How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
Adding a mantel to your fireplace can help it appear more like a feature in the room. It's an ideal place to hang decorative items that reflect your personal style.
It's crucial to know how high the mantel should be hung to prevent it from appearing unnatural in the space. Consider where the TV will be mounted and the art.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a staple feature of homes everywhere and can be a great finishing touch to your living room. They are often used to display family treasures such as vases, pictures and trophies. They can also function as a place to hang Christmas decorations as well as other decorations for the season. The correct mantel will blend in with the interior design of your home, and will create a focal point in the room. Installing your fireplace mantel using an electric insert at the proper height will ensure that it appears its best. When determining the height for the mantel shelf, there are several factors to consider.
The dimensions and style of the fireplace mantel is the most important thing to think about. There are many styles and materials available however some are suitable for a higher or lower mounting. For example, natural stone and concrete can be installed lower because they're non-combustible materials. Wood however, needs to be mounted at a higher height because it's highly flammable.
The manual for installing your fireplace will tell you how high to place your mantel. The manual will outline the recommended heat clearances as well as the maximum distance you can put the mantel in from the fireplace. Check your local building codes to find out more about heat clearances, installation requirements and other requirements.
After you've determined the size of your mantel, prepare the cleats that will hold it to the wall. To measure this, you need to measure the width of the inside of your mantel to determine its cleat's length. Cut a 2 by 4 cleat to this measurement and dry-fit it inside the mantel to make sure that it's positioned correctly.
Once you have the cleat in place and you are ready to nail it to the wall by using a drill powered by a power tool and screws for masonry. Use trigger clamps to hold the face board so that it doesn't move while you attach it to side pieces. After you've nailed your face board to the pieces and you're ready to apply one or two coats of wood stain. As you stain it, keep in mind that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinct characteristics, and will take stain differently than other piece.
Fireplace Corbels
There are many ways to decorate brick fireplaces that have an open grate, wooden mantel and a brick. Utilize eucalyptus branches or other greenery to provide height and freshness your fireplace. Other options include using a wreath or hanging some small-sized art works.
Corbels for your fireplace is another way you can enhance the look of your home. They are available in various styles and are made of different materials. Some are made of wood, while others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and have a decorative finish. They typically are light brown color, but they can be stained or painted to match the décor.
It is important to keep in mind that the corbels support the mantel's weight and not the grate, or the fireplace. It is crucial to understand and follow the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of your fireplace. Refer to your local building codes.
To put up a fireplace mantel that has corbels, first mark the location of the mantel on the wall using a pencil. Then use a level to connect the marks, and draw a line for cleat placement. After marking the lines and the cleats are screwed in, screw them in. The angled edges will join and allow you to hang the mantel on them.
When decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are the most effective. By using a single color, you can give a classy appearance and you can opt to repeat patterns. This can add a touch of uniformity to your fireplace's mantel.
Displaying family photos is among the most simple and popular ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Including some of your favorite memories on display in your home will always bring back memories. You could also hang framed art or shells you have collected from the beach. You should remember that the height of your decorative objects must be considered, and try to incorporate larger objects at the ends and smaller ones in the middle to create an even look.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert
If you'd like to enjoy the appearance of a traditional open fireplace but without the hassle and expense, install an electric fireplace in your existing chimney. This will not only improve the energy efficiency of your home, but also reduce the amount of creosote that is in your chimney (a substance that is flammable and could ignite a chimney fire). Contact the local fire inspections team before you begin. They may require that you employ a professional to ensure that the installation is completed correctly, which will safeguard your home from a fire risk.
If not, it's easy to do when you have a basic knowledge of carpentry. Select a power outlet which is easily accessible from the fireplace unit. Check the dimensions of the fireplace opening as well as the mantel of the fireplace to determine which kind and size fireplace insert will work best. Then, purchase the materials needed for the job. You'll need to make frames from wood such as spruce or pine that is the same size of the walls in your house in the event that you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace. You'll need drywall as well as non-combustible sealant to cover the frame and drywall.
When the frame is completed and you're ready to begin working on the actual fire. If you're using a freestanding fireplace, simply place it on the mantel. It's essential to lay an unfinished piece of cardboard in the hearth area to prevent damage to hardwood or tile surfaces when moving the unit. This is particularly important for older fireplaces made of masonry, that often have loose mortar and bricks that can fall off when you're working.
You'll require a chimney liner when you are planning to put an insert inside an existing masonry fire place. This will stop the fumes and smoke from entering the room through the fireplace opening and will help seal off your home throughout the year. Before beginning the work, read the manufacturer's instructions for more details on how to prepare the chimney and fireplace insert for use.
You'll need to do more work installing an insert into a masonry fire place as opposed to a wall-mounted model, since you'll have to construct the frame for the chimney. But, it's an option that any homeowner can do provided they follow the rules carefully and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a manner that makes it look like an art piece. Mirrors with gilded frames, distressed window frames, rows of scented candles and more can transform the area into a beautiful focal point that can enhance any decor style. Some homeowners utilize the space to display small objects such as old bottles, ceramics, or antique clocks.
Decorating the space around an electric fireplace with flowers and plants is another option. Plants that trail like devil's ivy or Boston ferns can bring natural beauty to the room, and can help to draw the eye away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options for greenery include mistletoe cactus and succulents.
If you prefer a more modern look, consider hanging large pieces of sculpture or abstract artwork on the mantel. This style of decor works best when paired with a neutral palette.
Rustic farmhouse-style art is another attractive option that's been in vogue lately. It is often characterized by pastels and whites that look gorgeous on a fireplace mantel.
Be sure to keep the space clear around the electric fireplace. You can still create an attractive appearance by arranging a few things in a tidy orderly manner. You can select one of the lanterns that are different sizes for your electric fireplace mantel. They can be filled in different ways, from candles to vase filler. The lanterns can be decorated with simple ornaments and bows.
electric wall fireplace mantel are an excellent option for those looking to decorate their fireplace mantel in a fashionable and practical way. This kind of fireplace can provide warmth in winter months, and a warm ambience without heating in the summer. It is also simple to install and comes with a remote that allows you to control the flame's speed and color.