Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging Ideas
In contrast to traditional wood or gas fireplaces wall-mount electric fireplaces can be hung straight out of the box. Electric fireplaces are an excellent way to add ambiance to your home without the need for renovations or venting.
However, they usually require care in installation due to the fact that they're usually heavy. Follow these steps to hang your new electric fireplace properly.
1. Connect the Brackets
A wall-mounted or recessed electric fireplace instantly enhances the appearance of any room. This is a great solution for those who don't have a fireplace or reside in apartments.
First, decide where you'll put your new electric fire. It's crucial to select a location that won't be susceptible to moisture and is at a minimum of a few inches away from drapes, furniture, and other areas with a lot of traffic. Once you've located the perfect spot, mark the wall with lines for the top and bottom plates of the fireplace frame.
Make use of a tool like an electric drill to drill exploratory holes into the wall, checking for studs using a stud detector and marking on the drywall the fireplace mounting bracket locations. Then, patch and paint the drywall or make the wall a bit bigger to prepare it for the fireplace installation.
Depending on the fireplace mounted to the wall you choose, you may have to put the firebox and screen as one unit, or separate them by using a wall bracket. If you're not sure of your abilities to manage this aspect of the project on your own, you might consider hiring a general contractor or experienced carpenter.
You will find an installation template that comes with all electric fireplaces. However, you should also keep a level in your pocket and a pencil to mark the exact spot where the wall brackets will be erected. Before drilling, use the template to ensure that the fireplace's power cable is able to reach from the installation site to an outlet near by for a convenient plug in.
When 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.
Most wall-mounted electric fires have hooks or slots on the back of the unit that you will insert into the slots or hooks on the mounting brackets. Make try these guys out that the slots or hooks are properly aligned prior to you connect the fire to wall brackets. Once the fire is set you can add other elements like driftwood logs crystal embers, or decorative rocks.
2. Check the Bottom Bracket
The space above the mantel, fireplace, or chimney breast is the perfect spot to hang artwork. However, there's a line of distinction between an artistic arrangement & one that detracts from the overall appearance of the fireplace design.
A common rule of thumb is that a picture should be 80% of the size of the mantel or fireplace it sits over. This will ensure that it is proportional and will make it look nice on the wall. This rule of thumb could be affected by other ornaments and decorative items on the mantel.
If you intend to hang a photo above your electric fire, the frame should be made of glass or a material that can withstand high temperatures. If you are unsure, you can test the frame with a heat sensitive cloth to see if it is suitable for this purpose.
The possibility of destroying artwork through smoke and stray heat is a common issue when displaying artwork on the fireplace. Although this is rarely an issue when using a traditional wood or gas-powered fireplace, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's recommendations if you're planning to install an electric fire that is wall-mounted.
The majority of electrical fires are equipped with mounting brackets that can be fixed to the wall using either hanging screws or wall-mounted fixing systems. It is recommended that you make an exploratory hole in an isolated area of the wall prior to mounting your electric fire. You can then use a pipe and cable locater to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes near the position of mounting.
If so, you could put your fire in the electrical socket or move it to a different location. If you decide to move it, make sure that the power cable can reach the electrical socket. This is important especially for older homes and those with walls that are solid. If not, your electric fire won't be able to work properly. Some models include a template to show you where to drill holes while others require a pencil and a spirit level to mark the locations on your wall.
3. Connect the Power Cord
If you've installed a recessed electric fireplace, you may need to move the plug socket away from the wall to behind the fireplace. This can give it a cleaner look. Make sure to test the fireplace prior to doing this to ensure that everything is working as it should.
A third popular way to mount an electric fireplace is to frame it and then build it into the wall. This gives a finished, traditional look and allows you to add an additional mantel. The owner's manual for the particular model will provide information about framing, securing the fireplace, and wiring.
When you're ready to install your new electric fireplace on the wall, start by marking the area of installation with a pencil or marker. Use a carpenter's level to make sure that the installation area is level and flat. You can use a studfinder to mark the location so that you know you are drilling in a secure area.
After you've marked the location for installation then use your electric drill 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 procedure, especially when you're installing the fireplace in a wall. If you're not sure how to do this you can always consult a professional to do the installation for you.
A cable organizer kit can be used to hide power cords. These kits typically include clips, sleeves or boxes for bundling cables. You can make use of fish tape or wire snakes to guide the cords. If you don't want to cut into your wall, you can install an electric bridge kit to make more secure and cleaner connections.
You can also disguise cords by using paintable wire covers, or by tacking them to the wall. Keep the cover or tacks far enough away from heat sources. This will shield the cord from damage and also prevent accidental contact.
4. Connect the adapter
A wall-mounted electric fireplace is an excellent option for a home renovation or for those who don't have the space or the money to build a gas fireplace. They are easy-to-hang and are ready to use straight out of the box. They're an ideal choice for those looking for a stylish, modern touch or warmth from a fire. These units can be put up on any wall, just like art, and are electric with fan-powered heat.
It's a good idea to create an inventory of all the tools and equipment you'll require prior to beginning the installation process. There are detailed instructions on how to mount an electric fire in the user's manual. Some models require that you screw brackets directly into the wall, while others might have a mounting plat that slides into slots or hooks on the brackets. If you are installing a recessed unit, it's important to ensure that all combustible substances are removed from the area of installation. As a general rule they should be kept 3 feet from the front of the fireplace and 1.5 feet from its sides.
After you have checked all parts After you have checked all the components, plug in your electric fire and make sure it is working. This is a crucial step to ensure that the flame effect screen and heater operate as intended. This will give you a good idea of the final product in its final position.
Once you're satisfied that your electric fireplace is operating correctly, you should consider covering the power cord. This will help to keep the finished product neat and tidy. You can do this by applying paintable wire covers, or install a new outlet that allows you to place the cord behind the unit. This will provide a seamless finish to your fireplace.