety of supplemental heating options that fit all styles and budgets. Here are a few of our favorite electric and gas supplemental heat options:

Windsor 4-in-1 Vent Free Gas Fireplace Mantel Package

Comfort Smart Cream Gloss Freestanding Electric Stove

Hampton 26″ Electric Fireplace Entertainment Center

More information about supplemental/zone heating can be found here.

The world of electric fireplaces is growing and with more and more individuals choosing the convenience and style of electric fireplace inserts these products can often be confusing for customers new to the electric fireplace market. Many customers who are looking for an electric alternative to fit within an existing fireplace consider purchasing electric fireplace log inserts. These inserts are freestanding log sets that are designed to be placed into an existing fireplace. They come in a variety of sizes ranging from 20″ to 24″ wide and 11.75″ to 21.75″ high, depending on the unit.  These units are designed to heat a modest space of 400 sq. ft. and they usually produce between 4600 and 4700 BTUs. For customers who have a two sided fireplace, that is a fireplace facing two rooms, it is often suggested that they consider buying two fireplace inserts and place them back to back. This approach often creates the illusion of a single electric fireplace insert even though there are actually two units lined up against each other.

Another category of electric fireplace inserts are plug-in electric fireplace inserts. These electric fireplace inserts are designed to be installed in previously constructed mantle packages that come in a variety of designs and styles. These electric fireplace inserts are a fully assembled black box that slide easily into place. No assembly is required with these units and they effortlessly plug into any 3-prong, 120 volt household electrical outlet. Units such as these range in price from approximately 250 dollars to 1,100 dollars depending on the size and various features of the unit. They are often sold as a pair in conjunction with a mantle package such as the Dimplex Hartford Package.

The final type of units which are sometimes labeled as an electric fireplace inserts are built-in units. These units are very similar to the plug-in electric fireplace inserts discussed earlier except, they are designed to be built directly into a wall. Built-in electric fireplace inserts can effortless slide into any interior or exterior wall and are a great option for individuals looking to give there home a contemporary feel.  These units are often capable of producing the most heat of all the various types of electric fireplace inserts because they can be directly wired into the wall.

Regardless of which type of electric fireplace insert may suit your needs, it should be noted that each type of electric fireplace insert can be perfect for a variety of situations.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace log insert.

This is an example of a plug-in electric fireplace insert inside of a mantel.

Going green has reached the mainstream. If you want to purchase products which cause no harm or inflict the least amount of harm to the environment, you too have joined this movement. There are vented (requiring a chimney) and vent less fireplaces that create no soot, smoke or ashes and are reasonable sources of supplemental heat. Two of the most popular are gel fireplaces and electric fireplaces.

You can add a fireplace, to any room in your house, that has minimal impact to the environment. A ventless fireplace requires no expensive gas hook-up nor contractor for installation. Wall mount fireplaces, which are spotlighted first, blend the cozy romance of a traditional fireplace with a dramatic modern sensibility serving as a functional piece of art. The fireplace mantel pictured includes an electric log insert which has adjustable lighting and sound effects. The Avignon, by Classic Flame, operates with or without heat, so you can enjoy the ambiance of the fireplace mantel all year through. Gel fireplaces available in mantels and personal fireplaces utilize gel fuel made from isopropyl Alcohol which burns for one to three hours. The table top fireplace, Red Rock by Real Flame, is portable making it usable both indoors and out. Lastly, the video features another modern fireplace, similar to our Insight also by Real Flame, that incorporates glass into the clean line design.

No wood needed, no open flame, no toxic smoke or fumes released into your home nor up the flue, as these fireplaces are all vent less. Contact our team if you are ready to “go green” and need assistance in choosing a eco-friendly ventless fireplace!

