Media walls have quickly become one of the most in-demand home improvements in recent years — and for good reason. They’re sleek, modern, multifunctional, and they bring a real wow factor to any living room, snug, or open-plan space. But while the wall itself houses your TV, shelving, and soundbar, the centrepiece is undoubtedly the fire. Choosing the right electric fire can make or break the impact of your media wall, both visually and functionally.

At Manor House Fireplaces & Stoves, we’ve helped countless homeowners design and build media walls that balance form, function, and comfort. In this guide, we’ll explain what makes a media wall fire truly outstanding — so you can select a model that suits your home, budget, and style perfectly.

1. Realistic Flame Effect

The very first thing most people look at when choosing an electric fire is the flame realism. Gone are the days of basic orange flickers — today’s top-end models use advanced LED lighting, layered flame beds, and animated flame projections to deliver mesmerising visual effects.

Look for features like:

• Multi-colour flame settings – customise colours to match your room's mood
• Deep-set fuel beds – logs, coals, pebbles, and embers for added authenticity
• Adjustable flame speed and brightness
• Rear mood lighting – ideal for ambient glow behind the wall

Popular examples with great realism include the Solution Fires TrueFlame and Evonic e-Lectra Black Edition, both known for their sophisticated flame depth and lifelike fuel beds.

2. With or Without Heat?

Next, consider whether you want your fire to provide heat. Many media walls are installed in rooms that already have central heating, so the fire may be more decorative than functional. However, having the option to warm the room with gentle, instant heat can still be a big plus.

Most media wall fires offer:

• Flame-only mode – enjoy the visuals without any heat output (great in summer)
• 1kW to 2kW heating power – ideal for additional warmth on chilly evenings
• Thermostat controls – maintain a set room temperature

For many of our customers, it’s the best of both worlds — heat when you want it, visuals all year round.

3. Sizing and Proportion

The size of your fire needs to work with your TV size, wall width, and surrounding cabinetry. A common rule of thumb is to match the fire width to the width of your TV, or to go slightly wider for visual impact.

General sizing guide:

• 1200–1500mm fire widths pair well with 55–65” TVs
• Oversized fires (1800–2000mm) suit large or open-plan spaces
• Vertical space matters too – make sure your fire doesn’t sit too low or high

Choosing the correct size ensures your fire becomes a focal point, not an awkward distraction.

4. Installation Versatility

Every home and media wall build is different. You may be working with a new stud wall, retrofitting into an alcove, or trying to match existing cabinetry. A good media wall fire offers flexible installation options so you can make it fit your vision.

Things to look for:

• Recessed or flush-mounted designs
• Three-sided or corner-view options for added visual interest
• Shallow-depth models for tighter spaces
• Plug-in models or hardwired compatibility depending on power supply

Some models, like the Gazco eStudio, are known for their slimline depth, making them ideal for standard stud walls with minimal protrusion.

5. Smart Control & Connectivity

In 2025, we expect all good electric fires to come with some level of smart technology. Whether you’re using a remote control, an app on your phone, or even a voice assistant, convenience is key.

Top features to look out for:

• Wi-Fi control via mobile app
• Voice assistant integration (e.g. Alexa or Google Home)
• Daily or weekly heat scheduling
• LED colour programming

The Evonic e-Lectra range includes app and voice control, giving you maximum control over both flame and heat from anywhere in your home.

6. Matching Your Interior Style

The fire itself must suit your interior design style. Minimalist homes may favour frameless glass fronts and monochrome colour schemes, while classic homes might appreciate fires with traditional log bed effects and brass accents.

Some style points to consider:

• Black vs. silver trims – black hides the TV better; silver adds a pop of contrast
• Crystal vs. log beds – logs create a rustic effect; crystals feel modern
• Framed or frameless – depends on whether you want the fire to stand out or blend in

Our showroom displays offer a great way to compare these styles side by side.

7. Quality and Brand Reputation

A media wall is an investment — and the last thing you want is a fire that becomes unreliable. Choose brands with a reputation for:

• Long warranties
• UK manufacturing or reliable parts supply
• Aftercare support
• Consistent heat and lighting quality over time

At Manor House Fireplaces & Stoves, we recommend trusted brands like Solution Fires, Vision Fires, Evonic, and Gazco for their reliable build quality and ongoing support.

8. Professional Installation

A great fire is only as good as its installation. That’s why we provide a full end-to-end service — from helping you choose the right fire to managing the entire fitting process. This includes:

• Wall structure advice
• Power point planning
• Ventilation (if applicable)
• Cable routing and TV mounting coordination
• Finishing and painting

If you’re using your own builders, we’re also happy to liaise directly to ensure the fire fits safely and aesthetically.

Summary: What to Look for in a Media Wall Fire

Features & Why They Matter

• Realistic Flame Effects: Creates ambience and visual depth
• Heat Control Options: Offers flexibility year-round
• Proper Sizing: Ensures balanced proportions with TV and shelving
• Installation Flexibility: Helps fire fit a range of wall designs
• Smart Features: Enhances ease of use and comfort
• Interior Styling Options: Matches your home’s design and decor
• Trusted Brands: Ensures long-term reliability and performance
• Professional Installation: Guarantees safe and stylish results

Visit Our Kenilworth Showroom

Want to see your fire in action before you buy? Our showroom showcases many of the top models and layouts, allowing you to experience flame effects, brightness levels and media wall designs in person.

Contact Manor House Fireplaces & Stoves Today

We’re here to help you bring your media wall vision to life — from selecting the perfect fire to full installation and support.