Napoleon Trivista 3-Sided Electric Fireplace Review

Want an attention-grabbing 3D electric fireplace that looks futuristic, throws real heat, and can be enjoyed from multiple angles? The 3-sided Napoleon Trivista is built for that “wow” factor. You get flickering flames with a wide viewing experience—so it doesn’t just look good head-on, it looks great from across the room too.

What Makes the Trivista Different?

The biggest difference is the format: this is a 3-sided electric fireplace. That means you can see the flame presentation from the front and from both ends—so it works beautifully in open concept rooms, between zones (like living + dining), or anywhere you want the fireplace to feel “architectural.”

And you’re not locked into one look. The unit includes panels that let you convert it into a 2-sided installation or a traditional 1-sided built-in. So whether you want a see-through vibe or a classic recessed fireplace face, you can tailor it to your layout.

Looks aside, the Trivista also means business on heat. It offers one of the strongest outputs in its class, topping out at 10,000 BTUs on High. That’s a meaningful amount of supplemental warmth for a larger space.

Note: With this heat output, you can use the Trivista as a serious supplemental heat source in a spacious living room or great room.

You can also set a target temperature anywhere from 64°F to 82°F.

Installing Your Trivista Fireplace

Like most electric fireplaces, you don’t have to deal with venting, gas lines, or the recurring costs of wood or propane. And if you’re in “ambiance only” mode, you can run the flame effects without heat to keep energy use lower.

That said, this model isn’t a quick plug-in install. You’ll want to plan the framing and electrical carefully because the unit is designed to be hardwired (not simply plugged into a standard outlet). Depending on your setup and comfort level, that may mean hiring an electrician. For the exact framing and wiring guidance, see the installation instructions in the user manual.

High-Tech Features (This Is the Fun Part)

The Trivista isn’t just about the 3-sided glass—it’s packed with features that make it feel modern, customizable, and genuinely enjoyable to use.

Up front, you get a touchscreen control panel with motion sensor activation, plus a handheld remote. Translation: you can adjust flame settings, lighting, and heat without leaving the couch.

Where this fireplace really stands out is the lighting control. You can change the flame color, the ember bed color, and even the overhead top light color—plus adjust brightness. That gives you a huge range of looks, from subtle and warm to dramatic and modern.

You also get two included media styles: a traditional-looking log set and a modern acrylic crystal ember bed. The crystal media reflects light and color in a way that looks especially sharp with modern décor.

The “Northern Woods” logs bring a more classic fireplace vibe. Some people even mix the logs and crystals together for a custom look (the video below shows the difference).

Note: This model includes a sleep timer you can set from 30 minutes up to 6 hours. It’s perfect for nights when you want the fireplace on while you wind down—without worrying you’ll forget to shut it off.

Video Review of the Napoleon Trivista

The video below gives you a close-up look at the LED flames and shows the difference between the acrylic ice ember bed and the Northern log set.

This fireplace definitely has strong “tech appeal,” but the real fun is how many color combinations you can create. If you like dialing in a specific mood (movie night, entertaining, cozy evening), it’s easy to match the look to the moment.

What Size Should You Choose: 50″ or 60″?

The Trivista comes in two sizes: 50-inch and 60-inch. The right one depends on your wall width, your room scale, and whether you want the fireplace to be a “feature” or more of a clean accent. Here are the dimensions side-by-side:

Specs for the Napoleon Trivista Electric Fireplace

• 2 Heat Settings: High (10,000 BTU) & Low (5,000 BTU)
• Voltage: 120V/240V AC
• Watts: Up to 3,000 W
• Thermostatic control (64°F to 82°F)
• 7 Flame Colors
• 5 Flame Speed Settings
• 4 Flame Brightness Settings
• 13 Ember Bed Colors
• 13 Top light LED Colors
• Includes Remote Control
• Installation & Operation Manual, see also: Spec Sheet
• CSA Certified for use in the US and Canada
• Model #: NEFB50H-3SV
• Brand: Napoleon
• Phone: 866-820-8686
• Where to Buy the Napoleon 3-Sided Electric Fireplace

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install this as a 1-sided fireplace instead of 3-sided?
Yes. The Trivista includes panels that let you configure it as 3-sided, 2-sided, or 1-sided depending on the built-in style you want.

Does the Trivista need venting?
No. It’s an electric fireplace, so it’s vent-free and doesn’t require a chimney or gas exhaust setup.

Can I run the flames without heat?
Yes. You can use the flame and lighting effects on their own, which is perfect in warmer seasons.

Is this a plug-in fireplace?
No. This model is designed to be hardwired, so it takes more planning than a typical plug-in unit. Use the manual for wiring and framing requirements.

What’s the practical difference between the log set and the crystal ember bed?
The logs look more traditional and cozy. The crystals look more modern and reflect the LED colors more dramatically. Many owners choose based on décor style—and some mix them for a custom effect.

Reputable Resources for More Information

• NFPA: Home Heating Safety Tips
• U.S. Department of Energy: Electric Heating Basics
• Napoleon Fireplaces (Official Site)

Conclusion

If you want a built-in electric fireplace that feels genuinely premium, the Napoleon Trivista stands out. The 3-sided viewing is the headline feature, but the strong heat output, thermostat control, and huge range of flame/ember/top-light color options are what make it feel “high-end” day to day. It’s a bigger install than a simple plug-in unit, but if you’re designing a room around a statement fireplace (or dividing an open space), it’s a really compelling option.