In Wall Fireplace - How to Choose the Right Height and Depth for Your Fireplace
An in wall fireplace provides an elegant and polished appearance without the expense of a mantle. It is among the simplest electric fireplaces.
There are a few aspects to take into consideration prior to purchasing your in-wall fireplace. Follow these tips to make the most out of your investment.
Height
While it may seem like a simple question but determining the height of your new fireplace is one of the most important decisions to make. The size of your fireplace's height can influence everything, from how it fits in a room to its visibility. If your fireplace is too high can look unnatural and diminish the aesthetics of the piece. A fireplace that is too low could look drab in the wall space.
Luckily, electric fireplaces are versatile enough to be positioned at a variety of heights. For instance, a majority of people prefer to place their fireplaces at eye level from a sitting position. This requires a height between 40 and 42 inches. Some people place their fireplaces under their TVs, which can be a visually appealing option.
The height of your fireplace is contingent on a number of factors such as the dimensions and length of the wall you intend to mount it on. The bigger a room and the bigger it is, the larger it will appear which could mean that you are able to fit a bigger fireplace in it. The same is true for the length of the wall, since a longer wall can accommodate a fireplace that is larger.
Another important factor to consider is how you intend to use your fireplace. If you plan to use it for decorative purposes, then the lower height is ideal. If you intend to heat your home with it, you'll have to make sure that the fireplace is tall enough to meet the local codes and safety standards.
It is important to choose the proper height for your fireplace so that it will match your decor and be simple to clean or fill. You can always ask an expert fireplace installer to assist you if you aren't sure what height you should choose. They will be able to determine the best height for your fireplace in light of their experience and the specifics of your home.
Depth
It is crucial to know the depth of a fireplace when you are planning to place it in a recessed position. If you are planning to cut into the wall, make sure that you have enough room to accommodate your fireplace's inner design (the space for the smoke shelf above the firebox and the flue that extends upwards from the roof). You should also consider the space you have available for the surround and whether you'd like a fireplace mantle.
Many of the more recent
electric fires fireplace models feature an incredibly deep depth that is invisible, creating an "integrated" appearance. This type of wall fireplace that is electric is best exemplified by the Panorama BI Deep series. It has an 5.8-inch depth that lets the user see the flames and ember bed, not the frame of the fireplace. It also comes with a choice of media options, including natural looking driftwood logs, white pebbles, or crystals of clear glass that reflect the flames and add luster to the ember bed.
Gas wall-mounted fireplaces can be found in both shallow and deep models. When deciding on the depth of your fireplace, it is important to remember that these fireplaces function as a source of heat that is supplementary and should be properly vented by an experienced professional. The length of the vent pipe, the size of the flue, as well as the distance from the stove to the vent are all elements that should be taken into consideration when determining the depth of a gas fireplace.
If you decide to go with a surface mount or a recess-mounted installation, it is crucial to read and adhere to the instructions of the manufacturer when mounting your fireplace. A professional installer is recommended in all instances. Also, it is always good to have an extra person in the event of installing gas fireplaces.
Addition of an in-wall fire space to your home is an excellent way to increase the value of it and create ambience. It can also lower your heating costs. Moreover, it is an excellent option if you aren't able to install a traditional fireplace in your home due to the space restrictions or the location of your existing chimney.
Surface Mount
If you're unable or prefer not to cut through your wall or create the space needed to install an electric fireplace, a surface mount provides a sleek and built-in appearance. Certain models, such as the Allusion line of electric fireplaces, can be mounted partially recessed into a wall without compromising the heat output.
To begin the installation begin by marking the wall with a pencil on the wall where the bracket will be placed. Use a stud finder to find the studs in that area and make sure every mounting bracket is in the vicinity of one or more studs for stability. If a stud cannot be reached or isn't suitable for your fireplace, you can make use of drywall anchors for support.
Once you've determined the location of the mounting brackets, use a drill to screw them into the wall, making sure they are aligned with the studs. If possible, attach each bracket to a stud for security and strength, but you can also use plastic anchors in the event of need. Once the mounting brackets have been put in place, raise your fireplace and place it from the wall bracket. Once it's secure, check the position of your
marble fireplace to ensure that it's straight and not crooked within the opening.
Before you begin the installation make sure to plug in your
fireplace and make sure that all functions function properly. Start the
fire, experiment with the heating, the lighting of the ember bed,
fireplace and the list goes on. When you are satisfied with the results, it's time to install the floating mantel.
Based on the model of your fireplace, you'll require a wire connection to the appliance wire connector in the bottom of the mantel or, if your fireplace has slots or hooks on the back, connect them to the slots on the wall mounting brackets. After you've completed this process, consult your fireplace's user manual to learn how to remove the front glass panel from the opening and replace it.
If you have to alter the height you can replace the glass front once you have removed the front panel. If your fireplace comes with ember bed media, spread it out across the top of the grate to give it a a more natural appearance and then secure it using the screws included.
Plug-In
Electric fireplaces don't require vents or chimneys like traditional wood-burning fireplaces. They plug into a standard outlet that can provide supplemental heating for rooms that can be that are up to 400 square feet. They also have a variety of flame and heat settings to allow you to customize your ambiance. Some models come with LED lighting effects that highlight the ember bed and the fire. Some models feature an upper grille that hides the manual controls, but it can be opened easily to reveal buttons.
Electric fireplaces with plug-ins can be mounted directly on walls or recessed into the wall for a built-in appearance. They are generally more straightforward to set up than a mantel fireplace. Some have a pedestal base to allow you to set the fireplace on a flat surface such as a dresser or buffet. Included are a remote control, mounting hardware and a log set. Depending on the model, these electric fireplaces may include both flame and heat options that can be switched off for year-round ambiance.
Some models feature privacy glass which can be changed in a flash from completely transparent to partially transparent. This feature makes these models popular for walls that divide common spaces for entertainment, such as living and dining spaces. They can even be used in bedrooms where adding a new fireplace can be a cost-effective method to take the chill off an area without compromising privacy.
Plug-in electric fire places do not require a hardwire however they must be installed in a wall capable of supporting their weight. Some models come with a kit to make this process easier by providing an electrical power cord that is pre-wired and an specialized mounting bracket. This kit can be used for the installation of drywall or concrete.
When choosing a location for your wall mount electric fireplace, ensure it is near an electrical outlet. Plug-in electric fire places can be connected to outlets that are on the same circuit as the electric fireplace or into a separate outlet. It is suggested to have a separate circuit, so that all other appliances in your home operate on the same voltage. This could trip your circuit breaker.