How to Choose the Right Height for an on the Wall Fireplace

A on the wall fireplace can be a stunning feature for any living room. Whether hung over the couch or in the living room it can create a warm cozy atmosphere for your family and guests.

Some models can be partially integrated into the wall to create an aesthetically pleasing look. This requires more work, and some DIYers may need to venture outside their comfort areas.

Height

The right size for an on the wall fireplace is among the most important decisions that must be made when constructing an entirely new media wall. While the fireplace should be low enough to be easily observed from all places of seating, it should be high enough to ensure that it can produce sufficient heat for an inviting living space.

It is important to consider the amount of heat that the wall mounted fire produces and the distance to the floor and any other objects that might be positioned over the fire. If you place a gas fireplace or electric fireplace too low, it will release heat quickly and combustible materials are able to easily ignite. This can cause a fire in the house and reduce the fireplace’s performance.

The best way to avoid this is to pick a fireplace that has an opening for the firebox at a low level or a chimney venting system that is high. This will ensure that heat is efficiently dissipated and safely.

Another consideration is the purpose for which the room is used for. If it’s predominantly used for entertaining, watching TV and relaxing, a bigger fireplace is an ideal choice. If it will be used to heat your home, a lower fireplace is more suitable.

Most people prefer to mount their fireplace at eye level while sitting in the chair, which is about 40-42 inches from the floor. However, some prefer to put their fireplace under a TV and this can be effective too, provided that the TV is not too close to the heater or it may be damaged by the heat.

Depending on the kind of fireplace, it may also be useful to consider what sort of storage will be needed above the fire. For instance, if you are using 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 will give the fireplace a more spacious, streamlined appearance. It also makes the fireplace appear bigger.

Installation

A wall mounted fireplace is a fantastic addition to a wall of media. It’s ideal for homeowners who want an elegant look that is more in keeping with the design of the media wall, and it’s easier to install than a fireplace built-in.

To begin, choose the best location for your fireplace that will give you plenty of space to move around the fireplace, and ensure that it’s free of any combustible materials. Check the length of your wall to ensure it is wide enough for a fireplace with a height of at least 40-42”. It’s also recommended to have a person assist you when you’re installing your fireplace, because it’s heavy.

Depending on the type of fireplace that you choose it could need to be attached directly to the wall or connected to a bracket which is installed on the wall. The owner’s manual will provide instructions on how to mount a direct-to wall model. If you’re installing a bracket-mounted model, attach the mounting bracket using toggle-bolt anchors and screws. Utilize a stud-finder for locating the screw locations.

Once the bracket is installed then attach the fireplace using the tabs at the bottom of your fireplace and the hooks on the top of the bracket. Certain models come with a front glass panel that must be removed before installation, so make sure to follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

You’ll first need to install the frame of your electric fireplace on the spot you have designated on the wall. Then, it can be connected to the bracket. After you’ve completed this process then you can use a drill to make holes for the mounting bracket, or sand any rough areas on the wall.

After drilling the holes, screw in the mounting bracket. Certain models of wall-mounted fireplaces also have hooks or slots on the back which means you can insert the hooks on the back of the fireplace into slots on the bracket for mounting.

Safety

The good news is that both electric and ethanol wall fireplaces are safe provided that the appropriate safety measures are in place. Regular inspections are required to ensure that the fireplace is in good working order and shows no signs of wear and tear. It is also important to keep the fireplace clear from flammable materials like paper, carpets and furniture. If you have children, make sure they know not to touch the flames and stay at a safe distance from the fireplace at all times. It is also important to turn off the fireplace prior to going to bed or leaving the home.

It is important to follow all directions from the manufacturer when installing a wall fireplace. This means paying attention to the dimensions, weight requirements and heat clearance zones. If you’re using TVs above the fireplace, it’s also a good idea to double-check that the TV and the fireplace are within the appropriate heat zones. The weight of the TV could exert pressure on the fireplace and cause it to collapse, possibly causing injury you or other family members.

Electric and ethanol wall fireplace places can produce high levels of heat that can burn you. Consider installing a safe screen to put on your fireplace if have children who are small. This will help protect children from burning. The screen will remain at a lower temperature when the fireplace is turned on and won’t burn anyone who touches it.

It is also recommended to keep any flammable items like books and toys, away from the fireplace to avoid them from getting accidentally ignited by sparks. Also, you should regularly clean your fireplace in order to eliminate any accumulation of soot or ash. This will decrease the chance of the possibility of a fire.

One of the most frequent errors that homeowners make when installing a wall fireplace is forgetting to check that the fireplace is shut off prior to going to bed or leave the house. This is a grave mistake that can lead to electrical malfunctions and potential fires.

Style

A wall-mounted fire place is among the most sought-after elements to be added to a media wall. It is usually installed under the flat-screen TV and it is crucial that the fireplace is in compliance with certain requirements for installation. The height from the point of its installation can play a role, but it is also crucial to consider the heat that it produces. A model that is designed to be recessed into the wall will usually blow the heat through vents in the front of the unit, while a surface-mounted fireplace may blow the heat from either the top or the bottom. For media walls it is a common practice to mount a fireplace recessed at a height of 40-42 inches above the floor. This allows you to view it from a sitting position.

While it is possible find wall-mounted electric fireplaces in a variety of styles It is usually recommended to match the style of the fireplace with the overall style of the room. This will ensure that the media wall flows smoothly and is cohesive. There are a variety of companies that offer different models of electric wall-mounted fireplaces including Amantii and Dimplex. Both brands have a reputation for their quality and are quick to respond to feedback to improve their products.

A media wall can be constructed to accommodate a TV or other electronic devices. Some people use the recessed fire place as an entertainment center, and others prefer to combine a TV and wall-mounted fireplace. Choosing a media wall that can accommodate both will be easier and more efficient.

The biggest drawback to a wall-mounted fireplace is that it can feel more permanent than freestanding electric fireplaces equipped with mantel. It is possible to move the appliance from one location to another but this requires the mounting brackets to be replaced. It is also not as easy to install a television or other component on the wall in the event that the fireplace is in a wall stud.