Style Selections Electric Fireplace

Creating Cozy Ambiance Without the Hassle of Traditional Fireplaces

In the world of home comfort and design, few elements can transform a space as dramatically as a fireplace. The gentle flicker of flames, the warm glow casting shadows across your living room, and the focal point it creates in any space—these are the timeless qualities that have made fireplaces a coveted feature in homes for centuries. But what if you could enjoy all these benefits without the maintenance, installation complications, or safety concerns of a traditional fireplace? Enter the Style Selections Electric Fireplace, a modern solution that brings warmth, ambiance, and style to any home.

When I first considered adding a fireplace to my apartment, I was immediately discouraged by the impossibility of installing a traditional unit in a rental property. That’s when I discovered electric fireplaces, and more specifically, the Style Selections brand that has revolutionized how we experience this classic home feature. What began as a compromise quickly became one of my favorite home purchases, offering flexibility and features I hadn’t even considered possible.

Whether you’re a homeowner looking to add supplemental heat without a major renovation, a renter seeking the cozy atmosphere of a fireplace, or someone who wants the aesthetic without the maintenance, the Style Selections Electric Fireplace offers solutions that might surprise you. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about these versatile units—from features and styles to cost considerations and practical installation advice.

Understanding the Appeal: Features of Style Selections Electric Fireplaces

The Style Selections brand has garnered attention in the home improvement market for good reason. Their electric fireplaces combine functionality with aesthetic appeal, offering a range of features designed to enhance your living space while providing practical benefits.

Realistic Flame Effects

One of the most impressive aspects of Style Selections Electric Fireplaces is the technology behind their flame effects. Unlike older electric models that often looked obviously artificial, these fireplaces utilize advanced LED technology to create remarkably realistic flame patterns that mimic the movement and glow of actual wood-burning fires. Many models offer adjustable brightness settings, allowing you to customize the intensity based on your mood or the time of day.

Some premium models in the Style Selections line even feature multi-color flame options, enabling you to switch between traditional orange-amber flames, modern blue flames, or a combination that creates a unique visual experience. This versatility allows you to match the ambiance to your decor or mood, something impossible with conventional fireplaces.

The flame effects operate independently from the heating element, meaning you can enjoy the visual appeal year-round—even during warmer months when added heat isn’t necessary. This feature alone makes these units worth considering for anyone seeking to enhance their living space with a focal point that draws the eye and creates atmosphere.

Heating Capacity and Efficiency

Beyond aesthetics, Style Selections Electric Fireplaces deliver in the practical department with impressive heating capabilities. Most models feature a standard 1,500-watt heating element, capable of warming spaces up to 400 square feet—perfect for average-sized living rooms, master bedrooms, or open-concept areas. This makes them ideal as supplemental heating sources that can help reduce overall energy costs by allowing you to heat only the spaces you’re using rather than the entire home.

The heating systems typically include adjustable thermostats and multiple heat settings, giving you precise control over your comfort level. Many users appreciate the ability to set their desired temperature and let the fireplace maintain it automatically, cycling on and off as needed without requiring constant adjustment.

From an efficiency standpoint, Style Selections Electric Fireplaces convert nearly 100% of their energy input into heat—a significant advantage over traditional wood-burning fireplaces that lose substantial heat up the chimney. This energy efficiency translates to lower utility bills compared to other heating methods, especially when used strategically to heat only occupied rooms.

Convenience Features

Modern living demands convenience, and Style Selections clearly understands this with their thoughtfully designed features. Most models include remote controls that allow you to adjust settings from the comfort of your couch or bed. The remote functionality typically extends to all major features, including power, heat settings, flame brightness, timer functions, and thermostat control.

Speaking of timers, this practical feature allows you to program your fireplace to operate for a set period—perfect for falling asleep to the gentle glow without worrying about leaving it running all night. Some models even offer programmable thermostats that can be set to different temperatures for different times of day, optimizing both comfort and energy usage.

Many Style Selections Electric Fireplaces also include digital displays that show the current temperature and settings at a glance. These displays often automatically dim after a period of inactivity to prevent distraction during movie nights or quiet evenings.

Safety Considerations

Safety represents perhaps the most significant advantage electric fireplaces hold over traditional units. Style Selections models incorporate multiple safety features that provide peace of mind, especially for households with children, pets, or elderly residents.

