In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
A fireplace in the wall gives an elegant and polished look without the cost of a mantle. It is among the most simple electric fireplaces to put in.
There are many aspects to take into consideration prior to purchasing your fireplace in wall. Follow these tips to make the most of your investment.
Height
It may seem like an easy question but determining the size of your fireplace is one of the biggest decisions you will make. This is because the height of your fireplace will impact everything from how well it fits into a space to how well it is visible. A fireplace that is too high could look odd and take away from the aesthetics of the piece. On the other the other hand having your fireplace too low could cause it to disappear in the wall space.
Luckily, electric fireplaces are versatile enough to be positioned at various heights. For instance, a majority of people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This usually requires a height of between 40 and 42 inches from the floor to the bottom of the fireplace. Some people put their fireplaces beneath their TVs. This is an attractive alternative.
The height of your fireplace is contingent on several factors that include the size and length of the wall you intend to place it on. The bigger a room, the more spacious it will be, and this might mean that you can fit an even larger fireplace. The same is true for the length of the wall since a longer wall can accommodate a larger fireplace.
The way you intend to use your fireplace is another important aspect. If you intend to use it for decorative purposes, a shorter level will work better. If you want to use it to heat your home it is necessary to make sure that the fireplace is tall and sturdy enough to meet safety standards.
It is crucial to select the appropriate size for your fireplace to ensure that it will match your decor and be easy to clean or fill. If you're not sure what best height to choose it is always a good idea to reach out to an experienced fireplace installer for assistance. They will be able to suggest the ideal height for your fireplace in light of their experience and your unique home.
Depth
It is essential to know the depth of a fireplace, especially if you plan to install it in a recessed position. If you're planning to cut into the wall, ensure that you have enough space to accommodate your fireplace's inner design (the space for the smoke shelf above the firebox as well as the flue that extends upwards from the roof). Also consider the space you'll have for the surround and whether you'd like a mantle.
A lot of the most recent electric fireplaces have an incredibly deep depth that is hidden, giving them an "integrated" look. The Panorama BI-Deep series is an excellent illustration of this kind of wall-mounted electric fireplace. The model is 5.8-inch deep that allows viewers to view the flames and ember bed, and not the frame. The media package includes driftwood logs with natural appearance white pebbles, or crystals of clear glass to add a luster to the embers and reflect the flames.
Gas wall-mounted fire places are also available in shallow and deep models. But, when deciding the depth of your fireplace, it is important to keep in mind that these fireplaces work as a heat source that can be used for supplemental purposes and must be properly vented by a skilled professional. When determining the depth for a gas fireplace you must consider the length of the vent pipe and the size of the chimney.
It is important to read and carefully follow the instructions of the manufacturer before installing your fireplace. In most instances, hiring a professional to install your fireplace is recommended. It is also an excellent idea to have a second person on hand for the installation of an fireplace.
Addition of an in-wall fire place to your home is a great way to increase the value of it and add ambiance. It also can reduce your heating expenses. Moreover, it is a great option if you aren't able to install an old-fashioned fireplace into your home because of space limitations or due to the location of an existing chimney.
Surface Mount
If you're unable or prefer not to cut through your wall or build out an area to accommodate an electric fireplace, a surface mount gives an elegant and integrated appearance. Some models, like the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be mounted partially recessed into walls, without compromising heat output.
To start the installation process, determine the location where you would like your fireplace to be placed and make a mark with a pencil along the wall where the bracket will be put. Use a stud finder to find the studs in the area, and ensure that every mounting bracket is placed in the front of one or more studs for stability. If a stud cannot be reached or is not suitable for your fireplace, you can use drywall anchors as a support.
After you've marked the position of the mounting brackets then use a drill to screw them into the wall, making sure they're aligned with the studs. You can use studs or anchors made of plastic to connect each bracket. Once the mounting brackets have been put installed, lift your fireplace and hang it from the wall bracket. Once it's secure, check the position of your fireplace to ensure that it's straight and not crooked in the opening.
Before you proceed with the installation, plug in your fireplace and check whether all features are operating properly - turn on the flame and ignite the flames, play around with the heat, ember bed lights, etc. Once you are satisfied with the result, it's time to put in the floating mantel.
Depending on the model of your fireplace, you'll have to connect the wire connection to the appliance wire connector in the lower part of the mantel. Or in the event that your fireplace has hooks or slots on the back connect them to the slots on the wall mounting brackets. After you've completed this then, refer to the owner's manual for specific directions for removing the glass front panel and putting it back into the opening.
If you want to adjust the height you can replace the glass front after you have removed the front panel. If your fireplace includes ember bed media, place it across the top grille to create a natural look. Secure it using the included screws.
Plug-In
Contrary to traditional wood-burning fireplaces electric fireplaces don't require vents or chimneys. They're plugged into standard outlets that can provide supplemental heating for rooms that are up 400 square feet in size. You can also adjust the ambience with a variety of heat and flame settings. Certain models have LED lighting effects that accentuate the fire and ember bed. Other models include the top grille grate which hides manual controls but easily pops open to reveal pushbuttons to set the desired setting.
Plug-in electric fireplaces can be mounted directly on walls or recessed into the wall for a built-in look. These units are usually more straightforward to install than mantel fireplaces. Some units come with a pedestal to allow you to put the fireplace on flat surfaces like dressers or buffets. Included are the remote control, mounting hardware, and log set. Based on the model, electric fireplaces can include heat and flame options that can be turned off to provide ambiance throughout the year.
Some models have adjustable privacy glass that can quickly change from fully transparent to partially. This option makes these models popular for walls that separate common spaces for entertainment, such as living and dining areas. These models can be used in bedrooms, where an fireplace is a cost-effective option to warm up a space and ensure privacy.
While plug-in electric fireplaces don't need to be hardwired as built-in models, they must be mounted within an area that is at the very least stud-free and capable of supporting the weight of the fireplace. Some models come with kits to make this process more simple with an electrical power cord that is pre-wired and a bracket for mounting. This kit is available for either drywall or concrete installation.
When deciding where to put your wall-mounted electric fireplace, ensure it's close to an electrical outlet. Depending on the model, plug-in electric fireplaces can be plugged into outlets that are connected to the same circuit, or a separate circuit for your electric fireplace. It is suggested to use a separate circuit so that there are no other appliances in your home be powered by the same voltage. This could trip your breaker.