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Wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace

The Ultimate Guide to Wall-Mounted Bioethanol Fireplaces

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Imaginfires
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Key takeaways:

If you’re looking to bring the beauty of real flames into your home without taking up valuable floor space or carrying out major building work, a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace could be the perfect solution for you. They’re the ideal ventless fireplace option if you live in a flat, are designing a media wall, or just want a contemporary focal point. It’s easy to install one of imaginfires’ wall-mounted models by simply following the instructions provided. However, it’s important to use the correct fixings for your wall type and to allow the recommended clearance above the fire.

Thinking about transforming a blank wall into a striking fireplace feature? A wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace allows you to introduce real flames into your home, without taking up valuable floor space. There’s no need to install a chimney breast or bulky hearth – instead, you get a space-saving fireplace that sits neatly against the wall and adds instant warmth and character to your room.

In this guide, we explain why wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces have become such a popular choice, and walk you through what’s involved in installing one safely. 

Why choose a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace?

Space-saving by design

One of the biggest advantages of a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace is the way it frees up your floor space. Unlike freestanding fires, these models sit flush against your wall, making them the ideal fireplace solution for smaller rooms, flats, and open-plan living areas. They’re particularly popular for contemporary media walls, where your fireplace can sit neatly beneath a wall-mounted television without crowding the room.

Clean, contemporary aesthetics

Wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces make for the perfect addition to contemporary interiors, bringing the atmosphere of a traditional fireplace without adding any visual bulk. At imaginfires, we offer a variety of wall-mounted biofire styles to choose from, including our striking open-top designs (e.g. Alden) and our enclosed, roofed models (e.g. Arlington). Whichever model you choose, you get a clean, sleek finish that doesn’t overpower your space.

No chimney or flue needed

Wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces run on bioethanol fuel. This fuel burns cleanly, meaning there’s no smoke, soot, or ash to worry about – which is why you don’t need a flue or chimney to use one. This makes it possible to install these fireplaces in rental properties, flats, new builds, and homes in smoke control areas where traditional fireplaces simply aren’t an option.

How to install a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace

It’s quick and easy to install our imaginfires’ wall-mounted models. But before you begin, it’s important to make sure that your chosen wall is suitable. Domestic walls vary in construction and load-bearing capacity, so you must ensure the wall is structurally sound and can support the full weight of the appliance and its fixings. The fireplace should only be mounted onto non-combustible surfaces, or onto walls that have been properly protected against heat.

All our fireplaces are delivered securely packaged with the full hanging instructions, brackets, screws, and rawl plugs supplied. The only other tools you’ll need are a drill and screwdriver.

Here’s how to install one of our wall-mounted biofires:

  1. Unbox your fireplace and remove all the packaging. Take a moment to inspect the appliance for any minor scratches or dents before fitting.

  2. Mark your drill points on the wall with a pencil, ensuring that the bracket will set level.

  3. Before drilling, check that there are no hidden pipes or electrical cables in the area.

  4. Drill holes that are suitable for your wall type and the fixings being used.

  5. Insert the rawl plugs supplied.

  6. Secure the bracket firmly to the wall.

  7. Hang the fireplace onto the bracket.

If you have a brick or plaster wall, a standard drill with a masonry bit will be sufficient. However, if you have a stud wall, you may need specialist hollow wall anchor fixings to ensure safe support. Always select fixings that are appropriate for your specific wall construction, and consult a reputable builder or your local DIY store for guidance if you’re unsure.

Where to position your wall-mounted biofire

The positioning of your wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace will have an impact on safety and the overall visual impact. 

Here’s some top tips to follow when positioning your fireplace:

  • For the best viewing experience in your living room, we recommend positioning the centre of the flame so it’s roughly at seated eye level. 

  • If you’re installing the fireplace above your skirting boards, ensure that the bracket sits high enough to avoid heat concentration directly against the mouldings.