Most notably, the exterior glass remains cool to the touch even when the heating element is operating at full capacity. This dramatically reduces the risk of accidental burns compared to wood-burning or gas fireplaces where surfaces can reach dangerous temperatures.

Additionally, Style Selections Electric Fireplaces typically include automatic overheat protection that shuts off the unit if internal components reach unsafe temperatures. Many models also feature tip-over protection that automatically deactivates the fireplace if it’s knocked over—though this is more relevant to the portable models than wall-mounted or insert options.

Another safety advantage is the elimination of combustion concerns; with no actual burning taking place, there’s no risk of sparks, embers, carbon monoxide, or other combustion byproducts that pose hazards with traditional fireplaces.

Style and Design Options: Finding Your Perfect Match

The Style Selections brand offers an impressive variety of designs, ensuring there’s an option to complement virtually any home decor style. From traditional mantel surrounds that mimic classic fireplace designs to sleek, contemporary wall-mounted units, the aesthetic range is extensive.

Mantel Packages

For those seeking a traditional look, Style Selections mantel packages provide the complete appearance of a built-in fireplace without requiring structural modifications to your home. These freestanding units combine an electric firebox with a surroundingmantel in various finishes including:

• Rich wood tones ranging from dark espresso to light oak
• Painted white or black finishes for contemporary spaces
• Stone or marble-look finishes for upscale appearances

Mantel styles span from ornate traditional designs with detailed moldings and classical proportions to minimalist modern approaches with clean lines and simple forms. These units typically sit flush against a wall and can be placed in any room with sufficient space and a standard electrical outlet. The substantial presence of a mantel package makes these models ideal as statement pieces that anchor a room’s design.

Wall-Mounted Options

For homes where floor space is at a premium or for those preferring a more contemporary aesthetic, Style Selections wall-mounted electric fireplaces offer sleek solutions that install directly onto walls like a flat-screen television. These models range from compact units under 36 inches wide to impressive linear fireplaces stretching 60 inches or more.

Wall-mounted units often feature ultra-slim profiles that project only a few inches from the wall, creating a built-in appearance without major construction. Many models in this category incorporate color-changing LED backlighting that extends the visual impact beyond the flame display itself, creating a halo effect that can be customized to complement your room’s color scheme.

The floating appearance of wall-mounted units makes them particularly popular in modern, minimalist spaces where clean lines and uncluttered designs are prized. They’re also excellent solutions for bedrooms, where floor space is valuable but the ambiance of a fireplace is desirable.

Fireplace Inserts

For homes with existing fireplace openings that are no longer functional or desired for wood burning, Style Selections offers electric inserts designed to fit into standard fireplace dimensions. These units effectively convert wood-burning fireplaces to electric operation, eliminating maintenance while preserving the architectural feature.

Insert models focus on realistic flame effects and are typically designed to fill the visible opening of the fireplace completely. Most include decorative media such as faux logs, crystal stones, or ember beds that enhance the realistic appearance when combined with the flame effects.

Media Console Combinations

Perhaps the most versatile option in the Style Selections lineup, media console fireplaces combine entertainment centers with integrated electric fireplaces. These multifunctional pieces solve several design challenges at once:

• Providing a focal point fireplace feature
• Offering storage for media components, games, books, or decorative items
• Creating a logical placement for televisions (typically on top of the unit)
• Making efficient use of wall space by combining multiple functions

Media consoles come in various widths to accommodate different television sizes and room dimensions. Styles range from rustic farmhouse designs with distressed finishes to glossy contemporary models with hidden storage and glass shelving.

Practical Considerations: Installation, Placement, and Operation

One of the most appealing aspects of Style Selections Electric Fireplaces is their accessibility—both in terms of installation requirements and everyday operation. Unlike traditional fireplaces that require chimneys, gas lines, or significant structural modifications, electric models can be incorporated into almost any living space with minimal preparation.

Installation Requirements

The installation complexity varies significantly by fireplace type:

Freestanding Mantel Units: These typically require the least installation effort. Assembly usually involves attaching the mantel pieces around the pre-built firebox—a process most homeowners can complete in 1-2 hours with basic tools. Once assembled, the unit simply needs to be positioned against a wall near a standard electrical outlet.

Wall-Mounted Models: Installation involves mounting a bracket to the wall (similar to mounting a television), hanging the fireplace unit, and connecting it to power. While more involved than freestanding units, this still represents a relatively straightforward DIY project for most homeowners. Some larger units may require two people to safely lift and position the fireplace onto its mounting bracket.

