Can you put an electric fireplace in the bathroom? 

The bathroom is not the most popular spot for an electric fireplace. However, recent shifts in home design show that adding an electric fireplace in your bathroom can be quite charming, comfortable and reflect a desire for luxury and beauty. Besides, who would not like to spend time in a beautiful luxurious environment before an event or when getting ready in the morning? 

But can you put an electric fireplace in the bathroom? Is it safe? 

Let’s find out! 

Can you put an electric fireplace in the bathroom? 

Yes! You can put an electric fireplace in your bathroom, provided you follow the applicable local and international codes. After all, electric fireplaces are the easiest type of fireplace to install in bathrooms as most models only need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. In addition, they’re the most affordable option for bathrooms, with most models costing around $300 – $1000. 

However, for safety reasons, you should ensure that the electric fireplace you intend to use is designed to withstand high moisture content. Also, there are various factors you need to consider when installing an electric fireplace in a bathroom for maximum effectiveness. 

But first, let’s look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of installing an electric fireplace in a bathroom!

Benefits of installing a bathroom electric fireplace 

• Creates a relaxing and attractive bathroom atmosphere

Installing an electric fireplace in your bathroom will instantly enhance its overall look and create a relaxing atmosphere. In addition, it will add style and decor to your home, and make your bathroom look luxurious. And with so many design and style options available, it’s relatively easy to find an electric fireplace that will fit any decor and add ambiance to your bathroom. 

• Increase your home’s value 

Adding an electric fireplace in your home is a great way to increase your property’s value if you ever plan to sell your house. This is because it adds a bit of luxury and appears as a unique selling feature to the mind of potential home buyers. In addition, although the fireplace may not add much value to the house, it’s more attractive to buyers for various reasons. For instance, it has little to no maintenance, improves the bathroom area, and reduces the carbon footprint by consuming less energy. 

• Acts as a heat source in the bathroom 

Another benefit of installing an electric fireplace in the bathroom is that it will act as a source of heat, helping to enjoy long baths even during the cold winter months. Moreover, this will prevent you from adjusting the thermostat for the entire house when you only need heat in the bathroom, making it a cost-effective heating option. 

Most bathroom electric fireplace models produce up to 5100 BTUs, which is more than enough to heat a relatively large room. Moreover, they have adjustable thermostats that allow you to set the heat output to the desired level or turn it off completely. 

• No toxic emissions 

Unlike other types of fireplaces like gas and wood-burning models, electric fireplaces do not need a substantial amount of ventilation as they don’t emit smoke or toxic fumes. In addition, they do not need frequent cleaning and have low risks of gas leaks. 

Drawbacks of installing an electric fireplace in the bathroom 

• Electric fireplaces can use a lot of space, which can be a challenge if you’ve got a small bathroom with limited space
• Most electric fireplaces have limited heat output, which may not be ideal for warming large bathrooms 
• Like other electrical appliances, these fireplaces can be a potential fire hazard if they’re not maintained and installed properly.

Safety measures for installing electric fireplaces in the bathroom 

• Look for a waterproof electric fireplace 

Although you can install an electric fireplace in the bathroom, not all models are ideal for use in bathrooms. Instead, you should always look for a fireplace that is rated for indoor & outdoor use or specifically designed for use in bathrooms. Alternatively, you can look for a unit that can withstand water and weather conditions such as the best outdoor-rated electric fireplaces. After all, an electric fireplace installed in the bathroom will inevitably come into contact with water. 

A good example of a waterproof electric fireplace that is safe to use in bathrooms is the Remii 45” Extra Slim Outdoor/ Indoor electric fireplace. Thanks to its ability to withstand moisture while providing plenty of heat in the bathroom. Specifically this unit has a heat output of 4800 BTU, which is enough to warm a bathroom of up to 500 sq ft. 

• Keep the electric fireplace away from water & flammable items 

As already mentioned, a bathroom electric fireplace will eventually come into contact with moisture, hence the need to look for a waterproof fireplace in the first place. However, you should always do your best to keep it at a safe distance from any water. For instance, you should not install the fireplace too close to any faucet or splash it with water while washing your hands/ bathing. 

Similarly, you should always keep flammable objects like towels and curtains away from your bathroom electric fireplace. 

• Use proper outlets 

Any electric fireplace requires proper electrical wiring to supply power to the unit. In this case, you should use a grounded outlet with an auto shut-off feature if it comes into contact with water. More importantly, you should plug the fireplace directly into the power outlet instead of using an extension cord. In addition, you should secure the fireplace properly to reduce its risk of falling from the wall. 

Important things to consider when choosing the best electric fireplace for bathrooms 

• Style of the electric fireplace 

While there are many styles of electric fireplaces, the most popular options for bathrooms are; 

Inbuilt electric fireplace.

As the name implies, this type of electric fireplace is built into the structure of your bathroom. More notably, they’re hard-wired into your home’s electrical system instead of being plugged into a power outlet. In addition, these fireplaces may contain inbuilt heaters and usually allow users to change the color and intensity of the flames with remote control. However, these units are recommended when performing in-depth bathroom remodeling or during new construction. 

Electric fireplace with TV stand/ mantel. 

Although you’re unlikely to have a TV in the bathroom, you can choose an electric fireplace with a TV stand, which is fairly easy to install. The only issue with this type of electric fireplace is that it may take up some space. Other than that, it provides a beautiful place to store knick-knacks and adds personalization to your master bathroom. 

Wall-mounted electric fireplaces. 

Wall-mounted electric fireplaces usually have a sleek design that gives them a modern look and plugs into a regular wall outlet. Also, they have beautiful flame effects that are easy to operate and control. 

Electric fireplace inserts. 

An electric fireplace is a firebox that is designed into an existing fireplace place. For instance, you can put this type of fireplace inside an old gas or wood-burning fireplace. Either way, the insert will provide a more efficient and attractive option in an existing area. 

• Size 

In general, you should look for an electric fireplace that will fit well into the bathroom. However, you should not choose a unit that is too small to heat the room or too large that the bathroom becomes too hot. To determine the right size for your bathroom electric fireplace, consider factors like ceiling height, square footage, ventilation, and placement of outlets. More importantly, you should check the BTU output of the electric fireplace as it shows the amount of heat produced by the unit. 

• Cost 

In most cases, the average cost of a bathroom electric fireplace (including installation cost) ranges from $1000 to $2000. However, some high-end models may cost much more.