So, I really wanted a gas fireplace and real fire. But... due to complications with an old house, it became cost-prohibitive. So I started researching electric fireplaces, and while it isn't fooling anyone that it's a real fire, it does add a cozy ambience and it heats the den nicely. We have shiplap in our kitchen and this complements it very well. I put it together myself and it was no problem.