Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging Ideas
Unlike traditional gas or wood fireplaces wall-mount electric fireplaces are ready to be installed right out of the box. Electric fireplaces are ideal for adding ambience to your home without the need to remodel or venting.
However, they often require care in installation due to the fact that they're generally heavy. Follow these steps to install your new electric fireplace correctly.
1. Connect the Brackets
A wall-mounted or recessed electric fireplace instantly elevates the look of any room. It's the perfect solution for homes without an existing fireplace opening or apartment living.
Decide where you want to put your electric fire. It's crucial to select a location that won't be vulnerable to moisture and is at a minimum of just a few inches from furniture, drapes, and other areas with a lot of traffic. Once you've located the perfect spot to mark the wall, you can use markings for the top and bottom plates of the fireplace frame.
Use a tool, such as a drill to make exploratory holes in the wall, examining for studs with a detector, and then marking the drywall for location of the fireplace mounting brackets. Then patch and paint the wall or make the wall a bit bigger to prepare it for the fireplace installation.
Depending on the fireplace mounted to the wall you select, you might require the installation of both the firebox and screen as one unit, or separate them using a wall bracket. If you're not sure about your ability to handle this aspect of the project on your own, think about hiring an experienced general contractor or carpenter.
You will find templates included with the majority of electric fireplaces. However contemporary electric fireplaces wall mount should keep a pencil level handy and a pencil to mark the exact spot where the wall brackets will be placed. Before drilling, use the template to ensure that the fireplace's power cable can be able to connect from the installation site to an outlet near by to plug it in.
When the studs and fireplace frame are in place, you can put in a drywall that is as smooth and flush as possible to give a neat appearance. Attach a piece of trim to the bottom edge and then sand and paint the entire frame for an attractive look.
You'll need to put the hooks or slots on the back of most electric fireplaces that are wall mounted into the brackets that mount them. Make sure the slots or hooks are aligned before you connect the fire to wall brackets. Once the fire is set you can then add additional elements such as driftwood logs, crystal embers, or decorative rocks.
2. Check the Bottom Bracket
The space above the mantel, fireplace, or chimney breast is ideal for hanging artwork. However, there is a fine line between an artistic arrangement & one that is distracting from the overall look of the fireplace design.
Generally speaking, the rule of thumb is that a wall should be at least 80 percent of the width of the mantel or firebox it is placed above. This will ensure that it is proportional and look great on the wall. This guideline could be influenced by other ornaments and decorative items on the mantel.
If you are planning to hang a photograph above your electric fire the frame should be constructed of glass or a material that can handle high temperatures. If you're not sure then a quick test using a temperature-sensitive cloth will show whether the frame is suitable for this kind of application.
The risk of damaging artwork through smoke and hot stray heat is a typical issue when displaying artwork on the fireplace. This is not a problem with gas or wood-powered fireplace. However should you decide to use an electric wall-mounted fire it is essential to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
The majority of electrical fires have an installation bracket that can be fixed to the wall using either hanging screws or wall-mounted fixing systems. It is recommended to drill exploratory hole in a discrete area of the wall prior to mounting your electric fire. You can then use a pipe and cable finder to ensure that there aren't any pipes or cables near the mounting position.
If you have a problem, you can then decide to put your fire over the electrical socket, or move it to a new location. If you decide to move it, you must make sure that the power cable can reach the electrical socket. This is essential especially for older homes and those with solid walls. If you don't do this, the electric fireplace won't function effectively. Certain models come with a template that indicates where to drill holes to make the holes, while others require a spirit level and pencil to mark the correct places on your wall.
3. Connect the Power Cord
You may need to move your plug socket in front of the fireplace if you've installed a fireplace with a recess. This will give you a sleeker finish. Be sure to test your fireplace before you do this to make sure that everything functions exactly as it should.
Another method of mount an electric fireplace is to frame it and incorporate it into the wall. This gives you a traditional style, a polished look, and allows for a mantel. The owner's guide for your model will include information on framing, wiring and securing the fire place.
The location of your electric fireplace on the wall using the help of a pencil or marker. Then, use a carpenter's level to ensure that the installation location is flat and level. You can use a studfinder to mark the location so that you know that you're drilling in a safe area.
Use your electric drill after you've marked the installation location to drill holes for bracket screws or hanging screws. Follow the instructions in the owner's guide to this step. This is especially important if you're putting the fireplace into drywall. If you're not sure how to do it you can consult an expert for assistance.
You can also hide power cords from view using cable organizer kits. These kits usually include sleeves, clips, or boxes for bundling cables. You can make use of fish tape or wire snakes to guide the cords. If you prefer not to cut into your drywall, you can install a power bridge kit for cleaner and safer connections.
Finally, you can camouflage the cords with paintable wire covers or by attaching them to the wall or skirting board. Keep the cover or tacks far enough away from heat sources. This will protect the cord from being damaged and will also prevent accidental contact.
4. Connect the adapter
A wall-mounted electric fire place is an excellent option for home renovations or for those who don't have the space or money to put in gas fireplaces. They are simple to hang and are ready to use right out of the box. They are a great alternative for those who want an elegant, modern look or warmth from a fireplace. They can be hung on any wall, just like art, and are electric with fan-powered heat.
It's a good idea create an inventory of all the tools and equipment you'll require prior to beginning the installation process. You can find detailed instructions on how to install an electric fire in the user's manual. Certain models require you to screw brackets directly into the wall, while others could have an installation plate that slides into slots or hooks onto the brackets. It is essential to remove any combustible materials from the area where you'll be installing a recessed unit. As a rule of thumb the materials should be kept 3 feet from the front of the fireplace and 1.5 feet away from its sides.
After you have checked all parts, plug in your electric fireplace and ensure that it works. This is an essential step as it will ensure that the flame effect screen and heater operate as intended. This will also provide you with an idea of how the product will look in its final configuration.
Cover the cord after you are sure that it's working correctly. This will keep the final product neat. This can be accomplished by applying paintable wire covers, or you can choose to install a new outlet that allows you to tuck the cord behind the unit. This will give your fireplace a seamless finish.