Fireplace Inserts: These generally need to be sized correctly for your existing fireplace opening. Installation typically involves simply sliding the unit into place and connecting to power, though some minor adjustments may be needed to ensure a proper fit.

Media Consoles: Assembly requirements for these units are similar to other furniture pieces. They typically ship partially disassembled and require following manufacturer instructions to complete setup. While potentially time-consuming, the process rarely requires specialized skills or tools.

The most important installation consideration across all types is electrical. Most Style Selections Electric Fireplaces operate on standard 120V household current and can be plugged into existing outlets. However, it’s essential to ensure the circuit can handle the additional load, particularly when operating the heating element. For larger units or dedicated installations, some homeowners opt to have an electrician install a dedicated circuit.

Placement Considerations

While electric fireplaces eliminate many of the placement restrictions associated with traditional units, some considerations still apply for optimal performance and safety:

• Allow adequate clearance above and to the sides of the unit as specified in the manufacturer’s guidelines
• Avoid placing freestanding units on uneven surfaces
• Consider traffic patterns to prevent the unit from becoming an obstacle
• For media consoles, ensure the combined weight of any television and decorative items remains within the specified weight limits
• Position the unit away from water sources and high-moisture areas
• Avoid placing directly below windows where drafts might diminish heating efficiency

For wall-mounted units, additional factors include:

• Confirming the wall construction (drywall, plaster, brick) and using appropriate mounting hardware
• Locating wall studs or solid structural elements to support heavier units
• Considering cable management for power cords if visible cords would detract from the aesthetic
• Planning the height carefully—typically, eye level when seated is ideal for maximum visual impact

Operation and Maintenance

Operating a Style Selections Electric Fireplace couldn’t be simpler. Most models include:

• Push-button controls on the unit itself
• Remote control operation for all major functions
• Clear digital displays showing current settings
• Intuitive interfaces for adjusting flame effects and heat levels

In terms of maintenance, these units require minimal attention compared to traditional fireplaces:

• Occasional dusting of exterior surfaces
• Periodic cleaning of the glass front with standard glass cleaner
• Annual inspection of vents to ensure they remain unobstructed
• Checking remote control batteries and replacing as needed

There’s no ash to clean, no chimney to sweep, no gas connections to inspect, and no wood to store—making these fireplaces exceptionally low-maintenance home features that continue performing reliably year after year.

Cost Considerations: Initial Investment and Long-Term Value

When evaluating Style Selections Electric Fireplaces, understanding the complete cost picture—both upfront and over time—helps determine their value proposition for your specific situation.

Purchase Price Range

Style Selections positioned their electric fireplace line to cover a range of price points, making them accessible to various budgets. As of my latest research, the approximate price ranges by type are:

• Basic Wall-Mounted Units: $199-$399 for smaller models with standard features
• Premium Wall-Mounted Units: $400-$800 for larger sizes with enhanced flame effects and additional features
• Mantel Packages: $399-$899 depending on size, materials, and design complexity
• Media Console Combinations: $499-$1,200 based on size, storage capacity, and quality of finishes
• Fireplace Inserts: $149-$499 depending on dimensions and feature sets

These price points generally position Style Selections as a mid-range brand offering good value—not the least expensive option on the market, but significantly more affordable than high-end specialty brands while maintaining respectable quality standards.

Special features that typically increase the price include:

• Multiple flame color options
• Zone heating capabilities
• Premium finish materials
• Enhanced remote functionality
• Larger heating capacity
• Integrated Bluetooth speakers or other tech features

Operating Costs

One significant advantage of electric fireplaces is their predictable and relatively low operating costs. When used for ambiance only (flame effects without heat), most Style Selections models consume minimal electricity—typically less than 20 watts, similar to a standard light bulb. This translates to just pennies per hour of operation.

When the heating function is active, power consumption increases to approximately 1,500 watts at the highest setting. Based on the national average electricity rate, this equates to roughly $0.15-$0.20 per hour of operation at full heat. However, because the thermostat cycles the heating element on and off to maintain temperature, actual hourly costs are usually lower during extended use.

Compared to gas fireplaces, which can cost $0.40-$0.60 per hour to operate, electric models represent significant savings. And unlike wood-burning fireplaces, there’s no recurring cost for fuel or chimney cleaning services.

