How to Choose the Right Height for an on the Wall Fireplace
A fireplace on the wall can be an elegant focal feature in any living space. It can be placed over the couch or in the living room, it can create a warm cozy atmosphere for your family and guests.
Some models can be recessing into the wall to give it a built-in appearance. This is more work, fireplacesandstove.com and some DIYers may need to go beyond their comfortable zones.
Height
When installing a wall for a media, determining the appropriate height of a fireplace on the wall is an important decision. While the fireplace should be low enough to be observed from all seating positions, it should be high enough to ensure that it can produce sufficient heat to provide an inviting living space.
When deciding on a height for a wall mount fire it is crucial to think about the amount of heat it produces, how close to the floor it will be, and what else can be placed above it. If the height of a gas or electric fireplace is too low, the heat it emits will be dissipated quickly and combustible materials can easily ignite. This could lead to a house fire and the performance of the fireplace will be significantly diminished.
The best way to avoid this is to pick the fireplace with an opening for the firebox that is low or a high chimney venting system. This will ensure that heat is efficiently dissipated and safely.
Another consideration is how the room will be used. If it is predominantly used for socialising, watching television and relaxing, a larger fireplace is a good option. If it is used to heat the house, a lower fireplace is better.
Most people prefer to put the fireplace at eye level when they are seated in a chair. This is roughly 40-42 inches above the floor. Some people mount their fireplace under a television, and this can also work, if the television is not too close to it or suffer from the heat.
Depending on the kind of fireplace, it could be beneficial to think about the kind of storage that will be required above the fire. For example, if you have an electric fire, it can be convenient to put a sideboard cabinet or credenza on top of the fireplace to keep it free of clutter. This can create an airy, modern look. It also makes the fireplace appear bigger.
Installation
A wall mounted fireplace is a great option for a media wall. It's perfect for homeowners who desire an elegant look that is more in keeping with the design of the wall and is also simpler to install than a built-in fireplace.
Begin by selecting a place that allows you to move freely around the fireplace. Also, make sure that there aren't any flammable items in the vicinity. Measure the length of your wall to make sure it's wide enough for the fireplace to have an average height of 40-42". Installing your fireplace can be a difficult task. It is recommended to get help from someone.
Depending on the model of fireplace that you choose It may have to be fixed directly to a wall or attached to a bracket that is mounted on the wall. The owner's manual will provide instructions on how to install a direct-to-wall model. For models that are bracket-mounted, fix the bracket to the wall using screws and wall board toggle bolt anchors. Use a stud-finder to locate the screw locations.
Once the bracket is set then attach the fireplace using the tabs on the lower part of your fireplace, and the hooks on the top of the bracket. Follow the instructions in the owner's manual when your model has a front-glass panel that has to be removed prior to installation.
You'll first need to install the frame of your electric fireplace on the appropriate spot on the wall. Then, it can be connected to the bracket. Once you've done this, you can either drill holes for the mounting bracket and sand any rough areas of the wall.
After drilling the holes, you can screw into the mounting bracket. Certain models of wall-mounted fireplaces include hooks or slots on the back which means you can insert the hooks on the back of the fireplace into the slots on the bracket for mounting.
Safety
The good news is that both electric and ethanol wall fireplaces are safe when the proper safety measures are in place. Regular inspections are needed to ensure the unit is in good condition and shows no signs of wear. Keep the fireplace clear of any flammable materials like furniture, carpets or even paper. If you have children, ensure that they are taught not to touch the flames and stay away from the fireplace at all times. You should also be sure to turn off the fireplace prior to going to bed or leaving the house.
When installing an on the wall fireplace, it is essential to follow all manufacturer instructions. It is important to be aware of the dimensions and weight requirements and the heat clearance zone. If you're using a television above the fireplace, it's recommended to ensure that the TV and fireplace are within the proper heat zones. The extra weight from the television can put pressure on the fireplace and cause it to collapse and possibly hurt you or your family members.
Electric and ethanol wall fire places can generate a lot of heat that can burn you. If you have young children, consider putting a safe-to-touch screen on your fireplace to prevent them from burning their hands. The screen is at a low temperature while the fireplace is turned on and won't burn anyone who touches it.
To stop sparks from accidentally igniting flammable objects, like toys and books avoid them from the fireplace. You should also regularly clean your fireplace in order to eliminate any accumulation of ash or soot. This will lower the chance of the possibility of a fire.
One of the most common errors people make when installing a fireplace on the wall is to not remember to turn off the fireplace before going to bed or leaving the house. This is a grave error which could cause electrical problems or even fires.
Style
A wall-mounted fireplace is one of the most popular components to be added to a media wall. It is typically installed under a flat-screen TV, and it's important that the fireplace satisfies certain installation requirements. The height at the point of its installation could be an issue but it is important to take into consideration the heat it generates. A fireplace that is set on the wall will generally release heat from the vent in the front, while the fireplace that is surface mounted may emit heat from the top or bottom. For a media wall it is common to place a fireplace at a height of 40-42 inches above the floor. This allows you to view it from a sitting place.
It is possible to find wall-mounted electric fireplaces in a variety styles. However it is important to match the style with the overall design of the room. This will help ensure that the entire wall is cohesive and flows nicely together. Amantii, Dimplex and other companies provide a range of electric wall-mounted fire places. Both brands are well-known for their quality and quick to respond to feedback from customers on ways to improve the products.
A media wall can be designed to accommodate a TV or other electronic devices. Some people use a recessed fireplace as an entertainment center, while others want a combination of the wall-mounted fireplace and TV. Choosing a media wall that can accommodate both will be easier and more efficient.
The primary drawback of wall-mounted fireplaces is that it can appear more durable than freestanding electric fireplaces that have mantels. It is possible to move an appliance from one place to another, but this requires the mounting brackets to be put back in place. It's also not as simple to mount a TV or other equipment on the wall if the fireplace is located in a stud.