Recessed or Wall Mount? Electric Fireplace Installations Explained

Updated September 2024

What’s the difference between a recessed electric fireplace and a wall mounted electric fireplace? What does flush mount mean? What is a fireplace insert? Many of these fireplace install terms are used interchangeably, which can make electric fireplace shopping a little confusing. The Touchstone electric fireplace support team is here to answer common electric fireplace installation questions.

Pictured above, the Touchstone Sideline Elite® 42 Smart Electric Fireplace is mounted directly on the wall with included mounting brackets. This slim depth smart fireplace can also be inserted into a wall or frame. Photo credit: @honest.cooke and @modernblaze.

The Versatility of a Touchstone Fireplace Install

Most Touchstone electric fireplaces can be inserted into a wall or hung directly on the wall. What does that mean exactly and which fireplace is best for your home project? Here are some popular fireplace installation styles and tips to help you.

Pictured above, Touchstone Sideline® Electric Fireplace recessed into a wall

What Is a Recessed Electric Fireplace?

A recessed electric fireplace is placed in a cut-out area of a wall, so the side of the fireplace is hidden and only the outer fireplace frame shows. The fireplace frame is flush to the wall – also known as a flush mount installation. A recessed fireplace is often called a fireplace insert because it can be inserted into a wall. Some fireplace inserts can also replace an existing wood burning or gas burning fireplace, with modifications to the chimney done by a professional.

The recessed electric fireplace is often hard-wired into the electrical connection by an electrician. You can also plug the fireplace into a standard outlet.

How Do You Install a Recessed Electric Fireplace?

The beauty of an electric fireplace is it can be installed in just about any spot. You can build a bump out wall frame for the fireplace and cover the wall in your favorite tiles, wood planks, stone or textured wallpaper. Or you can simply insert or hang the fireplace on a wall painted in your favorite color. Touchstone electric fireplaces are specifically designed for versatility, so the same fireplace looks amazing in every room.

This video shows how easy it is to insert the Touchstone Sideline Elite® Smart Electric Fireplace into a bump out wall.

What Is a Wall Mount Electric Fireplace?

A wall mount or wall hanging electric fireplace is mounted directly on the wall. This is the easiest installation, as you simply hang the fireplace on a wall like a painting or framed photograph. All Touchstone electric fireplaces include wall mounting brackets for fast, fool-proof installations. 

Pictured above, Touchstone Chesmont Wall Mount Smart Electric Fireplace mounted to the wall, photo credit, @sunshine_and_shiplap

How Do You Install a Wall Hanging Electric Fireplace?

A wall mounted electric fireplace can be installed in minutes. Locate the studs in the wall, mark off where you want to position the fireplace and use a level to mount the brackets evenly. Place the fireplace on the mounting brackets and plug in the fireplace.

Pictured above, the Touchstone Chesmont® Wall Mount Smart Electric Fireplace is easy to attach to the wall using the included wall mount brackets. Photo credit: @anyelenbailey

3-Sided Installation

Like most Touchstone® Electric Fireplaces, the Touchstone Sideline Infinity® 3 Sided Smart Electric Fireplace collection can be recessed or mounted. This see-through style fireplace can be open on one side or both sides for a multi-dimensional look.

Learn More

The Touchstone YouTube channel is a great resource for Touchstone Electric Fireplace installation videos, showing a wide variety of solutions from professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts.