By Paul F. P. Pogue
From Ask Angi
For homeowners who like the warm and cozy aesthetic of a fireplace but can’t or won’t go to the hassle of installing a chimney for a wood-burning or gas fireplace, an electric fireplace provides a fine alternative. Although electric fireplaces don’t provide heat, or at least any more heat than a traditional light bulb, they still give the flickering light, glow and visual warmth of a traditional fireplace and can serve as a centerpiece for a room design.
Electric fireplaces use a variety of optical illusions, including lights and mirrors, to create the visual effect of a flame. Different models create a distinct look depending on what you want, ranging from a model that looks exactly like a traditional fireplace log and flames to sharp-edged, modern designs with a futuristic or contemporary look with rocks or other materials in the place of the log….