Shop the Best Electric Fireplaces for Apartments (Top Picks)

Living in an apartment, condo, or studio shouldn't mean sacrificing the cozy luxury of a fireplace.

For years, renters have been left out in the cold because traditional wood and gas fireplaces require chimneys, venting, and permanent construction—all of which are strictly prohibited in most leases.

Fortunately, modern electric fireplaces have changed the game. They offer plug-and-play installation, zero emissions, and renter-friendly designs that you can take with you when you move.

Whether you need to warm up a drafty bedroom or create a stunning focal point in your living room, there is a model that fits your space without risking your security deposit.

We’ve curated our top picks for 2025, focusing on models that offer the best combination of space-saving design, realistic flame technology, and ease of installation.

Our choices align with high standards seen in Better Homes & Gardens' 6 Best Electric Fireplaces Tested list, prioritizing safety and performance.

1. Best Wall-Mounted Fireplace (Zero Floor Space Needed)

Winner: Napoleon Entice 36" Wall Mount Electric Fireplace

For renters working with limited square footage, floor space is premium real estate.

The Napoleon Entice series solves this by hanging directly on the wall like a flat-screen TV.

As noted by Bob Vila's review of top wall-mounted units, this style is the ultimate space-saver for modern apartments.

• Why it’s a Renters Choice: It requires absolutely no footprint. You don't need to rearrange your furniture to fit a bulky mantel; simply mount the bracket and hang it up.
• Visual Customization: It features a sparkling crystal media bed and customizable flame colors (cool blue, sunny orange, or a mix), allowing you to shift from a "cozy winter night" vibe to a "modern party atmosphere" instantly.
• Installation: Plugs into any standard 120V outlet. It can be hung on the wall, partially recessed, or fully recessed depending on how much work you want to do (hanging is easiest for renters).

Shop the Look: See all Wall-Mounted Options

2. Best Ultra-Slim Linear Fireplace (For Tight Spaces)

Winner: Litedeer Latitude II 48" Smart Electric Fireplace

In narrow apartment living rooms or hallways, every inch of depth counts.

Standard electric fireplaces can protrude 6-8 inches, which might block walkways.

The Litedeer Latitude II is engineered with an incredibly slim profile, designed to hug the wall tightly or fit into shallow build-outs, a feature highly rated in Apartment Therapy's guide to small-space fireplaces.

• Why it’s perfect for apartments: Its sleek, linear design makes small rooms feel wider and more open, rather than cluttered.
• Smart Home Ready: This unit connects to a smartphone app, allowing you to turn on the heat before you even walk through your front door—a luxury feature perfect for chilly commutes home.
• Organic Style: Unlike some modern units that feel "too techy," this comes with realistic driftwood logs and natural pebbles, bridging the gap between modern and organic design.

View the Collection: Litedeer Smart Fireplaces

3. Best for Media Consoles & Entertainment Walls

Winner: Napoleon Element 36" Built-In Electric Fireplace

Many apartment dwellers rely on their TV stand as the primary focal point of the room.

The Napoleon Element series is essentially a "firebox in a box"—specifically designed to be built into cabinets, media consoles, or custom entertainment centers.

For those interested in DIY media walls, The Spruce provides a deep dive into how electric fireboxes function within TV stands.

• Why it’s perfect for apartments: It allows you to consolidate your heating and entertainment into one wall unit, saving massive amounts of space.
• Zero-Clearance Safety: This unit is engineered to stay cool on the exterior, meaning it is safe to place directly next to wood cabinetry, electronics, and drywall without risk of overheating.
• Professional Finish: It features a self-trimming flange that creates a clean, finished look immediately after installation, hiding any rough edges of your DIY cabinet project.

Upgrade Your Media Wall: Shop Built-In Fireplaces

4. Best Insert for Reviving an Old Fireplace

Winner: Dimplex Revillusion 30" Built-In Electric Firebox

The Dimplex Revillusion slides right into existing openings, instantly turning a dead hearth into a warm, glowing asset.

• Why it’s perfect for apartments: It creates the look of a real wood fire without the chimney cleaning, smoke, or landlord complaints. It effectively seals off the drafty flue while providing supplemental zone heat.
• ThruView™ Technology: Unlike standard electric inserts that project flames onto a flat screen, the Revillusion lets you see through the flames to the brick pattern back panel, creating a convincing sense of depth.
• Powerful Heating: Its fan-forced heater can warm up to 400 sq. ft., making your main living area comfortable without cranking up the central thermostat.

Revive Your Hearth: Shop Electric Inserts

5. Best High-End Luxury Statement (For Condos)

Winner: Dimplex IgniteXL 50" Linear Electric Fireplace

If you own your condo or plan to stay in your rental long-term, you might want something that looks truly architectural.

The IgniteXL is the gold standard for luxury electric fireplaces, offering a seamless "edge-to-edge" glass view that rivals high-end gas linear fireplaces.

• Why it’s perfect for apartments: The low-profile design allows it to be fully recessed for a flush look that adds significant property value and visual luxury.
• Energy Efficiency: It utilizes the Comfort$aver® ceramic heating system, which uses 11% less energy than the leading quartz infrared heater by automatically adjusting fan speed and wattage to match the room’s needs.
• Heat Boost: Features a "Boost" mode that quickly warms a room by maximizing heat output for 20 minutes, then cycles down to maintain comfort silently.

See the Luxury Line: Shop Dimplex IgniteXL

6. Most Realistic Flame Effect (Water Vapor)

Winner: Dimplex Opti-Myst Aura Water Vapor Fireplace

For those who simply cannot stand the look of "digital" flames, the Opti-Myst technology is a revelation.

It uses ultrasonic technology to create an ultra-fine water mist that is illuminated by LEDs.

The result is a 3D "flame" and "smoke" effect that is virtually indistinguishable from real fire, yet completely cold to the touch.

• Why it’s perfect for apartments: It provides the realism of a wood fire with zero emissions and 100% safety. Because the "flame" is cool water vapor, it is arguably the safest fireplace on the market for pets and children.
• No Glass Required: Because there is no heat generated by the flame itself, these units often feature open designs without glass fronts, enhancing the realism.

Shop Water Vapor Tech: Water Vapor Fireplaces

Essential Buyer's Guide for Apartment Renters

Buying a fireplace for a rental is different than buying for a forever home. Here are the critical factors to check before you buy:

1. Check Your Lease & Power

Most electric fireplaces are permitted because they are classified as space heaters. However, you should always check if you are allowed to put screw holes in the wall (for wall-mounts).

Power Tip: All units listed above plug into standard 120V outlets. Never use an extension cord with an electric fireplace; plug it directly into the wall outlet to ensure safety.

2. Measure Twice, Order Once

• Wall-Mounts: Ensure the unit is at least 6 inches narrower than the wall it sits on. This ensures it doesn't look crowded or overwhelmed.
• Inserts: You must measure the Height, Width, and Depth of your existing firebox. The insert needs to slide inside freely. If you are unsure, send us a photo!

3. Consider "Zone Heating" Savings

One of the biggest perks for renters is saving on utilities.

By turning down your apartment's central heat and using the electric fireplace to warm just the room you are in (Zone Heating), you can see significant savings on your monthly energy bill.

Need Help Measuring or Choosing?

We specialize in helping renters find the perfect heating solution that fits their lease and their style.

Send us a photo of your wall or current fireplace, and we’ll recommend the best fit.

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