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Hanging fine art above hot fireplace

7 years ago

About to install 40,000 BTU ventless gas fireplace (Empire Boulevard). http://www.americanhearth.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/00986_080116_Boulevard_VFLL60_72.pdf
Have been advised by the vendor not to hang fine art above it because of the risk of damage due to the heat. Is there a way around this? We're going for a modern, clean look and wanted a flat wall all the way up (from the floor to ceiling) - that is, no mantel or alcove We have a small collection of fine art and don't want to "waste" the space above the fireplace. Thanks.

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Comments (5)

cpartist
7 years ago
Forget the artwork. I would seriously read up on ventless gas fireplaces. I would NEVER have a ventless indoor gas fireplace, especially if I have children or have any allergies or asthma. There are quite a few threads here discussing the reasons and do a google search.
Linda Jones
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks for the comments. A vented FP isn't an option. This is a condo in a high-rise; each unit has a ventless gas FP. We are replacing the existing one, which is broken, 16-years-old and pretty ugly. I have read up on ventless and had a long conversation with the salesman at the fireplace shop, who was extraordinarily helpful. He told me that Empire is the only gas ventless they carry, because of the care you have to take with this type, and because Empire's quality is exceptional. I am comfortable with this brand, and would open a window when using any FP in any case.
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Does this piece of art work in my room (w/pics)?
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Comments (55)
I love the first and last stripe! I like the way the line draws your eye up and the last one is simple enough to not compete with the rug or the armoire. the one I picked was tough; there were so many that had your colors in them at Horchow! That one seemed to go more with your rug (which looked red, gold and brown on my monitor!)because it didn't have any green, but in the end I was thinking it had a subtlety that might work. having all of the colors represented is probably your best bet, though- it definitely brings your eye all the way around the room in a nice way. IMHO, you can't make your walls look too tall. Drawing the eye up is almost always a great thing. And I think some height will balance out the weight of the armoire as well. but only you can see how things look in person! clearly you have great taste!
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Comments (18)
Too high, too small ; I agree with all of the above. Above the mantle is prime space/location, you shouldn't have to merchandise around the picture to make it look right. I disagree with adding more matting, possibly you should look for a print that can be framed with all of the image showing, this particular print looks like the matting is hiding some of the picture by cutting off parts of the trees, not too effective, imo. The colors do work in your room, the red is great.
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Comments (16)
Addition to my above statement...I would keep the lovely picture and hang it vertically somewhere else in your home. I would look for something that has the same horizontal measurements but has only the white matt framed part height for above the fireplace. If you cannot find a picture you like in that size a mirror would also look nice with some cool statement accessories in colors that jive with what you have. I see that you have a tot/baby by some of the things in your room. The fireplace mantel could be a place to add some non-enclosed accessories where little hands can't reach.
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Comments (39)
I think if you hang it raised (or rotate it), it will be too close to the ceiling. The masonry hook is one idea, but it doesn't have to be higher. Try the museum wax or clear pushpins or other suggestions to keep it on the shelf, then if it just seems to unstable, do the hook, but at same level. PS, great art, and fine reasoning about the multi-object alternative.
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cpartist
7 years ago
I would look instead at the dimplex electric fireplace. I hate electric fireplaces and as an artist can spot them a mile away. However their dimplex Opti-V fireplace actually fooled me, it looks so real. The only reason I'm not going with the dimplex is because it only comes in a long narrow configuration and I need a configuration that is almost square. Otherwise, it would have been a no brainer for me.

I would close up a fireplace before going with ventless. And remember, a salesman's job is to sell you their product.
PRO
D K and Sons
7 years ago
The problem with ventless is the combustion exhaust stays in the room. And you get a fair amount of moisture, but in the winter most people would like more moisture. Many studies have been done and the consensus is the ventless FP is bad for your health. If you have a leaky condo with lots of outside air coming in naturally then your risk is not as much, but who would want that kind of solution?

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