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

A fireplace on the wall can be a stylish focal point for any living room. It can be placed over the couch or the seating area to create a cozy and warm environment for your family, you and guests.

Some models can be recessing into the wall to give it a more built-in appearance. This will require more work and some DIYers may need to go beyond their comfortable zones.

Height

When installing a media wall, choosing the proper height of a fireplace on the wall is a crucial choice. While the fireplace should be low enough to be seen from a variety of seating positions, it should also be high enough that it can produce sufficient heat to provide an inviting living space.

When choosing a height for wall-mounted fires it is essential to consider the amount of heat it produces as well as how close to the floor it will be and the other items that can be hung above it. If you place a gas fireplace or electric fireplace too low, it will dissipate heat rapidly and combustible substances could easily ignite. This can cause a fire in the house and also reduce the performance of the fireplace.

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

Another thing to consider is the purpose for which the room will be used for. If the room is mostly used for socialising, relaxing and watching television, a taller fireplace would be a good choice. However, if it's intended to be used as an additional source of heat then a lower fireplace will be better.

Most people prefer to mount the fireplace at eye-level while they are seated in a chair. This is approximately 40-42 inches above the floor. Some prefer to put their fireplace under a TV and this can be effective too, provided that the TV isn't too close to the heater, or it could suffer damage from the heat.

It is also crucial to consider the type of fireplace you own and the storage space that will be required above it. If you have an electric fireplace, it may be beneficial to put an endboard or credenza above the fire to keep the fireplace's surface clean. This will help create a more spacious and streamlined appearance and make the fireplace appear bigger too.

Installation

A wall mounted fireplace is a great addition to a media wall. It's perfect for homeowners who prefer an elegant design that blends with the design of the wall and is also simpler to set up than a built-in fireplace.

To begin, select a location for the fireplace that gives you plenty of space to move around it and ensure that it's clear of any combustible items. Then, measure the length of your wall and make sure that it's wide enough to accommodate a fireplace that is at least 40-42" in height. It's also an ideal idea to have someone assist with the installation of your fireplace, since it's heavy.

Depending on the model of fireplace you select The fireplace might require a direct connection to the wall studs, or to an existing bracket on the wall. If you're installing an direct-to-wall model, refer to the manual of the owner for instructions on how to mount it. If you're installing a bracket-mounted model you'll need to attach the bracket with toggle-bolt anchors as well as screws. Use a stud-finder to locate the screw locations.

Once you've positioned the bracket, mount the fireplace onto it by using the tabs on the lower part of the fireplace and the hooks on the top of the bracket. Follow the steps in the owner's manual, in the event that your fireplace has a front-glass panel that needs to be removed prior to installation.

It is necessary to first install the frame of your electric fireplace on the spot you have designated on the wall. Then, it will be attached to the bracket. After you've completed this process you can use a drill to make holes for the mounting bracket or sand any rough areas on the wall.

Once you've drilled the holes, insert rawl plugs and then screw in the mounting bracket. Some wall-mounted models come with hooks or slots at the back. Then, you can insert the hooks from the back into slots of the bracket for mounting.

Safety

The good news is that both ethanol and electric wall fireplaces are safe to use when the appropriate safety precautions are in place. Regular inspections are needed to ensure the unit is in good condition and shows no signs of wear and tear. Keep the fireplace clear of any flammable materials like furniture, carpets or even paper. Keep children away from the fire and make sure that they are aware of the dangers. Make sure that you turn off the fireplace before you go to bed or leave the house.

It is crucial to follow the guidelines from the manufacturer when installing a fireplace in a wall. This means paying attention to the dimensions of the fireplace, weight requirements and clearance zone. Check the heat zones of the TV and fireplace if you plan to use a TV over the fireplace. The weight of the TV could exert pressure on the fireplace, which could cause it to collapse, possibly causing injury you or other family members.

It is also important to be aware that electric and ethanol wall fireplaces can produce high levels of heat, which can burn you if you come close enough. If you have young children you should consider installing a safe-to touch screen on your fireplace to prevent them from burning their hands. The screen will be at a lower temperature when the fireplace is on and won't burn anyone who touches.

To stop sparks from accidentally igniting flammable items, such as books and toys avoid them from the fireplace. In addition, it is important to regularly clean your fireplace to get rid of any accumulation of ash and soot. This will reduce the chance of fire hazards.

One of the most common mistakes people make when installing fireplaces on walls is to not shut off the fireplace prior to going to go to bed or leaving the house. This is a grave mistake that can lead to electrical malfunctions and potential fires.

Style

A wall-mounted fire place is one of the most popular components that can be included in a media wall. It is usually installed under the flat-screen TV, and it is important that the fireplace meets certain installation requirements. It is essential to think about not only the dimensions of the fireplace but also how much heat it generates. A fireplace that is erected on the wall will typically emit heat from the vent located in front, whereas a fireplace that is surface mounted may be able to blow heat from either the top or 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 location.

It is possible to find wall-mounted electric fires in a variety styles. However it is important to match the style to the overall design of the room. This will ensure that the wall is well-integrated and cohesive. Amantii, Dimplex and other companies offer a variety of electric wall-mounted fire places. Both brands are renowned for their quality and are quick to respond to feedback to improve their products.

Another consideration for a media wall is whether the wall can be used to house a television or other electronic devices. Some people prefer using a recessed fireplace as an entertainment center, while others might want an amalgamation of a TV and a wall-mounted fireplace. Selecting a wall that is able to accommodate both will be simpler and more efficient.

The primary drawback of a wall-mounted fireplace is that it can feel more permanent than freestanding electric fireplaces equipped with mantel. It is possible to move an appliance from one place to another, but this will require the mounting brackets to be reinstalled. It's also not as simple to install a television or other equipment on the wall if the fireplace is located in a wall stud.