A fireplace brings a certain ambiance to any home, as well as the additional heating benefit. It’s the perfect choice for a renovation project, especially as it can be an easy project to take on. Choosing the right Montreal tiles and finishes can allow a fireplace to fit seamlessly into your space or stand out as the accent of the room. In either case, you’ll need to choose between a gas, wood-burning, and electric fireplace.
Luckily, it’s an easy choice – an electric fireplace offers a variety of indisputable benefits that put it a step ahead of the rest, including the opportunity to customize with Montreal tiles. Read on to find out why you should go with an electric fireplace, plus our suggestions for the best tile and finish options for this unique type of fireplace.
Why Use an Electric Fireplace?
- Affordable
When you install a wood-burning or gas fireplace, there’s a fair amount of construction needed, from the masonry and wall construction required for a chimney to venting and gas lines. That level of construction can get expensive quickly. On the other hand, electric fireplaces don’t require any of that additional work and can even save on energy compared to the other options.
- Easy Install
There are a variety of electric fireplaces that simply plug in, though some do require some hardwiring using 120V or 240V. Still, this makes for a much easier and faster renovation project than the construction required for gas or wood-burning fireplaces.
- No Harmful Emissions
Wood-burning fireplaces release carbon monoxide, benzene, benzo-a-pyrene, and formaldehyde, as well as smoke and ash. Natural gas fireplaces aren’t much better, as they still emit about two-thirds as much CO2 as even the most efficient wood-burning stove. Meanwhile, electric fireplaces don’t directly produce any emissions.
- Safer Than Others
Electric fireplaces remain cool to the touch while in use. They don’t have any fire or hot metal casings to worry about. Plus, many have overheat protection, so they’re incredibly safe.
- Easy to Use
Electric fireplaces are also super easy to use and maintain. A wood-burning fireplace requires that you cut or buy wood, keep it stored, and bring it inside to the fireplace. You also have to clean the fireplace, along with ashes and soot. There’s none of that with an electric fireplace – simply wipe it down once in a while and change out a light bulb here and there.
The Best Tiles and Finishes for the Electric Fireplace You Want
The best part of an electric fireplace renovation project is that you can easily customize it with Montreal tiles to create the exact vibe you want. In fact, you can create any tile combination for the completely unique, contemporary fireplace of your dreams. Although there are options for just about any room or style preference, the most popular are below.
Colourful
Go cheerful with colourful ceramic tiles. There are a variety of options in this family, including:
- Mosaic: Mosaic tiles are colourful with intricate designs. Tiles will be square, but you’ll need to be mindful of how you organize them.
- Spanish: Spanish tiles are similar to mosaic style, but with brighter colours more focused on reds and yellows.
- Moroccan: Moroccan tiles are also similar to mosaic style styles, but lend themselves to rich cool tones.
Pattern and Texture
Pattern and texture are a more subtle way to add flair to your fireplace renovation project. Consider the following:
- Herringbone: Opt for using monochromatic Montreal tiles, or add colour. Either way, the lines and shapes will add excitement.
- Marble: Marble just screams luxury, making your space look high-end. Be sure to include other luxury details to bring it all together, like sconces on either side of the fireplace.
- Cement: Choose classic cement for a simple textured look, or opt for a tile that’s imprinted with a pattern.
- Chevron: Chevron tiles are asymmetrically shaped, allowing you to create a unique pattern you won’t find elsewhere.
Neutral
You might also opt for a more modern, sleek look with neutral Montreal tiles. This includes:
- Porcelain: Porcelain comes in many shades of white and can match the clean look of an all-white space.
- Marble: Marble can add a touch of pattern while remaining neutral.
- Natural Stone: Natural stone can come in many forms, from round pebbles to faux tile options. All give a neutral, naturalistic look.
- Terra Cotta: There are different types and colours of terra cotta, but this tile lends itself to warmer climates.
- White Tile: You can opt for a single shade or mix and match different whites to add some intrigue while remaining neutral.
An electric fireplace is the perfect addition to your home and makes for a quick, simple renovation project. With tiles in all different shapes, colours, and patterns, you can easily personalize this renovation to fit your aesthetic. Be sure to check out Mondial for our wide selection of Montreal tiles!
