Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging Ideas
The wall-mount electric fireplaces are ready to go right out of their box. Electric fireplaces are an excellent way to add ambience to your home without the need for renovations or venting.
They're usually heavy and require careful installation. Follow these steps to hang your brand new electric fireplace correctly.
1. Connect the Brackets
A wall-mounted electric fireplace or recessed fire instantly transforms any space. It's the perfect solution for homes without an existing fireplace opening, or for apartment living.
First, decide where you'll put your new electric fire. You should choose a place that isn't susceptible to moisture and is at a minimum, a few feet away from drapes and furniture. Once you've located a location, mark the wall with markings for the top and bottom plates of the fireplace frame.
Make use of a tool like a drill to make exploratory holes in the wall, looking for studs with a stud detector and marking on the drywall the fireplace mounting bracket locations. Then, patch and paint the drywall or create a wall to prepare it for fireplace installation.
Depending on the fireplace mounted to the wall you choose, you may require the installation of both the firebox and screen in one unit, or separate them with a wall bracket. If you are unsure of your capability to complete this task, hire a general contractor or a seasoned carpenter.
There is an installation template that comes with all electric fireplaces. However you should keep a spirit level handy and pencil to mark the exact location where the wall brackets will be installed. 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 nearby to plug it in.
Install drywall as smooth and as flush as is possible to give the fireplace a sleek look. Add trim to the bottom edge and then paint, sand and then finish the frame.
Most wall-mounted electric fireplaces come with hooks or slots on the back of the unit, which you insert into slots or hooks on the mounting brackets. Make sure that the slots and hooks are aligned prior to when connecting the fire to wall brackets. Once the fire is placed you can add additional elements such as crystal embers driftwood log pieces or decorative rocks.
2. Check the Bottom Bracket
The space above the fireplace, mantel, or chimney breast is a great spot to hang artwork. However, there is a fine line between an artistic arrangement and one that is distracting from the overall appearance of the fireplace design.
The general rule of thumb is that a wall should be around 80% the width of the mantel or firebox it sits above. This will allow it to remain proportionate & appear attractive on the wall. Other decorative and ornamental items placed on the mantel can influence the size and proportional guidelines.
If you are planning to hang a photo above your electric fireplace the frame should be made of glass or a material that can withstand high temperatures. If you're unsure whether the frame is suitable, a quick test using a temperature-sensitive cloth will show whether the frame is suitable for this kind of use.
One of the most common concerns when hanging pictures over the fireplace is the possibility of damage to the artwork due to smoke or stray heat. While this isn't a major issue with a traditional wood or gas-powered fireplace, it's worth checking the manufacturer's guidelines if planning to install a wall-mounted electric fire.
The majority of electrical fires come with an installation bracket that can be attached to the wall using hanging screws or wall-mounted fixing systems. It is recommended to drill exploratory hole in an area that is distinct from the wall prior installing your electric fire. You can then make use of a cable and pipe locater to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes near the position of mounting.
If so, you could either mount your fire over the electrical socket or move it to another location. If you move it to a new location, you'll need to ensure that the power cable can be able to connect from the fire to the electrical outlet - this is crucial for older homes or homes with solid walls. If you don't do this, your electric fireplace will not function properly. Certain models include a template that indicates the locations to drill holes to make the holes Some require a spirit-level and pencil to mark the correct locations on your wall.
3. Connect the Power Cord
You may have to move your plug socket behind the fireplace if you've installed a fireplace that is recessed. This will give it a more sleek look. Be sure to test your fireplace before you do this to ensure that everything is working exactly as it should.
The third method of mounting an electric fireplace is by framing the space and building it into the wall. This gives it a finished traditional look and also allows you to include mantels. The owner's guide for your particular model will include information on framing, securing your fireplace, and wiring.
When you're ready to mount your new electric fireplace on the wall, start by marking the area of installation with a marker or pencil. Then apply a carpenter's level to ensure that the location is level and flat. You can also use a stud finder to mark the location of studs so that you can be certain that you're drilling in a safe spot.
Make use of your electric drill after you have marked the installation area to create holes for the bracket screws or hanging screws. Make sure you adhere to the exact directions in the owner's guideline for this step, especially if you're installing the fireplace in wall. If you're not sure of the best way to go about this you can always ask a professional to handle the installation for you.
You can also conceal power cords from view by using cable organizer kits. These kits typically come with sleeves, clips or boxes to bundle cables. You can also make use of fish tape or wire snake tools to guide the cords through the wall. If electric on wall fireplace do not want to cut the wall, a powerbridge kit can provide a more secure and more secure connection.
You can also disguise cords with paintable wire covers or by tacking them to the wall. Be sure to keep the cover or tacks away from the source of heat, however. This will protect the cord from being damaged and will also prevent accidental contact.
4. Connect the Adapter
A wall-mounted electric fireplace is a fantastic alternative for home renovations or for those who don't have the space or funds to install a real gas fireplace. They are easy to hang and are ready to use straight from the box. They are a wonderful alternative for those seeking a modern and stylish touch or the warmth a fire provides. These units are designed to be hung as art on any wall. They can be recessed or not recessed at all and are fully electric and have fan-powered heating.
Before beginning the actual installation process it's an excellent idea to take stock of all the tools and equipment you'll require. You can find the complete instructions on how to install an electric fire in the user manual. Certain models may require you to attach the brackets directly to the wall while others might have an installation plate that can slide into slots or hooks on the brackets used for mounting. If you are installing a recessed unit it is important to ensure that all combustible substances are removed from the area around the installation. In general, you should keep these materials at a minimum of 3 feet from the front of the fireplace.
After you have checked all the parts, connect your electric fire and ensure that it works. This is a very important step since it will ensure that the flame effect screen and heater operate as intended. This will give you an idea of the final product in its final state.
When you're sure that your electric fire is working properly, you must think about covering the power cord. This will help keep the final product neat. It is possible to do this by using wire covers that are paintable or install an outlet that will allow you to put the cord behind the unit. This will provide a seamless finish to your fireplace.