How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel can help make your fireplace look more stylish. It's also a good spot to hang ornaments that show your style and personal taste.
It's crucial to know how high the mantel should be mounted to avoid it appearing awkward in the space. It is also important to take into consideration the location where the TV and artwork will be placed.
black electric fireplace with mantel is a classic feature in many homes. It can add an attractive accent to your living room. They're typically used to display family heirlooms like pictures, vases and trophy collections. They can also serve as a spot to display Christmas decorations and other ornaments for the holidays. The right mantel will fit in with the interior design of your home and provide an attractive focal point in the room. The installation of your fireplace mantel with an electric insert at the proper height will ensure that it looks its best. When determining the height for the mantel shelf, there are many aspects to take into consideration.
The first thing you need to consider is the size and style of your fireplace mantel. Although there are best electric fireplace with mantel and materials to choose from, some are suitable for higher or lower mounting. For example, natural stone and concrete can be installed lower due to their non-combustible nature. Wood, however, should be mounted higher because it is combustible.
The manual for installing your fireplace will tell you how high to put your mantel. It will usually list the recommended heat clearances and this is usually the maximum distance you can place your mantel from the firebox. You should also check your local building codes to learn more about heat clearances as well as other requirements for installation.
Once you have determined the ideal height for your mantel, it's now time to build the cleat that will hold it to the wall. Find the width inside the mantel, and use this measurement to determine the length of the cleat. To ensure that the cleat is positioned correctly, cut a 2- by 4-inch cleat based on this measurement.
Once the cleat has been placed then make use of a power drill to fix it to the wall. Use trigger clamps to anchor the face board so it isn't moved when you nail it to the side pieces. Once you've attached your face board to the pieces, you can apply one or two coats of wood stain. While staining, be aware that each piece of unfinished wood has its own unique characteristics and will take stain in a unique way.
Fireplace Corbels
There are many ways to decorate a brick fireplace that has an open grate, a wooden mantel and a brick. Utilize eucalyptus branches or other greenery to give height and freshness to your fireplace. You can hang a wreath or a few small framed artworks.
Corbels for your fireplace is another method you can enhance the appearance of your home. Corbels are available in different styles, and can be made from different materials. Some are made of wood, while others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs and are adorned with a decorative finishes. They are typically light brown however, they can be painted or stained to match the decor of any room.
It is important to remember that the corbels will be supporting the weight of your mantel not the grate, or the fireplace itself. Therefore, it is essential to read the manufacturer's instructions thoroughly and comprehend the installation requirements. It is also a good idea to consult the local building codes.
Mark the location of the fireplace mantel with pencil. Use a level to create lines that will be used for the cleats. Once you have the lines drawn and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angles of the cleats will interlock, allowing you to hang your mantel over them.
When decorating your fireplace, simple designs are often best. You can create a stylish style by using only one color. You can also repeat patterns. This will add a little symmetry to your fireplace mantel.
Displaying family photos is one of the easiest and most common ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. Displaying your favorite memories in your home will make it easier to remember them. You can also display framed artwork or shells you have collected from the beach. Be aware of the height of your decoration items and place taller items on the ends, and smaller ones in the middle. This creates an even appearance.
How to Install a Fireplace Insert
Install an electric insert in your chimney if you like the look of an open fireplace but without the hassle. This will not just increase your home's energy efficient but will reduce the amount of creosote (a explosive residue) within your chimney, which can cause chimney fires. Before you start however, make sure to consult your local fire inspections and regulations team. They may require you to employ a professional installer to ensure that the installation is done properly to protect your home from a potential fire hazard.
If they don't, the process is not difficult and can be accomplished by a homeowner who has basic carpentry skills. First, choose an outlet that can be easily reached by the fireplace unit. Measure the size of the fireplace opening and the fireplace mantel in order to determine what type and size of fireplace insert will work best. Order the materials you need to complete the project. If you're installing a fireplace on a wall then you'll require frames made from wood like spruce, pine or fir that are the same thickness as the walls in your home. Also, you'll need drywall and non-combustible caulking to seal the frame and drywall.
Once the frame is complete and you're ready to begin building the actual fireplace. If you have freestanding fireplaces, place it on the mantel. It is important to place an unfinished piece of cardboard in the hearth area to prevent damage to tile or hardwood surfaces when moving the unit. This is especially crucial for older fire places made of masonry, because they typically have loose bricks and mortar that may fall out as you are working.
To install an insert in an existing fireplace made of masonry it is necessary to add a flue liner on the chimney. This will stop fumes and smoke from entering the room from the fireplace's opening, and will help to keep your home hygienic all year long. Before you start the project, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for details on how to prepare your chimney and fireplace insert for use.
Installing an insert into an existing fireplace that is masonry requires more work than an installation mounted on a wall because you'll need to build a frame for the chimney. This is a job that anyone can tackle if they carefully follow the directions and take their time.
Decorating the Mantel
A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a way that it appears as an art work. The area can be transformed into a focal point with gilded mirrors and distressed window frames. The rows of scented candles can also be added. Some homeowners make use of the space to display small collectibles such as old bottles, ceramics, or antique clocks.
Another popular option is to beautify the area around an electric fireplace by using plants and flowers. You can choose to use trailing vine plants such as devil's ivy or Boston Ferns to create a natural look and draw attention away from the artificial flame of the fireplace. Other options include mistletoe, and succulents.
Think about displaying large abstract or sculptured art on your mantel if want a modern look. This type of decor is particularly effective when used with an unobtrusive color scheme.
Rustic farmhouse art has also been gaining popularity in recent years. It's usually characterized by pastels and whites which look gorgeous on a fireplace mantel.
Do not clutter the space around the electric fireplace. You can still create an attractive appearance by arranging a few things in a tidy and neat manner. You can pick an array of lanterns in different sizes for your fireplace mantel. They can be filled in a variety of ways, from candles to vase filler. The lanterns can also be adorned with simple decorations like bows or ornaments.
Electric fireplaces are a great alternative for those who want to decorate their fireplace in a stylish and practical way. This type of fireplace is able to provide heat during the winter and a cozy ambiance without heating during the summer. It is also easy to install and comes with a remote which lets you to control the flame's speed and color.