A panel for simulating a firebox for use in an electric
fireplace and an electric
fireplace incorporating the same. The electric
fireplace includes housing with a grate, a plurality of artificial firelogs positioned on the grate and an
ember bed positioned under the grate. A
light source is positioned to transmit light through a plurality of apertures in a rotatable cylinder that is disposed rearwardly of the firelogs. The panel is a planar member that is positioned in the housing between the cylinder and the firelogs. The panel includes a pattern thereon which represents a firebox of a wood-burning fireplace. The pattern is formed by silk-screening, painting or
etching a pattern of a flat wall of firebricks, a recessed wall of firebricks, stones, logs or any other markings that represent a firebox found in a fireplace. The
light source preferably transmits light through
flame-shaped apertures in the rotatable cylinder, thereby projecting
flame-shaped images onto the panel or onto a screen that is positioned forwardly of the panel.