How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel added to your fireplace can help it appear more like a design element in the room. It's an ideal place to hang up decorative items that reflect your style.
It is crucial to know how high to hang the mantel to avoid it from appearing unnatural in the room. Consider the place where the TV is mounted and the art.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a classic element in many homes and can be a great touch to your living room. They are often used to display family treasures such as pictures, vases, and trophy collections. You can also use them to hang seasonal decorations, such as Christmas ornaments and lights. The right mantel will fit into the design of your home and create an eye-catching focal point for the room. Installing your fireplace mantel using an electric insert at the right height will ensure that it looks its best. There are several factors to take into account when determining the height of the mantel shelf.
The size and style of the fireplace mantel is the first thing to think about. There are a variety of designs and materials available however some are suitable for a higher or lower mounting. Concrete and natural stone for instance can be hung lower because they are non-combustible. Wood, on the other hand is required to be hung at a higher level because it's highly flammable.
To find out how high the mantel should be placed, look at the fireplace installation manual. It usually lists the recommended heat clearances, and this is usually the maximum distance at which you can place your mantel from the firebox. Refer to your local building codes to learn more about heat clearances, installation requirements and other requirements.
Once you have determined how high to install your mantel, it's time to build the cleat that will hold it to the wall. Measure the inside width of the mantel and use this measurement to determine the length of the cleat. Cut a 2 by 4 cleat to this measurement and dry-fit it inside the mantel to make sure that it's in the right place.
Once you have the cleat installed and you are ready to attach it to the wall with a power drill and the masonry screws. Use trigger clamps to hold the face board so that it does not move when you nail it to the side pieces. After you've secured your face board to the pieces that you want to attach, you can apply one or two coats of wood stain. When staining it, keep in mind that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinct characteristics, and will accept stain differently than another piece.
Fireplace Corbels
If you have a brick fireplace with an open grate and a wooden mantel There are a myriad ways to embellish it to make its appear more appealing. Make use of eucalyptus limbs and other greenery to provide height and freshness your fireplace. You can also hang a wreath or frame a few smaller artworks.
Corbels are an excellent way to improve the look of your home. They are available in a variety of styles and are made of different materials. Some are made from wood, while others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and have an attractive finish. They typically are light brown in color, but can be painted or stained to match the decor.
It is important to remember that the corbels support the mantel's weight and not the grate or the fireplace. Therefore, it is crucial to read the fireplace manufacturer's instructions and be aware of all the requirements for installation. Refer to your local building codes.
To set up a fireplace mantel with corbels, first mark the position of the mantel against the wall using a pencil. Utilizing a level to draw lines which will serve as the cleats. Once you have the lines drawn and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The edges of the cleats that are angled will lock which allows you to hang your mantel above them.
When it is time to decorate a fireplace, simple designs work best. Using a single color will create a beautiful appearance, and you can also opt to repeat patterns. This will add a bit of symmetry to your mantel.
Displaying family photos is one of the most straightforward and common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Affiliating your favorite memories in your home will make it easier to remember them. You can also display framed art or shells collected from the shore. It is important to remember that the height of your decor objects should be considered and you should try to include larger objects at the ends and shorter ones in the middle to create a balanced effect.
How to Install a Fireplace Inset
Install an electric insert in your existing chimney if like the look of an open fireplace but without the hassle. This will not only boost the efficiency of your home, but will also reduce the amount creosote in your chimney (a explosive residue that could cause a chimney fire). Contact your local fire inspections department before you begin. They may require you to hire a professional installer to ensure the installation is done correctly to safeguard your home from a fire risk.
If not, it's simple to accomplish with a little knowledge of carpentry. First, choose the power outlet that will be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Then, take measurements of your fireplace's opening and mantel to determine the type and size of fireplace insert that will fit the best. Order the materials you need for the project. You'll need to construct a frame from boards like spruce or pine that is the same size of the walls in your home in the event that you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace. You'll need drywall as well as non-combustible sealant for the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is set it's time to start building the actual fireplace. If you're using a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. It is important to place a piece of scrap cardboard in the hearth area to avoid damage to hardwood or tile surfaces when moving the unit. This step is particularly crucial for older fire places made of masonry, since they usually have loose bricks and mortar that can fall out while you are working.
In order to install an insert in an existing fireplace constructed of masonry it is necessary to add a flue liner to the chimney. This will stop the fumes and smoke from entering the space through the fireplace opening and will aid in sealing your house throughout the year. Follow the directions of the manufacturer before you begin the project to find out how to prepare your fireplace insert and chimney.
It will take more work to install an insert in a masonry fire place than you would with a wall-mounted one, as you will need to build the chimney's frame. But, it's a project that any homeowner can complete provided they follow the rules carefully and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel
One of the most appealing aspects about the fireplace mantel is that it can be decorated to appear like a work of art. Gilded mirrors, distressed window frames and rows of candles with scents and more can transform the space into a beautiful focal point that will enhance any style of decor. Some homeowners also use the space to display a collection of small treasures such as antique clocks and old bottles, or ceramics.
electric fireplace mantel suite around the electrical fireplace with flowers and plants is another popular option. You can make use of trailing vines such as devil's Ivy and Boston Ferns to bring natural beauty and draw attention away from the artificial flame of the fireplace. Other options include mistletoe or succulents.
If you are looking for a more modern look, consider displaying large sculptures or abstract art on the mantel. This type of decor is especially effective when paired with a neutral palette.
Rustic farmhouse art is another decorative option that's been popular lately. It often has white and pastels that be stunning when placed on the fireplace mantel.
Avoid cluttering the area around the electric fireplace. You can create a striking look by arranging a few objects in a clean, organized way. You can pick one of the lanterns that are different sizes for your fireplace mantel. They can be filled in different ways, from candles to vase filler. The lanterns can be decorated using simple bows and ornaments.
If you're looking for a practical and attractive way to decorate the mantel of your fireplace, an electric fireplace is the ideal choice. This type of fireplace can provide heat during the winter and warm ambiance, without heating during the summer. It's also simple to set up, and it comes with a remote control that allows you to control the flame's color and speed.