Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging Ideas
Unlike traditional gas or wood fireplaces wall-mount electric fireplaces are ready to hang straight out of the box. They're an excellent way to add ambience without venting or renovation.
They are typically heavy and require careful installation. Follow these steps to install your new electric fire in the correct way.
1. Connect the Brackets
A wall-mounted or recessed fireplace instantly improves the look of any room. It's the perfect option for homes with no existing fireplace opening or apartment residents.
First, you must decide where to place your new electric fireplace. You should choose a place that is not susceptible to moisture, and at a minimum, just a few feet from furniture and drapes. Once you've located a location, mark the wall with layout marks for the top and bottom plates of the fireplace frame.
Make use of a drill or another tool to drill exploratory holes into the wall. Check for studs using a stud-detector and mark the drywall according to the location of the brackets for mounting your fireplace. Then, you need to build out the wall or patch and paint the drywall to prepare it for your fireplace installation.
Depending on the fireplace mounted to the wall you select, you might have to put the screen and firebox in one unit, or separate them with a wall bracket. If you're unsure about your ability to handle this aspect of the project on your own, consider hiring a general contractor or experienced carpenter.
Most electric fireplaces come with an installation template to aid in the process, but you should also have a spirit level and a pencil in hand to precisely mark the area where you'll fix the wall brackets. Before drilling, you can use the template to check that the fireplace's power cable can be able to connect from the installation site to an outlet near by for a convenient plug in.
Once the studs and fireplace frame are in place, you can then install a drywall that is as smooth and flush as you can for a sleek appearance. Trim the bottom edge, and then paint, sand and finish the frame.
You'll need to insert the hooks or slots on the back of most wall-mounted electric fireplaces into the brackets that mount them. Make sure that the slots and hooks are aligned before connecting the fire to wall brackets. Once the fire is placed you can add additional elements such as crystal embers or driftwood log pieces or decorative rocks.
2. Check the Bottom Bracket
The space above the mantel, fireplace, or chimney breast is ideal for hanging artwork. There is a delicate balance between an artistic arrangement and one that detracts the overall look of the fireplace.
The general rule of thumb is that a picture should be at least 80 percent the length of the mantel or firebox it sits above. This will keep it proportionate and make it look good on the wall. Other decorative ornaments and accessories placed on the mantel could also influence this size & proportional guideline.
If you're going to hang a picture above your electric fireplace, it's important that the frame is made from glass or another material that is resistant to high temperatures. If you are unsure, you can test the frame with a heat sensitive cloth to determine if it is suitable for this type of installation.
A common concern with hanging pictures above a fireplace is the risk of damage to the artwork by smoke or other heat sources. While this isn't a major issue with a traditional gas or wood-powered fireplace, it's worth examining the recommendations of the manufacturer if you're contemplating using an electric fire that is wall-mounted.
The majority of electrical fires come with a mounting bracket that can be attached to the wall with either hanging screws or a wall-mounted fixing system. If the latter, it is recommended that you drill exploratory holes in a discrete part of the wall before you begin mounting your electric fire. After that you can utilize a pipe & cable finder to check that there are no cables or pipes near the position you've chosen for mounting.
If they are, you can then choose to mount your fire above the electrical socket or relocate it to a new location. If you decide to move it, make sure that the power cable is able to reach the electrical socket. This is crucial for older homes or those with walls that are solid. Otherwise the electric fire won't be able to work properly. Some models have a template included that shows you where to drill the 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 have to move your plug socket to the back of the unit if you have installed a recessed fireplace. This will give you a sleeker finish. Test the fireplace first to ensure it functions correctly.
The third way to mount an electrical fireplace is by framing the room and then building it into the wall. This creates a polished traditional look, and also allows you to include an additional mantel. The owner's manual for your particular model will provide information on framing, securing your fireplace and wiring.
Mark the location of your electric fireplace on the wall with a marker or pencil. Then you can use a carpenter's degree to ensure that the installation location is flat and level. You can also use a stud finder to mark the location of studs, so that you are sure that you're drilling in a safe spot.
Use your electric drill after you have marked the installation location to make holes for bracket screws or hanging screws. Follow wall hanging electric fires in the owner's guide to this step. This is especially important if you're putting the fireplace into the drywall. If you're not sure how to go about it, you can always ask a professional to do the installation for you.
You can also conceal power cords away from view using a cable organizer kit. These kits usually come with clips, sleeves, or boxes for bundling cables. You can use fish tape or wire snakes to guide the cords. If you'd rather not cut through your drywall, you can install an electric bridge kit to make cleaner and safer connections.
Finally, you can camouflage the wires by painting them with paintable covers or by attaching them to the wall and skirting boards. Keep the cover or tacks away from sources of heat. This will avoid accidental contact and will protect the cord.
4. Connect the Adapter
A wall-mounted electric fireplace is an excellent option for home renovations or for those who do not have the space or funds to build a gas fireplace. They are easy to hang and come ready to use right out of the box. They are a wonderful alternative for those who are seeking a modern and stylish design or the warmth a fire provides. They can be hung on any wall as art, and they are electric with fan-powered heating.
It's a good idea to create an inventory of all the tools and equipment you'll require prior to starting the installation process. Read the user's manual to find specific instructions on how to mount your electric fire. Some models require that you screw brackets directly into the wall while others may feature mounting plates that slide into slots or hooks on the brackets. If you are installing a recessed unit it is important to make sure that all combustible materials are removed from the area of installation. As a rule of thumb, these materials should be kept at least 3 feet from the front side of the fireplace and 1.5 feet from its sides.
After you have checked all parts after that, plug in your electric fire and ensure that it works. This is an important step since it will ensure that the flame effect screen and heater work as intended. This will also provide you with an idea of how the product will appear in its final configuration.
When you're sure that your electric fire is operating properly, you must think about covering the power cord. This will help keep the final product neat. It is possible to achieve this by installing a new outlet using an outlet cord that can be tucked behind the unit. This will give your fireplace a seamless look.