Touchstone Sideline 50
The Touchstone Sideline 50 is the model I installed in my living room. Mounts to studs with the included bracket, plugs into a standard outlet, and the flame appearance is the most realistic I have seen in this price range. Multiple flame colors and brightness settings.
I have installed wall-mounted electric fires in my own living spaces. Here are the five contemporary models I would actually buy in 2026.
I added a wall-mounted electric fire to my living room a few years ago and have since installed two more in other rooms. The contemporary models look like real fireplaces but install in an afternoon and run on a standard outlet. Here are the five I would buy in 2026.
| Fire | Size | Best For |
| — | — | — |
| Touchstone Sideline 50 | 50 inch | Living room focal |
| PuraFlame Galena 33 | 33 inch | Bedroom or den |
| Dimplex Prism 50 | 50 inch | Premium build |
| R.W.Flame 36 | 36 inch | Apartment install |
| Touchstone Forte 80 | 80 inch | Large wall |
How we test
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
At a glance
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touchstone Sideline 50 | 50 inch | Check price | |
| PuraFlame Galena 33 | 33 inch | Check price | |
| Dimplex Prism 50 | 50 inch | Check price | |
| R.W.Flame 36 | 36 inch | Check price | |
| Touchstone Forte 80 | 80 inch | Check price |
The picks, reviewed
Touchstone Sideline 50
The Touchstone Sideline 50 is the model I installed in my living room. Mounts to studs with the included bracket, plugs into a standard outlet, and the flame appearance is the most realistic I have seen in this price range. Multiple flame colors and brightness settings.
PuraFlame Galena 33
For a smaller room, the PuraFlame Galena 33 is the right size for a bedroom or a small den. Recessed or wall-mount options give installation flexibility. Three flame colors, adjustable brightness, and a remote that controls everything from the couch.
Dimplex Prism 50
Dimplex makes some of the most realistic-looking flame effects in the industry. The Prism 50 uses their newer flame projection technology, and the result is closer to a real fire than any LED-strip alternative I have seen. Premium price, but for a focal-point installation it is worth the upgrade.
R.W.Flame 36
For apartments where you cannot do a deep recess, the R.W.Flame 36 is a thin profile that sits flush against the wall. Plugs into standard outlet, mounts with a French cleat or wall bracket, and the install takes around an hour. Renters can take it with them.
Touchstone Forte 80
For a large wall, the Touchstone Forte 80 at 80 inches wide is the largest standard wall-mount on the market. Looks like a custom installation. Heavier and requires more bracket support, but the visual impact in a large living room is genuinely impressive.
FAQs
Yes, most provide 4,000 to 5,000 BTUs of supplemental heat, which is enough to warm a 400-square-foot room. They are not primary heat sources, but they take the chill off and add ambiance.
Drywall over studs is the standard mounting surface. Mount into at least two studs with the included bracket. Stone or tile walls require special anchors. Avoid mounting directly above a TV because heat rises and can affect the TV.
