June 26, 2025

What Fires Go in Media Walls? A Guide to the Best Electric Options

What fires go in media walls?
Short answer: electric, gas, and bioethanol—each with its own flair! Whether you're after cosy vibes or sleek tech, a Media Wall Fire makes it happen. Curious which fire suits your style (and budget)? Keep reading—we've got heat and hot tips coming your way.

The Best Type of Fire for a Media Wall: Electric

Let’s not faff about—electric fires are the top pick when it comes to media walls. They look fantastic, they’re safe, and they slot in beautifully with your telly and soundbar.

Best of all? There’s no need to knock down walls, install chimneys or fork out for a ventilation system. Whether you're living in a new-build, a flat, or doing up a semi in Surrey, electric is the stress-free option that won’t send your builder into meltdown.

Let’s look at why they’re winning the media wall game.

Why Electric Fires Are the Top Choice

Imagine this: it’s a rainy Sunday, you’re curled up on the sofa, Netflix on, and below your telly is a crackling electric flame that looks almost real. That’s the dream, right?

Electric fires are great because they offer style, simplicity and safety. No ash, no smoke, no smell. Just plug in, switch on, and enjoy the glow.

Safety and Installation

No flames. No fumes. No worries.

Electric fires are ideal for homes with pets or little ones who like to touch everything. Plus, most can be installed in a day or two, especially if your media wall is already wired up.

It’s all about ease—minimal disruption and no complicated building regs.

No Need for a Chimney or Flue

Don’t have a chimney? No problem.

Electric fires don’t need one. In fact, they don’t need any ventilation at all. That means you can place your fire almost anywhere in the room without worrying about air flow or structural changes.

Perfect if you're renting, renovating, or just don’t want to deal with builders tearing through your ceiling.

Realistic Flame Effects

Modern electric fires are brilliant at pretending to be the real thing.

Thanks to clever tech, you get ultra-realistic flames—some even flicker and change colour. You can choose a roaring amber glow or cool-blue flames if you’re feeling fancy.

Add in the gentle crackle of built-in sound effects, and your room gets an instant upgrade in atmosphere.

Types of Electric Fires for Media Walls

Not all electric fires are built the same. Some are bold and wide, others are subtle and neat. The one you choose should match your room size and your vibe.

Let’s break it down.

1, 2, and 3-Sided Electric Fires

1-sided fires are the classic style—flames that face forward, neatly under your TV.

If your media wall is on a corner or designed with depth, go for a 2-sided or 3-sided fire. These create more drama, with flames you can see from the sides or even the back.

They’re a real conversation starter and look stunning in open-plan spaces.

Inset vs. Wall-Mounted Electric Fires

Inset fires are installed flush into the wall. Super clean, super modern.

Wall-mounted fires hang on the surface. These are ideal if you’re renting or not ready to commit to major structural work.

Both look great—but inset fires are a bit more high-end.

Panoramic and Extra-Wide Electric Fires

Bigger space? Go wide.

Panoramic fires stretch the width of the wall, creating that luxe “wow” factor. They’re brilliant in larger rooms or if you want your fire to be the centrepiece.

Think of it as a digital fireplace-meets-art-installation.

Key Features to Look for in a Media Wall Fire

Choosing a media wall fire isn’t just about looks—it’s about features that suit your life. You’ll want a balance of heat, control, and style.

Here’s what to watch for.

Heat Output Options

Most electric fires heat up to 1–2kW, which is enough for a typical UK lounge.

Look for fires with adjustable heat settings or eco modes, so you can warm the room without baking yourself or spiking the energy bill.

Realistic Flame Effects (LED, 3D, etc.)

The magic’s in the flame.

Newer models use LED or 3D flame tech to create flickering, layered firelight. Some even let you adjust flame speed, brightness, and colour.

Pick one that suits your taste—or your mood.

Smart Controls and Timers

We love a gadget—and so do modern electric fires.

Many come with remote controls, app compatibility, and even voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant. Set a timer to come on before you wake up, or control it from the sofa without moving a muscle.

Different Fuel Bed Options (Logs, Crystals, etc.)

Want the fire to look rustic? Choose glowing logs.

After something glitzy? Go for sparkling crystals or white pebbles. The fuel bed is the part you see at the base of the flame—and yes, it makes a difference.

You can even swap them out if you get bored.

Popular Brands for Media Wall Fires

The UK market’s full of brands offering smart, sleek electric fires. Here are a few household favourites:

Celsi

Known for their high-end realism and flame effects, Celsi offers fires that look seriously convincing. Great for people who want the look of a real log burner without the faff.

Dimplex

A well-known name in electric heating, Dimplex makes solid, reliable fires. Their Opti-Myst range creates real water vapour mist that looks like smoke. Very clever stuff.

Flamerite

Stylish and smart, Flamerite fires are app-controlled, wall-friendly and beautifully designed. A solid option for modern homes and clean interiors.

Sizing Your Fire for Your Media Wall

Achieving the Right Proportions

Size matters—but proportion matters more.

A fire that’s too small will look lost, and one that’s too big can crowd your space. A good rule of thumb: choose a fire that’s about two-thirds the width of your TV or the media wall itself.

This keeps things balanced, stylish, and easy on the eye.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Put a Real Fire in a Media Wall?

Technically, yes—but it’s complicated. Real fires (wood or gas) need chimneys, flues, fireproof materials and serious building work. For most homes, it’s just not worth the hassle.

Electric gives you all the looks without the complications.

Do Media Wall Fires Give Off Heat?

Yes! Most electric fires offer between 1 and 2kW of heat—perfect for heating a lounge or snug. They also come with flame-only settings, so you can enjoy the ambience without turning up the heat.

How Much Do Media Wall Fires Cost?

Electric fires range from £200 to £2,000, depending on size, tech, and features. Installation of the media wall (plus labour) could add another £300 to £1,000 depending on complexity.

Conclusion: Choosing the Perfect Fire for Your Media Wall

Media wall fires have gone from trendy to timeless.

And electric fires? They’re the top dog—simple to install, packed with features, and available in styles to suit any home. Whether you’re creating a cosy nook in a flat or revamping your family lounge, there’s an electric Media Wall Fire that fits your space—and your story.

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