On March 16, 2010 Dimplex North America announced a voluntary recall of plug-in remote control receivers included with certain electric fireplaces between 1998 and 2008. Dimplex customers will receive replacements free of charge. In the wake of the Toyota recalls, your first assumption might be that the company was somehow negligent in the manufacturing process to save money and/or worked to hide the issues. In my opinion, Dimplex is a very responsible organization with an excellent reputation based on strong engineering, product development and manufacture.It should be noted that the remote control receivers involved in this Dimplex recall were Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) approved. UL is an “Independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. Testing products for public safety. We are all used to seeing the familiar ‘UL Approved’ insignia on the electric products we use. I can only assume that something within the receivers later developed issues that were not foreseen during the rigorous testing and approval process.I am satisfied that the company acted responsibly by choosing to volunteer for this Dimplex recall. I have visited Dimplex’s North American headquarters several times and have a very positive impression of company management and their dedication to the development and manufacture of the highest quality electric fireplaces. The company has put together a very simple process for distributing new receivers. Just complete a short form to receive a free replacement for your Dimplex remote control receiver.

The new Multi-Fire™ Electric Fireplaces from Dimplex “dazzle the eye, seduce the senses and redefine the fireplace experience by adjusting to suit the tastes of each individual.” Sounds like a tall order, but this electric fireplace system is unlike any other, when you consider the unique controls that enhance electric fire:

• Patented Dimplex flame effect
• Large 32″ firebox with over 700sq. in. viewing area
• Purifire™ Air Treatment System – continuously removes allergens and other irritants
• Realistic hand-finished logs with natural innerglow and pulsating embers
• Slow start/Fading embers – fire starts slowly, fades into glowing embers on command
• Occupancy sensor activates programmable flame and heat settings
• Firelight flicker effect – firelight flickers add the realism of a wood fire
• Ambient light sensor adjusts brightness to suit room lighting
• Intelligent heat – provides super quiet operation as it self-adjusts the fan speed
• Programmable thermostat – automatically maintains room temperature
• Deluxe 13-function remote control operates all features and settings
• Built-in adjustable mesh spark screen
• Removable bi-fold glass doors
• 10 year limited warranty

This really is a special fireplace system. The flicker effect adds a tremendous amount of realism to these new and improved electric logs.

The Multi-Fire™ electric firebox is paired with a group of well appointed mantels to create high-end electric fireplace mantel packages.

Dimplex Symphony® Encore Electric Fireplaces include: Denbury, Neo-Classic, Draped Alabaster, Traditional, Torchiere, and Classic French models.

More and more builders and homeowners are choosing built-in electric fireplace inserts instead of gas fireplaces for several good reasons:

• Simple installation – requires only a shallow built-in frame and household current (either 120 or 220v depending on desired heat output)
• No venting – unlike wood or gas fireplaces, electric fireplaces do not require expensive venting provisions.
• It’s green! – no wood or gas emission and electricity usage is minimal
• Looks Great – technology improvements coupled with more realistic electric log sets, working bi-fold doors and pull screens

The pictures below really show how terrific the newest electric fireplace inserts look in a variety of installations. The units shown are made by Classic Flame. Each of these units are self-trimming and are serviceable from the front. We also offer a complete selection of Dimplex units including a two sided package.

One of the most exciting new developments in Electric Fireplace Mantel styling is the advent of the media console. These electric fireplace mantel packages are designed to support flat screen televisions (each style will have a maximum length) and hold associated AV components and media.

The electric firebox will not interfere with performance of the television nor will it affect their warranties. You can’t beat the attractive styling, the ambiance and warmth of a fireplace and the ability to save space by making your flat screen television part of the picture. Models start at just $999 and are brought to us by manufacturers including Dimplex and Classic Flame.

We have just added several new Dimplex Electric Fireplaces from the Ovation Series. These fireplace mantel packages include a great selection (14 styles) of well built mantels, 30″ electric firebox, and digital remote control. As you come to expect with Dimplex, the log sets look great and the patented flame technology is a winner.

Each firebox comes with Purifire™ Air Treatment System that filters as it is heating. Mantel styles run the gamut from modern, to traditional, as well as corner units and entertainment centers.

We have recently added new Dimplex Electric Fireplaces with Multi-Fire electric fireboxes. These six mantel packages feature a new 32″ Multi-Fire™ firebox with a collection of elegant, highly detailed mantels.  The quality of these packages are exceptional. Here are two examples of these excellent Dimplex Mantel Packages:

Dimplex Torchiere Electric Fireplace

Dimplex Kendal Electric Fireplace Package

The graphic below highlights the unique features of the Multi-Fire insert that is part of these electric fireplace packages:


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