How to Choose the Right Height for an on the Wall Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall can be a stunning focal element in any living room. It can be hung either over the couch or the seating area to create a warm and cozy atmosphere for you, your family, and guests.
Some models can be recessed into the wall to give it a built-in appearance. This is more work, and some DIYers may need to go beyond their comfort areas.
Height
Deciding on the ideal size for an on the wall fireplace is one of the most crucial decisions to be made when installing an entirely new media wall. The fireplace should be low so that it can be viewed easily from most places of seating. However, it must be tall enough that it can provide enough warmth to keep your home warm.
It is crucial to take into consideration the amount of heat that the wall mounted fire produces and the distance to the floor and any other objects that could be placed above the fire. If you place a gas fireplace or Electric Firesuite fireplace too low, it will release heat quickly, and combustible materials are able to easily ignite. This could lead to a house fire and the efficiency of the fireplace will be greatly diminished.
The best way to avoid this is to select a fireplace that has a low firebox opening, or a chimney venting system that is high. This will ensure that heat is dissipated safely and efficiently.
A second factor to consider is how the space will be used. If the room will be used primarily for relaxing, socialising and watching television, a taller fireplace is a great choice. If, however, it is to be used as an additional source of heating, a lower fireplace would be better.
The majority of people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level when they are sitting in a chair approximately 40-42 inches away from the floor. Some prefer to mount their fireplace underneath a TV and this can be a good option, provided that the TV is not too close to the heater or it could be damaged by the heat.
Depending on the type of fireplace, it may also be useful to consider the kind of storage that will be required above the fireplace. For example, if you are using an electric fire it could be beneficial to install a sideboard cupboard or credenza over the fireplace to keep the area free of clutter. This can give an airy, modern appearance. It also makes the fireplace appear bigger.
Installation
A wall-mounted fireplace is a great alternative to a media wall. It is ideal for homeowners who prefer a sleeker appearance that is more in line with the structure of the media wall. It's also less complicated and faster to set up than a fireplace integrated.
Start by choosing a spot that allows you to move freely around the fireplace. Also, make sure that there are no combustible items in the area. Measure the length of your wall to ensure that it is wide enough for an elongated fireplace that has at least 40-42". It's also recommended to have someone help you when you're installing your fireplace, since it can be heavy.
Based on the model of fireplace that you choose It may have to be mounted directly to a wall or connected to a bracket which is installed on the wall. The owner's manual will provide instructions on how to install a direct-to wall model. For a bracket-mounted model, attach the bracket to the wall using screws and wall board toggle-bolt anchors. Make sure that the bracket is attached to at least two studs, and utilize a stud locater to identify the locations where you'll require a screw.
Once you've set the bracket, you can attach the fireplace onto it using the tabs at the lower part of the fireplace and the hooks on top of the mounting bracket. Certain models have an exterior glass panel which must be removed prior to installation, so make sure to follow the instructions in the owner's manual.
If you're installing an electric built-in fireplace, you'll need install the frame of the firebox in the area you've specified on the wall before it can be fixed to the bracket. Once you've done this, you can either drill holes for the mounting bracket, or smooth any rough areas of the wall.
After drilling the holes, you can screw into the mounting bracket. Some wall-mounted models have slots or hooks at the back. You can then insert the hooks from the back into slots of the mounting bracket.
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 required to ensure that the fireplace is in good condition and shows no signs of wear. Keep the fireplace away from any material that is flammable, such as carpets, furniture, or paper. If you have children, make sure they are taught not to touch the flames and stay away from the fireplace at all times. It is also important to turn off the fireplace before going to bed or leaving the house.
When installing an on the wall fireplace, it is crucial to follow all manufacturer instructions. It is important to pay attention to dimensions and weight requirements and the heat clearance zone. If you're using TVs above the fireplace, it's also a good idea to make sure that the TV and the fireplace are within the appropriate heat zones. The extra weight of the TV could exert pressure on the fireplace, which could cause it to collapse and hurt you or your family members.
Electric and ethanol wall fire places can produce high levels of heat that could burn you. If you have young children think about putting a safe-to-touch screen over your fireplace to keep them from burning their hands. This screen remains at a low temperature while the fireplace is turned on and won't burn anyone who touches it.
It is also recommended to keep any flammable objects such as toys and books, away from the fireplace to avoid them from getting accidentally ignited by sparks. In addition, it is important to regularly clean your fireplace to remove any buildup of ash and soot. This will decrease the chance of a fire.
One of the most frequent errors people make when installing an electric fireplace on their wall is to not turn off the fireplace before going to go to bed or leaving the house. This is a grave error which could cause fires or electrical malfunctions.
Style
A wall-mounted fireplace is one of the most popular elements to be added to a media wall. It is typically installed beneath the flat-screen TV and it is crucial that the fireplace is in compliance with certain requirements for installation. It is important to consider not just the dimensions of the fireplace suites but also how much heat it generates. A fireplace that is designed to be recessed into a wall will usually blow the heat through an opening located in front of the unit. However, an open-air fireplace can release the heat from the top or the bottom. The most popular option for media walls is to put a recessed fireplace at a height of 40-42 inches from the floor, allowing it to be seen from a seated position.
While it is possible to find wall-mounted electric fireplaces in a variety of styles, it is generally best to match the style of the fireplace with the overall design of the room. This will ensure that the entire wall is cohesive and flows well. A number of companies offer different models of electric wall-mounted fireplaces, including Amantii and Dimplex. Both brands have a reputation for quality, and they are quick to respond to feedback to improve their products.
A media wall can be designed to accommodate a TV or other electronic devices. Some prefer to use a recessed fireplace for an entertainment center, whereas others may want to have a combination of both a TV and a wall-mounted fireplace. Selecting a wall that is able to accommodate both will be more convenient and more efficient.
The biggest drawback of a wall-mounted electric fireplace is that they tend to feel more permanent. Although it is possible to move the fireplace from one place to another, doing so will require reinstalling the brackets for mounting. If the fireplace is in a stud, it is difficult to mount TVs or other components.