  • If you’re integrating the fireplace into a media wall or bespoke unit, make sure you allow enough space for airflow and heat clearance – never enclose the fireplace too tightly.

Clearance requirements

It’s important to remember that heat rises, so your walls will become warm above and around the fireplace during operation. Here’s some basic clearance requirements to keep in mind:

  • For our open-top models (e.g. Alden), make sure you leave at least 60cm of space above and to the sides.

  • For our roofed models (e.g. Arlington), leave at least 30cm above the fireplace.

If you’re installing your fireplace beneath a TV, we recommend:

  • Maintaining at least 30cm between the top of the fireplace and the bottom of the television if installing one of our roofed models.

  • Installing a heat and fire-resistant shelf between the fire and the TV if opting for one of our open-top models. 

A brief note on safety

Maintaining airflow

Because our wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces are ventless, it’s important to maintain airflow within the room. We recommend keeping an internal door open during use and opening a window for a few minutes in between refuelling. For this reason, our bioethanol fireplaces aren’t suitable for very small or airtight rooms.

Heat safety

As mentioned above, your walls above and around the fireplace will become warm during operation. Never position wires behind the wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace, as heat from the rear of the appliance could cause the cables to overheat and create a fire risk. The surrounding walls will remain warm for some time after putting out the fire, so make sure you prevent children from touching any nearby surfaces during and after use. 

Discover the imaginfires wall-mounted collection

At imaginfires, we offer a fantastic range of wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces that are designed to suit a variety of interior spaces, from compact apartments to spacious open-plan living areas. Every model is supplied with all the fittings and instructions you need for straightforward installation, along with clear guidance on safe placement and clearance. 

So, are you ready to transform your wall into a striking focal point? Explore our full range of wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces today.

Frequently asked questions

  • How much space should I leave around a wall mounted Bioethanol Fireplace?

    Some think a bioethanol fireplace is purely decorative, producing very little heat, but that's untrue. A bioethanol fireplace creates around 3kWh of heat from a real live flame, so you must practice the same caution you would for a traditional wood- or coal-burning flame. 

    Let's put that 3kWh into context: 

    Electric heater : a 1kW electric heater uses 1kWh in power and will heat a room of 10m². Most electric heaters are at least 2kW, use 2kWh in power, and will heat a space of 20m². 

    A bioethanol fireplace (on full) will heat a 30m² room comfortably. And just like an electric fire, you should practice caution regarding flammable objects placed nearby. 

    How much space should I leave around a wall-mounted fireplace?

    Surprisingly, there aren't any specific legal regulations regarding the installation of a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace. However, you should definitely practice common sense. 

    We recommend leaving at least 45cm between the top of your fire and electrical equipment, such as a TV. Practice the same caution for all flammable objects, with at least 60cm in all directions from your fireplace, especially if the flame is open, as with our wall-mounted Alden range. 

    Practice extra caution around curtains, which could reach your fire if they're disturbed by a breeze. Leave at least 1m between the furthest reach of the curtains and your bioethanol fireplace. 

    Ensure that the wall is strong enough to sustain the weight of the fireplace. For example, our Alden White model is 19kg in weight and comes with the appropriate fittings to ensure that you can safely attach it to the wall. However, your wall must be substantial enough to bear 19kg. In doubt, seek the advice of an engineer. 

    Can I fit my wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace underneath a TV?

    Absolutely. 

    However, we suggest you keep the following in mind as a minimum: 

    • Remember: the flame of a biofire can behave erratically. A sudden draft could send the flame in an unexpected direction, so practice caution when opening your biofire's door. We suggest a minimum distance of 60cm between the top of the closed-top biofire and the bottom of the TV.
    • Recessing the TV into the wall may reduce the impact of heat on the TV. 
    • We suggest you install a heat/flameproof item to separate the fire from the TV, such as a shelf with a flameproof covering. 
    • Never put TV cables or leads behind your biofire, as they can overheat, creating a potential fire risk. 

  • How do I fix a bioethanol fireplace to a wall?

