Electric fireplaces used to be a joke.

Now they’re the fireplace industry’s growth leader.

The electric fireplaces of the past were simply flimsy pieces of orange paper illuminated by light bulbs; the ones today offer flickering flames, logs and glowing embers. Some models even come with heaters to provide a little bit of warmth.

“Most people would walk up and say, ‘Yeah, it’s an electric fireplace.’ But it gives a nice effect, particularly in a bedroom or an apartment where people can’t get a gas fireplace as easily,” said Marty Jewell, manager of Bart Fireside in Columbia, S.C.

“It gives you that warm feeling of a fire, even though there’s not — heat generated.”