Long-Term Value Considerations

Beyond the initial purchase and operating costs, several factors contribute to the long-term value of Style Selections Electric Fireplaces:

Durability: With proper care, these units typically last 10-15 years or longer. With no combustion components that degrade over time, the primary wear points are the electrical elements and motors for flame effects, which generally prove quite durable.

Energy Efficiency: As supplemental heat sources, these fireplaces allow for zone heating that can reduce overall home heating costs by warming only occupied spaces rather than the entire house.

Versatility: The ability to use the flame effects without heat means year-round enjoyment, maximizing the value of your investment beyond just the heating season.

Property Value: While not as significant as traditional fireplaces, attractive electric fireplace installations—particularly built-in or well-integrated units—can positively influence home valuation and appeal to potential buyers.

Portability: Freestanding units can move with you from home to home, extending their useful life across multiple residences—a particular advantage for frequent movers or renters.

Where to Purchase: Finding the Best Deals on Style Selections Electric Fireplaces

Style Selections products are distributed through several major retailers, with varying selection and pricing depending on the outlet. Understanding where to shop can help you find the best combination of price, selection, and service.

Major Retailers

Lowe’s: As the primary retail partner for the Style Selections brand, Lowe’s consistently offers the most comprehensive selection both in-store and online. Their exclusive relationship with the brand often means they’re first to receive new models and may have exclusive access to certain designs not available elsewhere.

Wayfair: This online retailer frequently carries a selection of Style Selections electric fireplaces, particularly in the mantel package and media console categories. Wayfair often runs significant sales events and may offer competitive pricing during promotional periods.

Amazon: While not carrying the full Style Selections line, Amazon does list select models, sometimes at competitive prices. The convenience of Prime shipping and simplified returns makes this a popular option for many consumers.

Home Depot: Occasionally stocks Style Selections models, though their selection tends to focus more on competing brands. Worth checking during major sale events like Black Friday.

Finding the Best Deals

To maximize value when purchasing a Style Selections Electric Fireplace, consider these strategies:

Seasonal Shopping: The best deals typically appear during:

• End-of-winter clearance (February-March)
• Black Friday and pre-holiday sales (November-December)
• New model transition periods (typically August-September)

Floor Models: Retail locations sometimes offer significant discounts on display models, particularly when preparing to update their showroom for new season merchandise.

Package Deals: Some retailers offer bundle pricing when purchasing multiple items, such as a fireplace with complementary furniture pieces or accessories.

Coupon Stacking: Combine manufacturer rebates with store promotions and credit card rewards for maximum savings. Lowe’s, in particular, frequently offers percentage-off coupons that can be applied to already discounted items.

Price Matching: Many major retailers will match competitors’ prices when presented with valid documentation, allowing you to get the best price while shopping at your preferred store.

Open-Box Options: These units (returned but in good condition) can often be purchased at 15-30% below retail, though warranty terms may vary.

User Experiences: What Reviewers Say About Style Selections Electric Fireplaces

Understanding real-world experiences provides valuable insight beyond manufacturer specifications. After analyzing hundreds of customer reviews across multiple platforms, several consistent themes emerge regarding Style Selections Electric Fireplaces.

Positive Feedback Patterns

Visual Appeal: The most frequently praised aspect is the realistic flame effect, with many users expressing surprise at how convincingly these units mimic real fires. The adjustable brightness and, in premium models, the color options receive particular appreciation.

Ease of Assembly: For mantel units and media consoles requiring assembly, most reviewers report straightforward processes with clear instructions. The average assembly time mentioned is 1-2 hours, with most users handling it without professional assistance.

Heat Output: Users in small to medium-sized spaces generally report satisfaction with heating performance, particularly as a supplemental heat source in rooms up to 400 square feet. Many note the quick warm-up time compared to slower central heating systems.

Value Perception: A common sentiment expresses that these fireplaces deliver excellent value—providing both functional heating and aesthetic enhancement at a reasonable price point compared to built-in options or higher-end brands.

Remote Functionality: The convenience of adjusting settings without leaving the couch receives frequent positive mentions, with particular appreciation for models allowing complete control of all functions via remote.

Critical Observations

Fan Noise: Some users note that the heater fan produces noticeable background noise during operation. This is more frequently mentioned in reviews of lower-priced models and appears to vary significantly between specific units.

Heating Limitations: Reviews from users in very cold climates or large, open spaces occasionally express disappointment with heating capacity. This highlights the importance of understanding these units as supplemental rather than primary heat sources.