    We’re happy to say that fixing an ImaginFires wall-mounted fireplace to the wall is very simple. 

    All our wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces come with full hanging instructions and all the fittings and fixings you’ll need to fasten your beautiful fireplace to the wall securely.

    Can I fix a wall-mounted fireplace to any wall?

    The exact process you follow to attach your fireplace depends on the type of wall holding the fireplace in position. 

    For brick and plaster walls, all you need is a drill with a masonry drill bit. We supply the rawl plugs, brackets, and screws. 

    For other wall types, such as stud walls, ask for advice from your local DIY store or a reputable builder — you may need hollow wall anchor fixings to secure your bioethanol fireplace to the wall safely. 

    What’s included with a wall-mounted fireplace?

    We deliver all our bioethanol fireplaces with secure packaging to ensure your product remains safe during transit. 

    Simply unpack your fireplace, and it’s pretty much ready to go. Ensure you remove all packaging before you first light your fire.

    We supply easy-to-follow instructions, including advice about the safe placement of your fireplace. We also provide everything you need (apart from a drill) to fix your wall-mounted fireplace to the wall. 

    Once you’ve drilled the holes and inserted the rawl plugs, you can hang the included bracket. Make sure it’s securely fastened to the wall before hanging the fireplace. 

    Do my walls become hot with a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace?

    Yes, your walls will likely get very warm above and around your bioethanol fireplace. Don’t allow children to touch the surrounding walls while your fireplace burns. 

    And remember, the walls will maintain heat for a while after snubbing out the flame.

    Can I place wires behind my wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace?

    Keep all wires from other appliances, such as TVs, away from the back of your bioethanol fireplace. 

    Wires behind the biofire could overheat and potentially damage your electrical equipment or cause a fire hazard.

    How much space above the top of my biofire should I leave?

    Some wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces, such as our Alden range, are open at the top, which means that there’s no “roof” to enclose the fireplace. In this case, we recommend leaving an additional gap of at least 60cm around the top and sides of your biofire. 

    If your wall-mounted fireplace has a top (or roof), such as our Arlington or Marlow ranges, we recommend a gap of at least 30cm. 

    Can I attach my wall-mounted biofire underneath a TV?

    It’s possible to install your biofire underneath a wall-mounted TV set, but we recommend leaving a gap of at least 30cm between the top of your fire and the bottom of the TV if your fireplace has a “roof”.

    For open biofires without a roof, we recommend installing a fire- and heat-proof shelfbetween the fireplace and the TV.

  • Can a biofire be placed flat against a wall?

    Can a freestanding bioethanol fireplace be placed flat against a wall?

    You get lots of flexibility with our freestanding bioethanol fireplaces - all suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Whether you choose a traditional log-burner-style fireplace, a funky bioethanol fireplace insert, or a sleek, modern signature piece, you’ll have plenty of flexibility regarding where you choose to use it. 

    When you’re storing your fireplace, you can keep it flat against the wall to save space, but we suggest you move your fireplace off the wall when in use. 

    Where do I place my freestanding bioethanol fireplace?

    Move your fireplace a minimum of 100mm from the wall before you light it. Keep it away from the wall while it's in use. This ensures good air circulation around the fireplace.

    Never move your bioethanol fireplace while it’s lit or still warm. It will be hot to the touch so you must wait until it has cooled.

    Alternatively, you might opt for a wall-mounted bioethanol fireplace. These are fixed directly to the wall, meaning you don’t get the flexibility of a freestanding model, but you get a super-slick fireplace that will be the envy of your friends and family. Our wall-mounted fireplaces come with a wall mounting kit, which is simple to install safely without any specialist skills.

  • How easy is it to install a wall-mounted biofire?

    We’re happy to say that fixing an ImaginFires wall-mounted fireplace to the wall is very simple. 

    All our wall-mounted bioethanol fireplaces come with full hanging instructions and all the fittings and fixings you’ll need to fasten your beautiful fireplace to the wall securely.