Setting the Mood: Using Electric Flame Effects to Change Room Atmosphere

A fireplace has always been the heart of a home, but for centuries, you only had one color option: fire.

Today, indoor electric fireplaces have changed the rules. With the press of a button or a tap on your phone, you can shift your fireplace from a traditional roaring hearth to a cool, modern art piece glowing in sapphire blue or amethyst purple.

But these color changes aren't just a gimmick—they fundamentally alter the psychological feel of your room.

This guide explores how to use lighting technology to curate the perfect atmosphere for sleeping, entertaining, or unwinding.

The Psychology of the Flame

Why do we gravitate toward fire? According to Psychology Today, the attraction is primal.

Sitting by a fire creates a multisensory experience that naturally lowers blood pressure and induces a meditative state.

Electric fireplaces replicate this biological trigger while adding a new layer: Chromotherapy (color therapy).

By adjusting the flame and ember bed colors, you can control the energy of the room.

1. Warm Tones: Comfort & Social Connection

Colors: Orange, Red, Yellow, Amber

Warm lighting mimics the golden hour of sunlight and traditional wood burning.

In interior design, Archivinci notes that warm tones evoke feelings of intimacy, energy, and appetite, making them perfect for social spaces.

Best For:

• Family gatherings in the living room
• Dining rooms (warm light makes food look better)
• Cold winter nights where "perceived heat" matters

Featured: Napoleon Entice 36". Features a dedicated "Orange" setting that replicates the intense, comforting glow of a real gas fire.

2. Cool Tones: Calm, Modern & Focus

Colors: Blue, Violet, Ice White, Teal

Blue is the color of the mind. It is soothing, clean, and often associated with modern luxury (think high-end hotels or spas).

Using a blue flame effect instantly modernizes a space and cools down the visual temperature of a room, which is perfect for summer evenings.

Best For:

• Media walls (blue light complements TV screens)
• Home offices (promotes focus)
• Modern minimalist apartments
• Summer usage (ambiance without the "hot" look of fire)

Featured: Dimplex IgniteXL 50". Its "Prism" mode allows you to cycle through cool tones like aquamarine and purple for a chill lounge vibe.

3. Sleep & The Bedroom: The Science of Amber Light

Colors: Soft Amber, Low-Brightness Red

If you have an electric fireplace in the bedroom, color choice is critical for sleep hygiene.

The Sleep Foundation advises avoiding blue light before bed, as it suppresses melatonin.

Instead, they recommend warm, red-based light which mimics sunset and signals the brain to rest.

Pro Tip: Use the "Flame Speed" control on your fireplace remote to slow the flames down. Slow-moving, amber light creates a hypnotic, sleep-inducing effect.

Featured: Dimplex Opti-Myst. Because it uses mist and halogen/LED warmth, it produces a soft, non-glaring glow ideal for nighttime.

4. Lighting the Surround: Ember Beds & Downlighting

It’s not just about the flame itself; it's about how the light interacts with the media bed (logs, crystals, or rocks).

Houzz suggests using accent lighting to highlight the texture of your fireplace surround.

Many of our premium models, like the Litedeer Latitude II, feature independent "Ember Bed" lighting.

You can keep the logs glowing red while turning the flames off completely—a subtle way to add warmth without motion.

5. Seasonal Styling Ideas

Your fireplace should evolve with the calendar. Here is how to style your flame settings year-round:

• Autumn: High-intensity Orange/Red flame + Driftwood logs.
• Winter Holidays: Red/Green cycling (if available) or pure Ember Glow for a cozy backdrop to the Christmas tree.
• Spring: Soft Pink or Violet flames + Crystal media bed for a lighter, airy feel.
• Summer: Blue/White flame + Heat OFF. Keeps the room looking cool and refreshing.

For more on how design impacts mood, read our article: How Indoor Fireplaces Transform the Feel of Your Home.

Final Thoughts: You Are the Lighting Designer

An electric fireplace gives you the power to change the atmosphere of your room in seconds.

Whether you need the focus of blue light for working or the melatonin-friendly glow of amber for sleeping, these units are versatile tools for better living.

Need Help Choosing a Model with the Best Colors?

Contact us to find out which models offer the widest color spectrums and smart app controls.

📩 support@pureflameco.com
📞 +1-833-922-6460