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

A on the wall fireplace can be a stylish feature for Wall fireplace any living space. It can be placed above the couch or in the sitting area to create a cozy and warm environment for your family, you and guests.

Some models can be partially recessed into the wall to give it a more built-in appearance. However, this will require more work and could require DIYers to leave their comfort zone.

Height

The right height for an on the wall fireplace is one of the most important decisions to be made when installing a new media wall. While the fireplace must be low enough to be observed from all places of seating, it should also be high enough that it will generate enough heat to provide a comfortable living space.

When deciding on the height of wall-mounted fires, it is important to think about the amount of heat it produces and how close to the floor it will be and the other items that can be hung over it. If a gas or electrical fireplace is too low its heat output, it will quickly evaporate and combustible items could easily ignite. This could lead to an explosion in the house and the performance of the fireplace will be significantly reduced.

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

Another consideration is how the room will be used. If it is primarily for entertaining, watching TV and relaxing, a higher wood fireplace is an ideal choice. If it will be used to heat your home, a lower fireplace is better.

The majority of people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level when sitting in the chair, which is about 40-42 inches from the floor. Some people place their fireplaces under a TV and this may work, provided that the TV does not get too close to it or suffer from the heat.

Depending on the kind of fireplace, it can be helpful to consider what kind of storage might be required above the fire. For example, if you are using an electric fire it could be beneficial to build a sideboard or credenza on top of 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 addition to a media panel. It's ideal for homeowners who prefer a sleeker appearance that fits better with the media wall structure. It is also simpler and quicker to install than an integrated fireplace.

To begin, pick the location of your fireplace that has plenty of space to move around the fireplace, and make sure it's free of any combustible objects. Take a measurement of the length of your wall to make sure it is wide enough for a fireplace with a height of at least 40-42". It's also an ideal idea to have someone help you in putting up your fireplace, as it can be heavy.

Depending on the model of fireplace you select, it may need to be fixed directly to a stud wall or connected to a bracket which is hung on the wall. If you're installing a direct-to-wall model, check the owner's manual for details on how to install it. If you're using a bracket-mounted model attach the bracket to the wall using screws and wall board toggle bolt anchors. Utilize a stud-finder for locating the screw locations.

Once you've set the bracket, attach the fireplace onto it using the tabs at the side of the fireplace, and the hooks on top of the bracket. Follow the instructions in the owner’s manual when your model has a front-glass panel that has to be removed prior to installation.

It is necessary to first install the frame of your electric fireplace in the designated spot on the wall. Then, it's able to be attached to the bracket. After you've completed this step, you can either use a drill to create holes for the mounting bracket or sand rough areas on the wall.

After drilling the holes, you can screw into the mounting bracket. Certain models of wall-mounted fireplaces also have slots or hooks on the back and you can place the hooks at the back of the fireplace into slots on the mounting bracket.

Safety

It is a good idea to know that both bioethanol and electric wall fireplaces can be used in a safe manner provided the appropriate safety precautions are in place. Regular inspections are necessary to ensure that the fireplace is in good working order and shows no signs of wear. Keep the fireplace clear of any flammable materials, such as carpets, furniture or even paper. If you have children, ensure that they are aware of not touching the flames, and to keep them at a safe distance from the fireplace at all times. Make sure you shut off the flames before you go to sleep or leave the home.

When installing a wall fireplace, it is essential to follow all manufacturer instructions. This means paying attention to the dimensions, weight requirements and heat clearance zones. If you are using a television above the fireplace, it's recommended to double-check that the TV and fireplace are in the proper 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.

You should also be aware that electric and ethanol fireplace wall fireplaces can produce high levels of heat, that can cause you to burn yourself when you are close enough. Consider installing a safe screen to touch on your fireplace if have small children. This will protect them from getting burned. This screen will remain at a lower temperature when the fireplace is on and will not cause any harm to anyone who touches.

To stop sparks from accidentally sparking flammable items such as books and toys, keep them away from the fireplace. You should also regularly clean your fireplace to get rid of any accumulation of soot or ash. This will lower the risk of fire hazards.

One of the most frequent errors that homeowners make when installing a wall fireplace is to not check that the fireplace is shut off before going to bed or leave the house. This is a serious mistake that can result in electrical malfunctions and potential fires.

Style

A wall-mounted fireplace is one of the most sought-after features that can be built into a media wall. It is typically installed under a flat-screen TV and it is essential that the fireplace meets certain requirements for installation. The height from which it is mounted could be an issue, but it is also important to take into consideration the heat it generates. A fireplace that is designed to be recessed into a wall will typically blow the heat out of an opening located in front of the unit. However, an open-air fireplace can release the heat from either the top or bottom. For media walls it is common to place a fireplace at a height of between 40 and 42 inches above the floor. This allows you to view it from a sitting location.

It is possible to find wall-mounted electric fireplaces with a variety of styles. However it is recommended to match the style with the overall design of the room. This will ensure that the 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 react to customer feedback to improve their products.

Another aspect to consider when designing a media wall is whether the space is intended to house a television or other electronic gadgets. Some people prefer the recessed fire place as an entertainment center and others prefer an amalgamation of a TV and wall-mounted fireplace. Choosing a media wall that is able to accommodate both will be simpler and more efficient.

The biggest drawback to wall-mounted fireplaces is that it tends to feel more permanent than freestanding electric fireplaces with a mantel. Although it is possible to move the appliance from one place to another, doing so will require the removal of mounting brackets. If the fireplace is located in a stud, it will be difficult to mount TVs or other components.