Why 36 inches? A 36″ fireplace insert simply looks right under today’s 70–80″ TVs. The extra width fills the cabinet visually, gives you a broader flame view, and avoids the “tiny firebox under a big screen” effect you see with 23–26″ inserts.

Who This Guide Is For

• You own (or plan to buy) a 75–80″ TV and want a console that looks proportional.
• You care about realistic flame effects and usable supplemental heat, not just a pretty glow.
• You prefer modern or farmhouse styling without the cost of a full built-in.

Quick Picks (Skim-Friendly)

• Best Overall (Modern): LEMEBRI 70″ with 36″ Fireplace — Big-screen friendly width, slim ~14″ depth, color-tunable LEDs, and credible supplemental heat.
• Best Space-Saver (Floating): 70″ Floating Black Fireplace TV Stand (36″) — Wall-mounted look that frees floor space and makes small rooms feel larger.
• Best Budget Wide-View: WAMPAT 70″ Farmhouse Fireplace TV Stand (36″) — Farmhouse style, 12+12 flame/bed colors, thermostat/timer at a wallet-friendly price.

Bookmark this: Throughout the post you’ll see Related Reading links. Use them to jump to our hub article that compares heat output vs. style so your final choice fits both your room and your aesthetic.

What to Look For in a 36″ Fireplace TV Stand

1) Heat Output & Room Size (Realistic Expectations)

Most 36″ electric fireplace inserts in media consoles run 750W/1500W and claim to warm up to ~400 sq. ft. Treat them as zone heaters for a single room, not a whole-home heat source. Rooms with high ceilings, open floor plans, or drafts will feel less heat. If you only want ambiance, look for “flames-only” mode to enjoy the effect without heat.

Where to learn more: See our detailed expectations and room-size guidance in this heat output vs. style guide.

2) Insert Width & Visual Balance

Under a 75–80″ TV, a 36″ firebox reads wider and more cinematic than smaller 23–26″ inserts. You’ll get a broader ribbon of flame and a more intentional focal point. If your TV is 65″, a 36″ insert can still look great—just make sure the cabinet itself is wide enough (usually 60–70″).

3) Depth, Storage & A/V Fit

Look for a cabinet depth of ~13–16″ to keep your footprint sleek while still fitting soundbars and streaming boxes. If you run a bulky A/V receiver, confirm internal shelf depth and venting. Check for cable pass‑throughs, anti-tip hardware, and a top weight rating that matches your TV.

4) Flame Realism & Lighting Controls

Adjustable flame brightness, speed, and color matter if you watch in various lighting conditions. Shelf LEDs can be fun (and handy for night lighting), but you should be able to turn them off independently so the TV area isn’t distracting during movies.

5) Safety, Noise & Controls

Standard safety features include overheat shutoff, cool‑touch glass, timers, and remotes. Fan noise on modern units is typically modest; if you’re sensitive, place the console where airflow isn’t directed right at your seating. Mounting or anti-tip properly is non‑negotiable, especially in homes with kids or pets.

Our Top Picks (36″ Wide-View)

Note: Specs below are manufacturer‑stated; always re‑check the current listing before purchasing.

1) LEMBERI 70″ Fireplace TV Stand with 36″ Insert (TVs up to 80″)

Why we like it: A sleek, modern console built around a 36″ firebox with 750/1500W heat and a realistic visual spread under big TVs. The ~13.8″ depth keeps your room feeling open, while the 70″ width anchors 75–80″ screens without overpowering smaller spaces. Customization is robust: flame color/brightness/speed adjustments, 20 ambient LED colors, plus a 1–8 hour timer and remote control. Claimed coverage sits around ~400 sq. ft., which is right for supplemental heat in a living room or den.

Best for: Modern or minimalist rooms where you want a cinematic flame window and a trim footprint. Also great for gamers who like ambient LEDs they can dial up or down depending on the vibe.

Key specs (at a glance): 70″W × ~13.8″D × 22.9″H • 36″ fireplace • 750/1500W • claimed ~400 sq. ft. coverage • 20 LED colors • top rated up to 300 lb • TVs up to 80″ • two‑box shipment • cable pass‑throughs • modern engineered‑wood build.

Pros

• Wide 36″ flame pairs naturally with 75–80″ TVs.
• Slim depth works in tight living rooms and apartments.
• Deep customization (flame color/brightness/speed; shelf LEDs; timer).
• Two‑box shipping is easier to maneuver.

Cons

• Shallow depth can cramp bulky A/V receivers.
• High‑gloss door panels show fingerprints and glare.
• Big‑screen weight means you must verify top capacity and level carefully.

Styling tip: Keep shelf items minimal to let the wide flame stay the star; matte vases and books photograph beautifully against high‑gloss doors.

Related Reading: Learn how to balance BTUs vs. style choices in our heat output vs. style guide.

2) 70″ Floating Black Fireplace TV Stand (36″ Insert; TVs up to 80″)

Why we like it: Wall‑mounting creates an effortless, built‑in look and frees floor space—huge for small rooms and studios. The integrated 36″ fireplace runs 750/1500W, with 65–95°F temperature settings and a 1–8 hour timer. You also get 12 flame colors, 5 levels of flame brightness/speed, and 20 LED shelf colors for mood lighting you can dial in. It’s a dramatic, modern centerpiece under a 75–80″ TV when you want that custom‑media‑wall vibe without hiring a contractor.

