Adding that I want to keep the functionality of the fireplace in case we lose power and need to burn wood to keep the house warm. There is currently a log holder in the fireplace with a piece of wood on it on which the candles rest.

https://luminara.com/collections/flameless-pillar-candles

The link above is to Luminara.com. I did a quick search & found them as well as many other sources of battery operated candles - Wayfair, A*zon, etc. They have all manner of battery operated candles that flicker, have scents & colors & I saw they do have remote controls under ”accessories”. For your FP I’d use pillars only & not any of the different shapes they have. But, for design purposes, I’d want different heights & a couple rows of candles. I’d also add some greenery - fake of course but maybe using ferns & not evergreen boughs. I wouldn’t want it to look Christmassy out of season. With your white FP, maybe some of the colored pillars mixed in with white would be pretty.

Look for LED flameless candles Amazon has tons IMO a few different heights and a nice arrangement .

Was going to suggest the same thing as Patricia. Using flameless candles with different heights will create a nice aesthetic.

Varied heights, flameless and remote controlled are easy to find. Try Pinterest to easily compare options.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mavandes-Flickering-Flameless-Pillar-Candles-Remote-Control-Cycle-Timer-Ivory-Pack-4-Battery-Operated-LED-Real-Wax-3D-Wick-Electric/5269946486?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101570496

Target has nice pillars, which are stable on a surface. Amazon probably better bargains. Luminaire or something for a pointed flame but more expensive.

I use them in some of my bookcase & glassware cabinet with timer to go on at dark especially in winter. Also they are great for occasional power outage to light the way through house but not worry about flames.

It’s worth investing in a battery charger & batteries if you use the candles often. They do go out/ get dim and it’s so convenient to grab new batteries that can be used over & over.

You can purchase a candle rack and place the candles you like on it.

There are a lot of ideas in the net.

One of cascade by Martha Stewart

For best effect remove the screen, unless you need to light a wood fire.

Check both Amazon and QVC for the flameless candles. Though a couple years ago, my last order from QVC was about $80 for set of six (white) from Luminara…two each of 4”, 6” and 8“ including remote (that you definitely need IMO!).

Wow, thanks for the suggestions!! So apparently for more than 4 candles you need multiple remotes. Love all the pics, should I paint the interior of the fireplace? Wouldn’t it be great if they made fireproof metallic paints??

In lieu of painting the FP you could paint plywood or sturdy hobby board cut to fit & paint it instead. Then just pull it out if you need to light a real fire sometime. Bright gold would be a pretty back drop.

Stove Bright makes a silver metallic spray paint.😄🎉

Layer the three real candles in the back and mix in taller flameless ones upfront so the glow feels fuller, then tuck a few around a stack of birch logs or a metal lantern to add shape. I like adding a small scent source nearby, and the plug‑in https://nothingbutscents.com/products/electric-wax-warmer-2-prong has been an easy way to give the setup a cozy smell without dealing with open flames.

My battery candles are mostly from the thrift store for under $8, and don't have a remote but rather an automatic timer. It's so nice to walk into the dark room an the fireplace is already glowing softly. And they go off automatically. I tried several in the fireplace but it was just too much, and instead have just 3 of different heights.