How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel added to your fireplace can make it look more like a design element in the room. It's also a great place to hang decorative items that can reflect your style and taste.
It is crucial to know the height at which the mantel should be mounted to avoid it looking awkward in the space. You should also consider the location where the TV and artwork will be hung.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a staple feature of homes everywhere and can be a great accent to your living space. They are typically used to display family treasures such as pictures, vases and trophies. They can also be used as a place to hang Christmas decorations as well as other seasonal decor items. Choosing the right mantel will ensure it fits into your home's design and provides an attractive focal point for the room. To make sure that your fireplace's mantel with an electric insert appears the best, it is essential to place it at the proper height. When determining the ideal height for the mantel shelf, there are a number of factors to consider.
The first thing to consider is the size and design of your fireplace mantel. There are a variety of styles and materials to choose from, some are more suitable for lower or higher mounting. For instance, natural stone and concrete can be installed lower due to their non-combustible nature. Wood however, needs to be mounted at a higher level because it's fire-proof.
The manual for installing your fireplace will tell you how high to place your mantel. It will typically list the recommended heat clearances and this is usually the maximum distance you can put your mantel from the firebox. You should also check the local building codes for details regarding heat clearances and other requirements for installation.
After you've determined your height of your mantel make the cleats that will secure it to the wall. Find the width inside the mantel and then use that measurement to determine the cleat's length. To ensure that the cleat is placed correctly, cut a 2- by 4-inch cleat based on this measurement.
Once the cleat has been placed then use a power drill attach it to the wall. It is also recommended to use trigger clamps to secure the face board in place to ensure that it does not move as you attach it to the side pieces. After you've nailed your face board to the side pieces and you're ready to apply one or two coats of wood stain. While staining, be aware that every piece of unfinished wood has its own distinctive characteristics and will be able to take stain in a different way.
Fireplace Corbels
There are many ways to decorate the brick fireplace with an open grate, a wooden mantel, and a brick grate. 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 pieces of art.
The addition of corbels to your fireplace is another way that you can enhance the look of your home. They come in different styles and can be constructed from various materials. Some are made of wood and others are made from limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and have a decorative finish. They are typically light brown, but they can be painted or stained to match any room.
It is important to remember that the corbels will support the weight of your mantel and not the grate or the fireplace itself. Therefore, it is essential to read the fireplace manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and comprehend all installation requirements. Consult your local building codes.
Mark the position of the fireplace mantel using pencil. Use a level to make lines that will serve as the cleats. Once the lines are marked then screw the cleats into. The edges of the cleats that are angled will lock and allow you to hang your mantel on them.
When it comes to decorating your fireplace, simple shapes are the most effective. Using a single color can create an elegant appearance and you can opt to repeat patterns. This will help to bring a sense of symmetry to your mantel.
Displaying family photos is one of the easiest and most common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Displaying Electric Fireplace with Mantel and Shelves in your home can make it easier to remember them. Another option is to display frames of artwork or shells from a beach. Remember to consider the height of the decorative items and place taller items at the ends and smaller ones in the middle. This creates an even look.
How to Install a Fireplace Inset
If you'd like the look of a traditional open fireplace but without the hassle and expense, you can install an electric insert in your existing chimney. This will not only increase your home's energy efficient but will reduce the amount of creosote (a flammable residue) within your chimney, which can cause chimney fires. Check with the local fire inspections team before beginning. They may require that you employ a professional installer to ensure the installation is done properly and protect your home from a potential fire hazard.
If not, it's simple to complete if you have basic carpentry knowledge. Choose a power outlet that is easily accessible from the fireplace unit. Then, determine the size of your fireplace's opening and mantel to determine what type and size of fireplace insert that fits the best. Order the materials you need for the project. You'll need to construct frames out of boards like spruce or pine that are the same thickness of the walls in your home when you're installing a wall-mounted fireplace. You'll need drywall and non-combustible sealant to cover the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete, you can start working on the actual fire. If you're using freestanding fireplaces, place it on the mantel. To avoid damage to tile and hardwood surfaces, you must place a piece or cardboard on the hearth to safeguard them during the move of the unit. This is particularly important for older masonry fireplaces which often have loose mortar and bricks that can be blown away while working.
You'll need a chimney liner if you want to install an insert in an existing masonry fire place. This will stop smoke and toxic fumes from entering the room through the fireplace opening and will help seal off your house throughout the year. Before you begin the project, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for details on how to prepare the chimney and fireplace insert to be used.
Installing an insert into a masonry fireplace requires more work than an installation mounted on a wall because you'll need to build an enclosure for the chimney. But, it's an easy project that anyone can complete if they follow the guidelines carefully and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel
A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a manner that makes it look like an art work. The space can be transformed into a focal point using gilded mirrors and distressed window frames. Rows of scented candles can be added. Some homeowners even use the space to display a collection of small items, such as antique clocks, old bottles or ceramics.
Another popular option is to decorate the area around an electric fireplace by using flowers and plants. Plants that trail like devil's ivy and Boston ferns can add natural beauty to the area and help draw attention away from the artificial flames of the fireplace. Other options include mistletoe or succulents.
You could consider displaying large abstract or sculptured art on your mantel if are looking for a modern style. This kind of decor is particularly effective when used with neutral colors.
Rustic farmhouse art is another attractive option that's been in vogue lately. It is often defined by whites and pastels, which are stunning on a fireplace mantel.
Be sure to keep the space clear around the electric fireplace. You can still create a striking appearance by arranging the objects in a neat orderly manner. A row of lanterns in different sizes could be a good choice for a mantelpiece with an electric fireplace, and they can be filled with anything from vase fillers to candles. The lanterns can be decorated using simple bows and ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are a great option for those looking to embellish their fireplace mantel in a stylish and functional way. This kind of fireplace offers warmth in winter, and a cozy space that doesn't require heating in the summer. It is also easy to set up and comes with a remote that lets you to control the flame's speed and color.