Best TV Stand Fireplaces

Standard TV stand fireplaces can be as small as 54", but most are between 64" and 72" wide to accommodate both the fireplace unit and shelving or drawers on either side. The fireplace unit itself is at least 24" wide and 18" high, with some being much larger and taking up a lot of the storage room in the stand.

If you're unsure if a regular TV stand fireplace will fit well in your living room, corner fireplaces are also available. These range from 52" to 60" across and are designed to fit in the corner of the living room. They look great in cozy living rooms with less furniture.

To keep the TV at a comfortable height for viewing, most TV stands are between 27" and 36" high. Choose a height that's comfortable for you based on the height of your furniture and your height. The TV should be kept at or just below eye level to minimize neck strain.

Many TV stand fireplaces are made from either manufactured or solid wood, with a metal fireplace unit inside.

• Manufactured Wood

Manufactured wood (MDF)  is less expensive than solid wood but can be even more durable if it is well-made and maintained properly. Just like other furniture, manufactured wood fireplaces are available in a variety of painted colors or faux wood finishes. Painted white works well in contemporary family rooms, while a deep brown or black works in a mature, romantic master bedroom.

• Solid Wood

Although solid wood can be more expensive than manufactured wood, it makes beautiful and durable heirloom furniture. Some solid wood TV stand fireplaces use minimal finishing for a more rustic look. Try one in a coastal-themed room with pale blue walls and shell-themed decor.

In general, TV stand fireplaces are incredibly safe, because they use electricity instead of gas or wood for heating. This sharply reduces the risk of accidents or fires and makes installation simpler. Their external surfaces do not heat up to unsafe temperatures, so they are safe to use around children and pets.

Make sure to shop for TV stand fireplaces that are UL Listed. This certification means  the fireplace is made of safe parts and has been carefully tested. Look for fireplaces that shut off automatically if tipped over or left on for too long.

Also, follow all manufacturer's directions and keep flammable items at least three feet away from the fireplace. Extension cords are not safe to use with TV stand fireplaces, so make sure to buy one with a long enough power cord attached. Most TV stands also have a weight limit of around 200 lbs., so choose one that can support the TV, cable box, and other electronics safely.

TV stand fireplaces typically use either infrared or forced-fan heating. They vary widely in heating capacity and watts used.

If you will mainly be using the fireplace for aesthetics, then the wattage and heating system of the fireplace matters a lot less. In that case, make sure to get a TV stand that allows the fireplace section to be used with or without heat.

• Infrared Heating

Infrared heaters use special infrared heat bars to let heat radiate out into the room. The standard for infrared TV stand fireplaces is 1,500 watts, which provides around 5,200 BTUs.

These heaters are powerful and can usually heat up to 1,000 square feet. This will allow the fireplace to heat both the living room and kitchen in an open floor plan.

• Forced-air Heating

Forced-air heaters push heated air out into the room. Many forced-air TV stand fireplaces use 750-1350 watts, which gives up to 4,500 BTUs. They can only heat up to 400 square feet, but they are typically cheaper than infrared heaters.

However, these can be sufficient for closed floor plans where only the living room will be heated. Lower wattage also means lower electric usage, which makes them cheaper to run on average.

Measure the length and width of your room. It is estimated that it requires 10-watts of energy to heat 1-sq. ft. of space. So, multiply the square footage of the room by 10. For example, if your room is 10 x 12 feet, that equals 120-sq. ft. The square footage multiplied by 10 equals 1,200 BTUs required to heat the room.

Keep in mind that the square footage is calculated based on standard ceiling heights. If you have high vaulted ceilings, keeping the room comfortably warm will be difficult, since hot air rises. You may need an infrared heater with a full 1,500 watts to heat a standard living room with vaulted ceilings or a loft.

Even the smallest TV stand fireplaces include a top shelf for storing a cable box or other electronics, plus narrow side cabinets or shelving. Speakers, video game consoles, and other electronics might not fit in very small TV stands because of how much room the fireplace takes up. Make sure to measure your speakers and other digital equipment to make sure they will fit.

ATV stand fireplacewith adjustable shelves will provide the most flexibility. Since electronics can vary in width and height, fixed shelves and drawers can be inconvenient. However, drawers can be great for storing DVDs, video game discs, and other extras.

Many TV stands also feature cabinets, which have doors that are either solid or use clear inserts to show what's inside. The best option for you will ultimately depend on what you're storing and whether you want to hide or show it off. Start by examining your current TV stand or shelving and deciding what you like about it, then use that to guide your shopping.

• Remote controls are a standard feature. Look for one that allows a full range of temperature and visual adjustments from the comfort of your sofa.
• Most TV stand fireplaces have adjustable temperatures but double-check to see if the temperature settings are very limited. Many have variable temperature settings between 60 and 85 degrees.
• Cable management is another standard feature, but make sure the TV stand has enough ports for all your electronics. DVD players, speakers, video game consoles, and other extras will all need access to ports.
• Many models allow you to adjust the flame height, color, and brightness, and newer models often have advanced LED lighting for more realistic flames. Though these are only aesthetic features, they can give your living room a cozier feeling.
• Illuminated side shelves make it easier to find items stored there.

• Choose a straight or corner TV stand that provides the storage space you need without overwhelming the room. Widths range from 52" to 72". Overall heights vary between 27" and 36", so choose a height that's comfortable for TV viewing.
• The stands themselves are usually made of manufactured wood or solid wood, with a metal fireplace box inside. Choose a wood that's durable enough for your needs and coordinates with the rest of the living room.
• Look for a UL listed fireplace with a long enough power cord built-in. Get one that has tip-over, and timer safety switches and has a high enough weight limit for your electronics.
• Large open floor plans may need fireplaces that use infrared heating, which uses more electricity but heats up to 1,000 square feet. Forced air heating is less expensive but only heats up to 400 square feet.
• Shelves, cabinets, and drawers vary widely, so start by comparing your current TV stand to the TV stand you're considering buying. Look for one that has shelves and cabinets that can accommodate all of your electronics, including large speakers and other bulky items.
• Other features to check include remote controls, variable temperature settings, cable management, customizable visuals, and shelf lighting. These features might not be necessary for all families but provide extra comfort and visual appeal.