The Best Small Fireplaces for Apartments and Compact Homes

Living in an apartment, townhouse, or compact home doesn't mean you have to go without the warmth and ambience of a real fireplace. Thanks to advances in heating technology, there are more small fireplaces NZ homeowners can choose from than ever before – stylish, efficient, and designed specifically with space in mind. Whether you're after a sleek wall-mounted electric fire or a compact inbuilt gas model, The Fireplace has a solution to suit your home and your lifestyle.

What Is a Small Fireplace?

A small fireplace is any heating appliance designed to deliver warmth and ambience in a compact footprint. Unlike traditional open fireplaces that require a large hearth, chimney, and dedicated wall space, small fireplaces are engineered to fit comfortably into tighter interiors, including apartments, townhouses, and open-plan living areas. They come in several fuel types (electric, gas, wood, and pellet), and many are designed to be inbuilt into walls or mounted flush to the surface, reclaiming floor space without sacrificing style.

Gazco eReflex - Multi-Sided - Electric Fire

 

Types of Small Fireplaces for Compact Homes

Not all small fireplaces are created equal. Here's a breakdown of the main types available:

Electric fires are the most apartment-friendly option of all. They require no flue, no chimney, and no building consent – just a power point. Modern electric fires produce zero carbon emissions and use LED technology to deliver remarkably realistic flame effects. They're ideal for renters and apartment owners alike.

Inbuilt gas fires sit flush within the wall, taking up no floor space whatsoever. They require a flue system but can be installed in a wider range of homes than traditional wood fires, and they offer instant, controllable heat with a very clean look.

Compact wood burners suit townhouses and standalone homes with outdoor access for firewood storage. Many modern wood fires are engineered to be highly efficient in a small form factor, and Clean Air-certified models are compliant with air quality regulations across much of New Zealand.

Pellet fires are an increasingly popular middle ground – automated, efficient, and relatively compact. They burn compressed wood pellets and can often be left to run unattended, making them a great fit for busy households.

Best Small Indoor Fireplace Options for Apartments

For apartment living specifically, electric fires lead the way. Three standout options available from The Fireplace are the Gazco eMotiv Electric Fire, Gazco eReflex Electric Fire, and the Onyx Avanti Electric Fire.

The Gazco eMotiv is a retrofit electric fire (available in 64, 74, and 84 sizes) built for medium-sized fireplace openings, with a tapered 3- or 4-sided frame for a seamless, built-in look. It pairs realistic burning-log flame visuals with Chromalight® LED technology, letting you dial in the mood with adjustable ember bed colours and up to 2kW of heat.

The Gazco eReflex is a wall-mounted, no-flue electric fire that can be configured as a single, two-sided, or three-sided installation. This also features Chromalight® LED technology with 13 fuel bed colour options and a 2kW heat output, delivering both genuine warmth and a stunning visual display.

The Onyx Avanti takes electric fire technology further with Chromalight Plus, dual independent flame effects, and optional mood lighting that casts colour across the room. Available in three sizes and multiple configurations, it's engineered for apartments where statement ambience matters as much as heat output.

Both fires require no building permits, no specialist installation, and no flue. This makes them good plug-and-play options for compact living.

Can You Install a Fireplace in a Small Living Room?

Yes! And more easily than many people expect. The key is choosing the right type and installation method for your space.

Wall-mounted and inset electric fires are designed precisely for this scenario. They sit flush with the wall (or even recess into it), eliminating any protrusion into the room. The Gazco electric range offers inset models in multiple sizes, so you can match the fire to your wall space without overwhelming the room.

For compact homes with access to gas, a sleek inbuilt gas fire from The Fireplace's indoor gas fire range can be installed within a stud wall or feature wall, providing high-efficiency heating with a minimal footprint.

How to Choose the Right Small Fireplace for Your Space

Start with your property type and constraints:

• Renting or in a body corporate apartment? An electric fire is almost always the right answer. No consent, no structural work, no flue.

• Own your apartment or townhouse? You may have more options. A compact inbuilt gas fire or pellet fire could be feasible depending on your building structure.

• Standalone compact home? All fuel types are on the table. Consider a wood or pellet fire if you want the full sensory experience – the crackle, the warmth, and the visual.

Next, consider the room's size and heat output requirements. Most small electric fires deliver around 2kW, which is sufficient for a bedroom or small open-plan space. Gas fires typically offer more output and faster heat, making them well-suited to larger compact living areas.

Finally, think about aesthetics. A fireplace is as much a design feature as a heating appliance. The Fireplace stocks a wide range of styles from the architectural and minimal to the traditional and rustic. So whether your home leans contemporary or classic, there's something to suit.

Not sure where to start? The team at The Fireplace can help you find the right fit for your space, budget, and building type. Book a consultation at one of our showrooms across New Zealand, or browse the full range of electric fires and indoor gas fires online today.

Ready to find your perfect fireplace?

Visit The Fireplace to explore New Zealand's most comprehensive range of small fireplaces for apartments and compact homes – and speak to an expert who can help you heat your space in style.