How to Mount a Fireplace Mantel With Electric Insert
A mantel can make your fireplace appear more elegant. It's also a great spot to hang ornaments that show your style and personal taste.
It is important to determine how high to hang the mantel to prevent it from appearing awkward in the room. Consider where the TV will be placed and the design.
Mantel Shelf
Mantels are a classic feature of homes everywhere and can be a great finishing touch to your living room. They are often used to display family treasures, such as pictures, vases and trophy collections. They can also be used to hang seasonal decorations, such as Christmas ornaments and lights. The right mantel selection will ensure that it blends with your home's design and provides an eye-catching focal point in the room. Installing your fireplace mantel using an electric insert at the proper height will ensure that it appears its best. When determining the ideal height for the mantel shelf, there are many aspects to take into consideration.
The size and style of the fireplace mantel is the most important thing you should consider. There are a variety of designs and materials available however some are suitable for a lower or higher mounting. Concrete and natural stone for instance, can be mounted lower due to their non-combustibility. Wood, however, should be mounted higher because it is combustible.
The fireplace installation manual will tell you how high to put your mantel. It will typically list the recommended heat clearances, and this is typically the maximum distance you can put your mantel away from the firebox. Consult your local building codes to learn more about clearances for heat, requirements for installation and other requirements.
Once you've determined the size of your mantel make the cleats to secure it to the wall. Measure the inside width of the mantel and then use that measurement to determine the cleat's length. Cut a 2 by 4 cleat according to this measurement, and dry-fit it inside the mantel, making sure that it's in the right place.
Once the cleat has been placed then use a power drill to fix it to the wall. You should also use trigger clamps to secure the face board to the wall so that it won't move when you attach it to the side pieces. After best freestanding electric fireplace with mantel 've secured your face board to the pieces and you're ready to apply a coat or two of wood stain. When staining, keep in mind that each piece of unfinished wooden has its own unique characteristics and will be able to take stain in a different way.
Fireplace Corbels
There are a variety of ways to decorate a brick fireplace that has an open grate, a wooden mantel and a brick grate. One option is to add some sort of greenery like eucalyptus bushes, to provide an extra height and freshness to the room. You can also hang a wreath, or even a few small, framed artworks.
Corbels are a great option to enhance the look of your home. They are available in various styles and are made of different materials. Some are made of wood, while others are made of limestone or touchstone. They are sold in pairs with a decorative finish. They are usually a light brown color, however, they can be stained or painted to match the decor.
It is crucial to keep in mind that the corbels are designed to support the weight of your mantel not the grate, or the fireplace itself. It is crucial to read and understand the installation instructions given by the manufacturer of the fireplace. It is also an excellent idea to research the local building codes.
To set up a fireplace mantel with corbels, first mark out the position of the mantel against the wall using pencil. Then use a level to connect the marks and create an outline of the cleats' placement. Once you have the lines marked and drilled, you can screw the cleats. The angled edges will join and allow you to hang the mantel on them.
When it is time to decorate a fireplace, simple designs are the best. Using a single color will create a beautiful appearance and you can opt to repeat patterns. This can add a bit of uniformity to your fireplace's mantel.
Displaying family photos is among the most simple and popular ways to decorate your fireplace mantel. A few of your favorite memories in your home will always bring back memories. You can also display framed art or shells you have collected from the shore. Be aware of the height of the decoration objects and put taller ones on the ends, and shorter ones at the middle. This will give an even look.
How to Install a Fireplace Inset
If you'd like the appearance 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 improve the efficiency of your home, but will also reduce the amount creosote in your chimney (a substance that is flammable and could ignite a chimney fire). Before you begin, however, check with your local fire inspections and regulations team. They might require you to employ a professional installer to ensure the installation is done properly to protect your home from fire hazards.
If they don't, the procedure is not too difficult and can be accomplished by a homeowner with basic carpentry skills. First, choose a power outlet that can be easily accessible by the fireplace unit. Then, measure the size of your fireplace's opening as well as the fireplace mantel to determine the kind and size of fireplace insert that fits best. Order the materials you need to complete the project. If you're installing a fireplace on a wall it will require a frame made from boards like spruce, pine or fir that are the same size as the walls in your home. 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 a freestanding model, just place it on the mantel. To avoid the destruction of tile and hardwood surfaces, you must place a piece of cardboard on the hearth to protect them while you move the unit. This step is especially critical for older fireplaces made of masonry, that often have loose mortar and bricks that could fall off while you're working.
You'll need a chimney liner in the event that you plan to install an insert in an existing masonry fire place. This will block the entry of toxic fumes and smoke into the room through the fireplace's opening and will seal your house all year round. Before you start the project, make sure you read the manufacturer's instructions for more details on how to prepare your chimney and fireplace insert to be used.
You'll need to do more work to install an insert in an masonry fireplace than you would a wall-mounted one, as you'll need to construct the chimney's frame. But, it's an easy project that anyone can complete when they follow the instructions carefully and take their time.
Decorate the Mantel

A fireplace mantel can be decorated in a way that makes it look like an art piece. Mirrors with glitter, distressed window frames and rows of candles with scents and more can transform the area into a stunning focal point that can enhance any style of decor. Some homeowners make use of the space to display small items like old bottles, ceramics, or old clocks.
Another popular option is to decorate the space around the electric fireplace with plants and flowers. You can choose to use trailing vine plants such as devil's ivy or Boston Ferns to bring natural beauty 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 kind of decor works best when it is paired with a neutral color scheme.
Rustic farmhouse art has also become popular in recent times. It's usually characterized by pastels and whites, which look gorgeous on a fireplace mantel.
Be sure to keep the space clear around the electric fireplace. You can create a striking look by arranging a few objects in a clean, organized manner. You can choose an array of lanterns in different sizes for your fireplace mantel. They can be filled in different ways from candles to vase filler. The lanterns themselves can also be adorned with simple decorations like bows or other ornaments.
If you're looking for a functional and stylish way to decorate the mantel of your fireplace, an electric fireplace is the best option. This type of fireplace can provide warmth in the winter months and a cozy ambiance without heating during the summer. It is also simple to set up and comes with a remote that lets you adjust the flame speed and color.