The Perfect Combo: A Flat Screen TV and a Fireplace

When the clunky TV we’ve had since circa 1985 finally gave up the ghost, we replaced it with a slick new flat screen HDTV. Next to go will be our equally clunky, floor-to-ceiling entertainment center (the one that formerly housed said clunky TV).

I know we’re not alone in making this transition into the 21st century (11 years late). And the folks at Dimplex figured this out, too. Their new Windham media console fireplace combines an ambient fireplace with an entertainment center.

Thank you, Dimplex!

What’s a Media Console?

The Windham incorporates a TV stand (TV not included, unfortunately) with ideal viewing height, plenty of storage for electronics and media, and a safe, clean, green electric fireplace.
The unit consists of the following components:

• Firebox
• Storage compartments
• Raised TV platform (holds up to a 52” TV)

The console has a contemporary, bow-front design that includes two large storage compartments, each outfitted with a shelf and smoked glass door.

“We developed this media console to be a very practical solution to wide-screen TV placement and storage, as well as a sophisticated “wow” factor to the room,” says Colin Stewart, Design Director at Dimplex.

Traditional or Contemporary Firebox

The fireplace sports a smoked-glass plate, supported by sleek polished aluminum cylinders.
You can choose from two wide-screen fireplaces (yes, you read that correctly: wide-screen fireplaces). Both models feature the “Dimplex patented life-like flame effect.”

One model (pictured at the top of this article) incorporates the traditional, realistic-looking logs and a flickering ember bed while the other firebox (below, right) uses a luminous bed of crushed glass for a contemporary feel. In the contemporary model, layers of special glass pieces are illuminated from below and refract and reflect the light, resulting in a warm glow that is both contemporary and captivating.

While different in appearance, both fireplaces can take the chill off a room with their powerful fan-forced electric heaters. And both can be used with or without heat so you can enjoy the ambiance of a soothing fire even it’s warm and you don’t wish to add additional heat to the room.

In addition, both fireplaces can control room temperature automatically with their adjustable thermostats and are safe to use in close proximity with flat-screen monitors.

Small Carbon Footprint

Because it’s all-electric, the Windham media console is easy on the environment and has a small carbon footprint. Both versions operate on any standard 120V household outlet.  No venting or other complicated installation is needed.

Just place the Windham media console electric fireplace where you would like and plug it in. Operation is economical; average operating costs are less than one cent per hour with the flame operating without heat and four cents per hour with the heater operating.

Up Close and Personal

Stop by any of Rich’s five Puget Sound showrooms in Lynnwood, Bellevue, Southcenter, Tacoma, or Silverdale to take a test drive of our Dimplex electric fireplaces (we carry several other brands of electric fireplaces, as well).

Download the owner’s manual for the Windham.

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