Best for: Small spaces needing a visual lift, low‑clutter homes, and modern interiors where wall‑floating furniture looks intentional.

Key specs (at a glance): ~70″W • wall‑mounted • 36″ fireplace • 750/1500W • temp 65–95°F • 1–8 hr timer • 12 flame colors • 20 LED shelf colors • approx. 73 lb unit weight • not suitable for hollow/cavity drywall—stud‑secure mounting required.

Pros

• Floating profile lightens the room and simplifies floor cleaning.
• Broader 36″ flame feels proportionate under big screens.
• Extensive color/brightness/speed controls and auto‑off timer.

Cons

• Requires secure stud mounting and careful cable routing.
• One to two people recommended; plan 1 hour for install.
• Limited concealed storage compared with floor cabinets.

Installation tip: Map your studs and cable paths before drilling. Use a recessed outlet or paintable raceway to keep wires invisible.

3) WAMPAT 70″ Farmhouse Fireplace TV Stand with 36″ Insert (TVs up to 75″)

Why we like it: A budget‑friendly farmhouse option that still delivers the 36″ wide‑view flame. You get 12 changeable flame colors and 12 ember‑bed colors, plus adjustable temperature (≈62–82°F) and a 1–8 hour timer. The cabinet measures 70.8″W × 15.5″D × 20.6″H with four open cubbies for consoles and décor, and it includes CSA/ETL certifications and two‑package shipping. It’s an easy way to get a wide firebox look and cozy heat without overspending.

Best for: Budget‑minded buyers and transitional/farmhouse spaces that want warmth, simple storage, and lots of color flexibility for seasonal styling.

Key specs (at a glance): 70.8″W × 15.5″D × 20.6″H • 36″ fireplace (≈35.9″W) • thermostat ≈62–82°F • 1–8 hr timer • 12+12 color options • open storage • TVs up to 75″ • two‑box shipment • cool‑touch front • CSA & ETL listed.

Pros

• 36″ insert value with lots of color control.
• Simple open‑shelf layout suits soundbars and consoles.
• Thermostat + timer for set‑and‑forget comfort.

Cons

• Open storage = more visible cabling; plan your routing.
• Farmhouse styling may not fit ultra‑modern rooms.
• Lower top weight capacity than some modern gloss consoles—check your TV’s weight.

Styling tip: Layer a neutral runner in the center cubbies and use matte ceramic vases to soften the black finish—cozy without visual clutter.

Setup & Installation Tips (Big‑Screen Edition)

Measure the Triad: TV • Soundbar • Eye Level

• Ideal viewing height places the TV’s bottom edge at or slightly above your eye level when seated.
• For big screens, choose a stand height around 20–24″ (depending on seat height).
• Soundbars typically want 3–5″ of clearance below the TV bezel and can sit on the open shelf.

Weight, Anchoring & Anti‑Tip Safety

• Verify the top weight rating on any console. Many 70″ cabinets support 200–300 lb total.
• Always use the included anti‑tip kit (even with a wall‑mounted TV).
• For floating units, use studs, not just anchors; follow the manufacturer’s mounting map.

Venting & Heat Flow

• Keep front vents unobstructed—don’t push baskets or soundbars flush against the firebox.
• Maintain soft‑goods clearances (throws, curtains, rugs).
• If you rely on heat, avoid placing the console in a dead‑air corner; airflow matters.

Cable Management That Actually Works

• Use paintable cord raceways to hide wall‑runs on floating units.
• Thread power bricks into a vented bin on a lower shelf to keep the look clean and cool.
• Label HDMI/eARC and route slack through rear grommets.

How Much Heat Will You Actually Feel?

Think of these inserts as space heaters with better aesthetics. In a typical 12′×16′ living room with average insulation, a 1500W unit takes the chill off nights and mornings but won’t replace central heat. Infrared models can feel gentler and reach farther in open plans, but room layout and ceiling height still dominate outcomes. If you’re heat‑sensitive or live in a warm climate, flames‑only mode delivers ambiance without raising the temperature.

FAQs

Q: Will a 36″ fireplace look too big under a 65″ TV?
A: Not if the cabinet width is 60″ or more and visually balanced. The wider firebox looks intentional and avoids the “tiny insert” look.

Q: Can the heat damage my TV or soundbar?
A: Electric inserts vent heat from the front. Keep devices clear of the vent stream and follow the manual’s clearance guidance.

Q: How loud are these fireplaces?
A: You’ll hear a gentle fan on heat mode. In normal living spaces, it fades behind TV audio.

Q: Do I need a dedicated circuit?
A: Most units plug into a standard 120V outlet. Don’t share with high‑draw appliances; avoid daisy‑chained power strips.

Q: What’s the difference between flames‑only and heat mode?
A: Flames‑only powers the lights for ambiance with no heat. Heat mode activates the fan/heater—use a timer or thermostat to avoid over‑warming small rooms.

Verdict

If you own a 75–80″ TV, a 36″ wide‑view fireplace console is the sweet spot for proportion and presence.

• Choose LEMEBRI if you want a sleek modern look, deep customization, and a trim depth that keeps rooms feeling open.
• Choose the Floating 70″ if you’re tight on space and want a designer, wall‑mounted look with robust controls.
• Choose WAMPAT if you prefer farmhouse styling and budget value while still getting the broader flame window.

Whatever you pick, set realistic heat expectations, plan your cables and clearances, and enjoy that cinematic, hearth‑meets‑home‑theater vibe.