Color Accuracy: Some purchasers mention variation between the color/finish as seen online versus in person. This occurs most often with wood-finish mantel units, where grain patterns and stain colors naturally vary.

Control Panel Visibility: A minor but recurring note concerns the placement of control panels on some models, with users wishing for more discreet integration or better illumination for low-light conditions.

Longevity Questions: While most recent models receive praise for durability, some reviews of older models mention concerns about long-term performance after 3-5 years, particularly regarding the flame effect mechanisms.

Consensus View

The overall sentiment across reviews suggests that Style Selections Electric Fireplaces meet or exceed expectations for most purchasers when selected appropriately for their intended space and purpose. They seem to hit a sweet spot of quality and affordability that satisfies the majority of buyers, with the most enthusiastic reviews coming from users who had realistic expectations regarding heat output and understood the primary appeal as a combination of ambiance and supplemental warmth.

Making Your Decision: Is a Style Selections Electric Fireplace Right for You?

After exploring the features, options, costs, and user experiences, the final question remains—is this the right choice for your specific needs? Consider these scenarios where Style Selections Electric Fireplaces particularly excel:

Ideal Applications

Renters seeking ambiance: If you’re in a rental property where permanent modifications aren’t permitted, a freestanding or mantel unit provides the fireplace experience without structural changes.

Supplemental zone heating: For homeowners looking to reduce central heating costs by warming only frequently used spaces, these units provide targeted heat exactly where needed.

Rooms without existing fireplaces: Bedrooms, dens, or finished basements that would benefit from a focal point and additional warmth are perfect candidates for electric fireplace installation.

Aging in place situations: The enhanced safety features make these appropriate for seniors or those with mobility issues who might find traditional fireplace maintenance challenging.

Secondary homes or vacation properties: The low maintenance requirements and ability to control remotely (in some models) makes these well-suited for properties that aren’t continuously occupied.

Green-conscious consumers: Those looking to eliminate combustion appliances from their homes for environmental reasons appreciate the zero-emission operation of electric units.

Quick home updates: When seeking to enhance home appeal before selling, electric fireplaces offer significant visual impact with minimal investment compared to built-in alternatives.

When to Consider Alternatives

While Style Selections Electric Fireplaces offer many advantages, they’re not ideal for every situation:

• If primary heating of large spaces is your main objective, more powerful heating systems would be more appropriate
• For outdoor spaces, specially designed outdoor electric fireplaces (which Style Selections currently doesn’t offer) would be necessary
• If authentic wood-burning experience (including crackling sounds and aromatic elements) is essential to you, electric models may not fully satisfy despite their visual realism
• For very modern, minimalist spaces, even slimmer linear electric fireplaces from specialty manufacturers might better suit the aesthetic

Conclusion: Bringing Warmth and Style to Contemporary Living

The Style Selections Electric Fireplace line represents a thoughtful response to modern living needs—balancing traditional comforts with contemporary practicality. These units have successfully democratized the fireplace experience, making it accessible to more homes regardless of architectural constraints or lifestyle limitations.

What stands out most about these fireplaces is their versatility. From the visual-only ambiance of summer evenings to the supplemental warmth of winter nights, from the statement piece in a living room to the cozy accent in a bedroom, these adaptable units serve multiple functions through changing seasons and evolving needs.

When considering home improvements that offer both practical benefits and aesthetic enhancements, Style Selections Electric Fireplaces deliver exceptional value by combining these qualities in products that require minimal commitment in terms of installation, maintenance, and ongoing costs. They represent that rare intersection of luxury and practicality—bringing the timeless appeal of a fireplace into contemporary contexts where traditional options simply wouldn’t be feasible.

Whether you’re creating a cozy reading nook, enhancing your living room’s focal point, or simply looking for more efficient ways to stay warm during colder months, there’s likely a Style Selections model that aligns with your vision. The question isn’t whether electric fireplaces can substitute for traditional ones—it’s whether they might actually offer advantages that make them the superior choice for today’s homes and lifestyles.

For many homeowners, the answer is increasingly clear as they discover the convenience, safety, efficiency, and design flexibility these modern interpretations of an ancient comfort bring to their daily lives. As one satisfied owner summed it up in their review: “It’s all of the ambiance with none of the hassle—exactly what I wanted but didn’t know was possible.”