Built-in Electric Fireplace: 6 Ideas for Your Living Room

Last reviewed: October 1, 2026

A built-in electric fireplace can form a feature wall, a traditional firebox, or a corner focal point. Choose the exact model before designing the enclosure; installation cost and complexity depend on that model and the room.

If you’re considering adding a built-in electric fireplace to your living room, we have a few ideas to inspire you. Compare recessed and wall-mounted fireplaces before deciding how permanent the project should be.

Top Built-In Electric Fireplace Ideas for Your Living Room

1. Turn It Into a Feature Wall

The first way that you can add a built-in electric fireplace to your living room is to make it the focal point of one of your walls. You can even take it one step further and make the wall a different texture or color. A linear electric fireplace can emphasize a wide wall; mark out its actual dimensions before ordering.

2. Add Mantel to your Built-in Electric Fireplace

If you love the look of a traditional fireplace mantel but would prefer not to deal with wood, coals, smoke, and soot, know that you can replicate this look with a built-in electric fireplace. What’s more, you can enjoy the flames in summer or winter.

You can either add built-in electric fireplace to an existing mantel, or a build a new one. Creating a mantel for an electric fireplace can be an exciting DIY project. You can create a mantel that works as a shelf and use it for displaying various items. Overall, you can get very creative with the frame for an electric fireplace. Plan the costs using our electric fireplace installation cost guide.

3. Create an Unconventional Mantel

If you don’t necessarily want to go the traditional mantel route, you can always modernize it by adding a wooden beam above the fireplace. Consider various electric fireplace ideas to create a statement wall or a corner and refresh your home design. Built-in electric fireplace can blend seamlessly into existing design, so it gives you lot of room for creativity.

Modern Flames Redstone Built-In Series

If you would like to learn more about building a mantel for your electric fireplace, read our article for tips and ideas.

4. Install It Under Your Television

A TV and fireplace can share a feature wall only when the proposed arrangement meets both manufacturers’ requirements. Front vents alone do not establish suitable TV clearance or temperature.

Confirm the heat-outlet location, clearances, and TV mounting plan before construction. For example, the Spectrum Slimline manual’s installation section specifies its own mantel clearances; do not transfer those dimensions to a different fireplace.

Find out What to Consider When Mounting TV Above an Electric Fireplace.

5. Create a Traditional Illusion

If it’s been really difficult for you to choose between an electric and a traditional fireplace, know that there are electric options available that are hyper-realistic. Built-in fireboxes have more depth than other models and when paired with details such as logs, it looks almost identical to a real fireplace. Overall, with built-in electric fireplace, it is quite easy to create a design that resembles a traditional fireplace.

Dimplex Revillusion Series

6. Add it to a Corner

A corner feature needs a model designed for the chosen viewing configuration. A three-sided fireplace and a see-through fireplace between rooms are different products, so confirm the drawing before designing the wall.

If you are considering adding electric fireplace to the corner, then you should choose the right unit. Start by searching the installation type. In the online store look for 3-sided electric fireplaces or corner electric fireplaces.

Interested in looking at more options? Browse built-in electric fireplaces, electric fireplace inserts, wall-mounted electric fireplaces, Modern Flames electric fireplaces, Touchstone electric fireplaces, and Dimplex electric fireplaces.

Frequently asked questions

Can every electric fireplace be built into a wall?

No. Choose a model approved for the intended installation and use its current manual for the enclosure, electrical connection, and finishing requirements.

Can I put a television above a built-in electric fireplace?

Confirm the fireplace and TV manufacturers’ requirements before fixing the layout. Front-facing vents alone do not establish safe clearance or suitable operating temperatures.

How should I plan a mantel or wooden beam?

Check the exact fireplace’s mantel, combustible-material, and finishing instructions before designing it. A photograph or another model’s clearance is not an installation specification.

Is a three-sided fireplace the same as a see-through fireplace?

No. Three-sided generally describes front-and-end views, while a see-through model provides views through a partition. Confirm the intended configuration in the product’s drawings.

What should I choose before the wall is built?

Confirm the exact model, viewing configuration, installation documents, and electrical plan. Then coordinate the enclosure, finish materials, TV or mantel position, and service access.