Electric fires offer a brilliant alternative to traditional fireplaces in homes and commercial properties where having a chimney is not an option. Let’s have a look at the evolution of the flame effect, how the electric fires evolved from the early stages to today’s sophisticated fires with highly realistic flame pictures and features.
The electric fire was invented in 1912. The first electric fires mimicked the appearance of a traditional wood-burning fire using simple methods like coloured light bulbs and mechanical devices. Metal rods or rotating drums painted with flame patterns created basic flickering effects. These effects were rudimentary, with an obvious mechanical look. The focus was more on providing heat than on realistic flame visuals.
By the 1960s, advancements in lighting and materials allowed for more sophisticated effects. Some designs incorporated silk ribbons or reflective elements that fluttered when air was blown over them, imitating the movement of flames. These provided a more dynamic and convincing flame effect, although they were still clearly artificial.
In the 90’s the introduction of halogen lights, fibre optics, and better reflectors allowed for more realistic flame effects. Due to their increasing popularity, companies began to focus on improving the aesthetics of electric.
The use of LEDs in 2010’s revolutionised electric fire flame effects. LED lights, often combined with digital projection and moving screens, enabled a much more realistic and customisable flame effect. Some models even introduced water vapour illuminated by LEDs to create three-dimensional flames. LED electric fires produce highly convincing flames with depth, colour gradients, and movement that closely mimic real fire. They also offer various settings to adjust flame and fuel bed colour, brightness, and speed.
The latest innovations include virtual fireplaces with screens displaying high-definition videos of real flames. Some smart fireplaces integrate with home automation systems, allowing users to control flame effects via apps or voice commands.
These highly realistic electric fires provide a captivating ambience in any interior and are quite often incorporated in media walls as they do not require clearances from combustibles. Visit our Electric fires and Emberlux media wall showroom to discover many options how to elevate your interior.