How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel can make your fireplace look more elegant. It's also a great place for hanging decorative items that show your style and personal taste.
It is crucial to know how high to mount the mantel to avoid it from appearing awkward in the room. Also, you should consider where the TV and art will be placed.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a classic element in many homes and can be a great finishing touch to your living room. They're typically used to display family heirlooms like pictures, vases, and trophy collections. They can also be used to hang seasonal decorations like Christmas lights and ornaments. The right mantel selection will ensure that it fits with your home's design and provides an attractive focal point for the room. To ensure that your fireplace mantel with electric insert looks the best, it is essential to mount it at the proper height. When determining the ideal height for the mantel shelf, there are several aspects to take into consideration.
The first thing you need to consider is the size and style of your fireplace mantel. There are a variety of designs and materials available but some are suited to higher or lower mounting. For example, natural stone and concrete can be installed lower since they're not flammable materials. Wood, on the other hand, needs to be mounted at a higher elevation since it's fire-proof.
The manual for installing your fireplace will provide you with the height to put your mantel. It will typically list the recommended heat clearances, and this is generally the maximum distance you can place your mantel to the firebox. Consult your local building codes for more about heat clearances, installation requirements and other requirements.
Once you've decided on the ideal height for your mantel, you'll need to prepare the cleat to secure it to the wall. To accomplish this, take a measurement of the width inside your mantel to determine its cleat length. To ensure that the cleat is in place properly, cut a 2 by 4 inch cleat in accordance with this measurement.
Once the cleat has been placed then make use of a power drill to fix it to the wall. It is also recommended to use trigger clamps to keep the face board to the wall so that it doesn't move as you attach it to the side pieces. Once you've attached your face board to the pieces that you want to attach, you can apply a coat or two of wood stain. When staining it be aware that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristics, and will take stain differently than another piece.
Fireplace Corbels
If you have a brick fireplace with an open grate and wooden mantel There are a myriad ways to embellish it to make its appear even more attractive. Utilize eucalyptus branches or other greenery to add height and freshness to your fireplace. You can also hang a wreath or frame a few smaller artworks.
Corbels for your fireplace is another way you can enhance the appearance of your home. They are available in various styles and are made of different materials. Some are made of wood and others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and have an attractive finish. They are typically light brown however, they can be stained or paint to match any decor.
It is important to note that the corbels will support the weight of your mantel and not the grate or the fireplace itself. It is crucial to read and comprehend the installation instructions provided by the manufacturer of your fireplace. Check your local building codes.
Mark the location of the fireplace mantel using a pencil. Use a level to create a line that will be used for the cleats. Once you have the lines marked and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angled edges will lock and allow you to hang the mantel over them.
When it comes to decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are the most effective. By using a single color, you will create a beautiful appearance and you can opt to repeat patterns. This can bring a sense of symmetry to your mantel.
Displaying family photos is among the most straightforward and common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. The display of your most memorable memories in your home will help you to remember them. You can also display framed artwork or shells collected from the shore. You should remember that the height of your decoration objects must be considered, and try to put taller items at the ends and smaller ones in the middle for an even effect.
How to install a Fireplace Inset
Install an electric insert in your existing chimney if you want the look of an open fireplace but without the hassle. This will not only boost the energy efficiency of your home, but it will also reduce the amount creosote in your chimney (a explosive residue that could cause a chimney fire). Before you start however, make sure to consult your local fire inspections and regulations team. They might require you to employ a professional installer to ensure the installation is completed correctly, which will safeguard your home from fire hazards.
If they don't, the process isn't difficult and can be accomplished by a homeowner who has basic carpentry skills. Select a power outlet which is easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Then, measure the size of your fireplace's opening as well as the fireplace mantel to determine what type and size of fireplace insert that will fit best. Then, order the necessary materials for the job. You'll need to make frames from wood such as pine or spruce that is the same thickness of the walls of your home if you're installing an wall-mounted fireplace. Also, wall mounted electric fireplace with mantel ideas 'll need drywall and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall.
After the frame is finished it's time to start working on the actual fire. If you're using a freestanding fireplace, put it on your mantel. It's important to lay down some scrap cardboard in the hearth area to prevent damage to hardwood or tile surfaces when moving the unit. This step is especially critical for older fireplaces made of masonry, which often have loose mortar and bricks that could fall off when you're working.
You'll require a chimney liner in the event that you plan to install an insert inside an existing fireplace made of masonry. This will stop smoke and toxic fumes entering the room from the fireplace's opening, and will also help to keep your home hygienic all year round. Review the guidelines of the manufacturer before you begin the project to learn how to set up your fireplace insert and chimney.
Installing an insert in an existing fireplace that is masonry requires more work than a wall-mounted fireplace because you'll need to build an enclosure for the chimney. This is a job that which any homeowner can finish when they follow the instructions and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel
One of the great things about the fireplace mantel is that it can be decorated to look like a piece of art. Mirrors with gilded frames, distressed window frames and rows of candles with scents and more can turn the area into a beautiful focal point that can enhance any style of decor. Some homeowners make use of the space to display a collection of small treasures such as antique clocks and old bottles, or ceramics.
Another option is to beautify the area around the electric fireplace with plants and flowers. You can use plants that trail like devil's Ivy and Boston Ferns to create a natural look and draw attention away from the fake fire of the fireplace. Other options for greenery include succulents and mistletoe cactus.
You could consider placing large abstract or sculptured works on your mantel if desire a contemporary look. This type of decoration is particularly effective when used with an unobtrusive color scheme.
Rustic farmhouse art has also gained popularity in recent years. It is often highlighted by whites and pastels, which look gorgeous on a fireplace mantel.
When you are decorating the area around an electric fireplace, it's crucial to avoid cluttering the surface. You can still create a striking appearance by arranging a few things in a tidy and neat manner. A row of lanterns with different sizes can be a great choice for an electric fireplace mantel and can be filled with anything from candles to vase fillers. The lanterns themselves can be adorned with simple decorations like bows or ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are an excellent option for those looking to decorate their fireplace mantel in a stylish and functional way. This type of fireplace is able to provide heat in the winter months and an inviting ambiance with no heating in the summer. It's also easy to put in and is equipped with the ability to control the flame remotely, allowing you to alter the flame's speed and color.