Five Electric Fire Place Wall Lessons Learned From Professionals

An Electric Fire Place Wall Adds Warmth and Ambiance to Any Room A wall-mounted electric fireplace is a great way to add an additional source of heat and ambiance to any space. These units are easy to install and look great. Many models come with a remote control that makes life simpler. Many models also come with different temperatures which allows you to alter how warm you feel. Create an Feature Wall While the most popular electric fireplace wall is affixed to a flat surface like wood paneling or drywall, you can get creative with built-ins and other materials to give depth and dimension. For instance installing a linear or corner fireplace to a wall is an ideal way to frame a TV in your living room or in your den and also give the room some extra personality. You can go as wild or as simple as you like by choosing the color, texture, and style of your feature wall. For instance, if you're drawn to natural elements, an accent wall made of stone is ideal to give texture depth and a sense of balance and order. Accent walls with black create a moody ambiance that works well with cool or warm colors. They can be used in any room, whether modern minimalist, industrial or eclectic. Kuefler suggests, in general, that installing a wall mounted fireplace is relatively easy. However, it's a good idea Kuefler advises to always follow the instructions that are included with your specific model. This is because certain models require special hanging and framing techniques. For instance, if you're using a recessed-mount the fireplace will need to be fully framed within your wall and covered with a suitable fire-rated material. This is typically H2 framing pine, and fibre cement or plasterboard. “This ensures that the fireplace is completely protected by a fire-proof material,” she explains. After your cladding has been completed, you can place the electric fireplace in an existing hole built into your wall. This hole is usually made from LVL (engineered wood beams). Then, you can add finishing touches like mantel and surround and finish the job with an TV mount. A recessed electric fireplace will not heat your walls as effectively as gas fireplaces. “With traditional gas fireplaces, there's lots of heat coming from the sides and top of the fireplace,” Kuefler notes. Although you are able to place a flat screen over the majority of gas fireplaces, it's not recommended with traditional models because of safety concerns. “The smoke and rising heat could damage the electronics inside the television,” she explains. With an electric fireplace, this shouldn't be a problem because there's no venting. Work Around Existing Windows For homeowners who have fireplaces that are wood-burning or masonry An electric fire place wall can be built around the hearth's body. Fireplaces and Stove recessed fireplace is built to the studs of a wall either in a partial or full way (depending on the model) and is then finished with a mantel after installation to create a more integrated look. It may be hardwired into the wall, but it can be connected to a standard outlet, though this is typically done with a separate circuit that is only used for the fireplace. You can put up an electrical fireplace nearly everywhere. This includes in the vicinity of the shower or bath. It is recommended to install a GFI (Ground Failure Interrupter) circuit, also known as a Receptacle, to guard the fireplace against water ingress while you bathe or take shower. For added safety, ceiling exhaust fans is required to be in operation during bathing and showering to remove water out of the room. A recessed fireplace is a great option for rooms with high ceilings because it can reduce the illusion of height and make the space seem larger. Follow the manufacturer's guidelines for framing the fireplace and putting it on the wall and any additional instructions for putting up drywall. A bookcase or cabinet either side of the window can be used to create frames around it. This creates a customized style and helps to keep the height of the fireplace with the TV and other décor objects that are placed on the wall. For example, Gray Space Interiors balanced the large stone fireplace with two upper half windows, with white built-in on both sides. Alternately, you can make use of floating shelves to support the fireplace and an open screen. This will give a sleek and modern look which can be easily adaptable to any space. You can pair a linear electric firebox with an Frame TV to create a an exciting wall of entertainment, as you can see in this basement media room by Maite Granda. Create a Dedicated Niche Electric fireplace walls are a great alternative if you want to have the look of a fireplace space but don't need to deal with gas lines or venting. Many of these fireplaces are operated without heat to add ambiance and enhance the look of rooms. Electric fireplaces are available with accessories that are optional like pebbles, crystals or logs you can add to the flames. Kuefler says that, unlike gas fireplaces that require costly venting and chimneys to operate electric fireplaces aren't able to protrude much from the wall. Some electric fireplaces have an accessory kit to make them appear like an inside unit. In some cases an electrician could install an electric fireplace that is built-in for you, but the installation process is more difficult than putting in an unsupported fireplace or a the recessed hearth drywall. The reason is that a built-in fireplace is completely integrated into the wall and you'll need to tear out part of the room. However a fireplace that is built-in to an electric one is more affordable than laying a new drywall or converting an existing fireplace made of wood to an electric one. It is available in stone or brick and includes a surround and mantel. Some even have remotes to control the fire and flames, making them a convenient choice for busy homes or rooms where people gather. Installing a recessed or wall mounted electric fireplace is a breeze and can be completed by a homeowner in a weekend. The most crucial step is to secure the brackets for mounting to the studs in the wall. If you fail to do this correctly the fireplace may collapse and cause damage to your home. Once the brackets are installed and the fireplace is mounted, you can install the fireplace itself. The method varies from model to model, but all models come with an ledge for the bracket at the bottom and a spot to attach the fireplace to the studs at the top. Some models include a mounting set as well as detailed instructions. You can purchase a portable electric fireplace but you should select a built-in fireplace to ensure stability and security. You can also choose an recessed model that has an air-flow fan that pulls warm air from the ceiling and blow it down into the room. This makes the room appear more spacious and comfortable. Create a Cozy Cottage Look A fireplace is often the focal point of a cottage-style home. When it is covered in white, it provides warmth and coziness to the room, while also enhancing the lighter colors that are used throughout the space. It also helps the room feel larger and brighter. Installing shelves above or beside your fireplace is a great way to display ornamental items like candles, books and family photographs to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can build a rustic fireplace wall with natural stone or recycled wood. You can also use a more modern material like stacked drywall. The choice of materials can be influenced by your personal style. A stone facade will bring warmth and heft to the room while an old-fashioned wooden mantel can give the appearance of the past. If you're drawn to the more contemporary designs such as Bauhaus, an eye-catching geometric pattern can be incorporated into the wall of your masonry to show off the MagikFlame flame effects. If you're looking to create a cozy, cottage-style look, integrate the hearth in the style of your room. You can do this by adding a wooden bench window seat, a window seat or a built-in storage the opposite side of the fireplace to make it feel like it's always been a part of the space. Making a hearth from brick or concrete could make an electric fireplace appear more authentic. It is crucial to choose a builder who is skilled in this kind of installation if you're looking to build a fireplace that is built-in. Unlike a recessed fire place that can be removed and moved in the event of a move the fireplace, a built-in one must be cut into the wall and hardwired to electricity. A professional can give you suggestions on the most suitable place for a fireplace built-in in your home and how to finish the surrounding walls to give it a stylish, seamless look. They can also help you choose the appropriate material for your hearth and surround and the right mantel for the space.