Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

Electric Fireplace Wall Hanging Ideas Unlike traditional gas or wood fireplaces, wall-mount electric ones are ready to hang straight out of the box. They're an excellent way to add ambiance without requiring venting or renovation. They're usually heavy and require careful installation. Follow these steps to hang your new electric fireplace properly. 1. Connect the Brackets A wall-mounted or recessed electric fireplace instantly elevates the look of any room. It's the perfect option for homes with no existing fireplace opening or for apartment living. Choose the location where you'd like to install your electric fire. It's important to find a location that won't be susceptible to moisture and is at least a few inches away from furniture, drapes and high traffic areas. Mark the wall with layout marks that indicate the top and bottom plates for the fireplace frame. Make use of a drill or another tool to make exploratory holes in the wall. Check for studs using a stud-detector. Mark the drywall according to the location of the brackets for mounting your fireplace. Then patch and paint the drywall, or build out the wall to prepare it for fireplace installation. Depending on the wall-mounted fire, you may either need to fit the screen and firebox as one unit or separate them by an adjustable wall bracket. If you aren't sure of your ability to complete this project, hire a general contractor or a seasoned carpenter. You can find an installation template that comes with all electric fireplaces. However it is recommended to keep a level in your pocket and pencil to mark the exact spot where the wall brackets will be placed. Utilize the template to make sure that the power cable from the fireplace will connect to an outlet nearby to plug it in. When the studs and fireplace frame are in place, you can install the drywall as seamless and flush as is possible for a clean appearance. Install trim along the bottom edge and paint, sand and finish the frame. You'll need to put the hooks or slots on the back of most wall-mounted electric fireplaces into the mounting brackets. Make sure that the slots or hooks are aligned before you connect the fire to the 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 a fire, mantel or chimney breast is the ideal spot for hanging artwork. There is a delicate balance between an artistic arrangement and one that does not detract from the overall style of the fireplace. A general rule of thumb is that a picture should cover at least 80% of the length of the mantel or fireplace it is placed over. This will keep it proportionate and make it look good on the wall. Other decorative and ornamental items placed on the mantel can influence the size and proportional guidelines. If you plan to hang a photo over your electric fire, the frame should be made of glass or another material that can withstand high temperatures. If you're not sure then a quick test using a heat-sensitive cloth should reveal whether the frame is suitable for this type of installation. The possibility of destroying artwork by smoke and hot stray heat is a typical concern when displaying pictures on the fireplace. This is not a problem with a wood- or gas-powered fireplace. However should you decide to use an electric wall fire it is important to read the instructions of the manufacturer. Most electrical fires have an installation bracket that can be fixed to the wall with either hanging screws or wall-mounted fixing systems. If the latter option is used, it is recommended that you drill exploratory holes into a discrete part of the wall prior to you begin to install your electric fire. You can then use a pipe and cable finder to make sure there aren't any pipes or cables near the position of mounting. If they are the electrical sockets, you can decide to put your fire over the electrical socket or move it to a new location. If you move it to a new location it is important to ensure that the power cable will extend from the fire to the electrical outlet – this is especially important for older homes or houses with solid walls. If you don't do this, the electric fireplace won't function correctly. Certain models include a template that shows you where to drill holes for this purpose Some require a spirit level and pencil to mark the proper spots on your wall. 3. Connect the Power Cord If you've installed a recessed electric fireplace, you might need to move the plug socket away from the wall to behind the fireplace. This will give it a more sleek look. Check the fireplace first to make sure it is operating correctly. Another popular method to install an electric fireplace is to frame it and then build it into the wall. This gives you a traditional, finished look and allows the installation of an optional mantel. The owner's manual for your model will provide details regarding framing, wiring and the best way to secure the fire place. The location of your electric fireplace on the wall using a marker or pencil. Then, use 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 know that you're drilling into an area that is safe. After you've marked the location of the installation, use your electric drill to make holes for the hanging screws or bracket screws. Follow the steps in your owner's guide for this step. This is particularly crucial if you're installing the fireplace into drywall. If you're not sure the best way to go about this you can always ask a professional to do the installation for you. You can also conceal power cords from view by using cable organizer kits. These kits usually include sleeves, clips or boxes to bundle cables. You can also make use of fish tape or wire snake tools to help guide the cords through the wall. If you'd rather not cut through your drywall or drywall, you can install a power bridge kit for more secure and cleaner connections. You can also disguise cords by using paintable wire covers, or by tacking them to the wall. Be sure to keep the cover or tacks 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 an excellent option for a home renovation or for those who don't have the space or money to install a real gas fireplace. They are easy to install 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 fireplaces provide. They are designed to be displayed as artwork on any wall. They can be recessed or not at all recessed and are fully electric and have heating that is powered by a fan. Before you start the actual installation process it is a good idea to make a list of all the tools and equipment you'll require. You can find the complete instructions on how to mount an electric fire in the user manual. wall mounted electric fires white 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're installing a recessed fireplace, it's important to make sure that all combustible substances are removed from around the installation area. In general the materials should be kept at least 3 feet from the front side of the fireplace and 1.5 feet away from its sides. After you've inspected all the components, you need to connect your electric fireplace and ensure that it works correctly. This is an essential step because it will guarantee that the flame effect screen and heater work in the way you intended. This will also provide you with an idea of how the product will appear in its final position. Once you're satisfied that your electric fire is working correctly, you should consider covering the power cord. This will keep the final product neat. This can be accomplished by applying paintable wire covers, or you can choose to install a new outlet that allows you to tuck the cord behind the unit. This will give a seamless finish to your fireplace.