DIY artificial fireplace

Fireplaces have long been associated with the very concept of hearth, warmth and comfort. But you can not make a real one everywhere, but in city apartments this is more likely an exception. And in private homes, a full-fledged brick fireplace is better to plan at the construction stage. But with a good imitation, everything is much simpler - it perfectly complements your bedroom or living room. We tell you what you can do!

1. False cardboard fireplace

To ask the price of artificial fireplaces and have fun with children, the first trial model can even be made out of unnecessary cardboard boxes. Large boxes from equipment are ideal - from one - the podium, from the other - the fireplace itself.

Mark the doors for the future firebox, carefully cut them and wrap them inwards. To connect the parts - only a wide adhesive tape will be enough. From above, glue the fireplace with beautiful wrapping paper or the remains of wallpaper, decorate it with ready-made polyurethane elements.

2. False brick fireplace

This is the most spectacular and most believable, but also one of the most expensive options. Although if you still have an unnecessary brick from a construction site - a great reason to put it into action. In fact, you only need to lay out a niche of the shape and size that you like.

There are no tricks here - the masonry is the same as for walls or partitions. All the same solution, neat seams, and if desired - paint on top. A wooden or stone shelf can be placed on top, and a niche can be filled with candles. Brick is not afraid of fire and temperatures, so feel free to take the real ones.

The only serious problem with the brick is its impressive weight, so first check the condition of the floors. To calculate the right amount, think over your sizes and divide them into the sizes of one brick. The most important thing when laying is to constantly control the level of straightness of each row.

3. False wood fireplace

If you prefer eco-style and natural materials, then a false fireplace can even be made of wood. Plywood sheets from 8 mm thick are best suited for this - they are easy to cut and join. For the frame, use bars of about 4x4 cm in size, and for fastening - self-tapping screws and liquid nails.

Bear in mind that the wooden structure on the frame of the bars is quite heavy, so for stability you will need a podium. Our base is plywood, cover the seams with corners and putty all the joints. You can leave additional niches, shelves or other elements, and only the decor will remain.

Great solution for the interior

If you want to create additional comfort in your home, there is one solution that will save both money and time, and at the same time create a very homely, cozy and comfortable atmosphere. And this decision is a do-it-yourself fireplace. It will look great in any home and will decorate any interior. Fashion for fireplaces will never pass, especially handmade fireplaces. Their relevance only grows every year.

Before you start creating an artificial fireplace with your own hands, you need to find out which fireplaces are.

The very first question that arises for someone who wants to make a fireplace is the design. What is it like? What to choose for building your fireplace? So, there are three types of them: a biofireplace, an imitation of a fireplace, and an electric hearth (backlight).

Let us examine in more detail each of them.

Fireplace imitation

In fact, in this case, it is much simpler and more convenient to resolve this issue independently with improvised means and without much impact on the wallet. What materials can be used here? Of course, this is drywall, a frame from old furniture, wood or even an ordinary box.

Made of bricks

The construction of an artificial brick fireplace is very different from the construction of a real fireplace, where the lining is made only of high-quality fire-resistant bricks. For the manufacture of a fireplace, you can use both facing and decorative bricks. There is no fundamental difference here.

As a result, it will only be necessary to make a mantelpiece.

It is important to pay attention to such a nuance that a ready-made design will weigh a lot and it is necessary to initially assess how reliable the floors are made, and, on the basis of this, make a decision on the continuation of the planned installation work.

From wood

For lovers of vintage furniture, as well as those who prefer furniture made from environmentally friendly materials, we recommend using wood to create a fireplace. It is possible to use both edged and unedged boards, as well as parquet, as a material for construction. By manufacture, you can coat it with varnish to give a more attractive look. A self-made wood fireplace should not be placed on the floor, but on a site previously made for this purpose.

A fireplace made of this material has many advantages. One of them is the low weight of this design, which allows you to make it of any size and install it in any convenient and suitable place in the apartment.

From furniture panels

Such a fireplace can be made both from ordinary plywood, and from ready-made furniture panels, which must be purchased at a specialized store. To make such a fireplace yourself is not difficult. At the same time, the fireplace can be made of absolutely any size, after painting (if desired) the shields in any color you like or sticking special color wallpapers on them.

Thus, you can make a modern and colorful fireplace with your own hands, without putting much effort and without big investments.

Step-by-step instruction

The scheme for creating a fireplace from boards, plywood, wood and furniture panels is the same.

What needs to be done first is to assemble the frame. A galvanized profile is best suited for this purpose.

It is very important to first draw up a plan or drawing of the fireplace that you plan to assemble, while indicating at least approximately the main dimensions. After that, cut the profile using special scissors.

Next, you need to install the vertical racks of the frame, well secured using screwdrivers and screws. Then attach the horizontal posts to the vertical posts.

It is important to do everything in accordance with the dimensions and width of the parts so that there are no inconsistencies in the manufacturing process. In the next step, check all planks again. If there is a need, all edges need to be trimmed. Using self-tapping screws, attach the skin to the frame. Screw the screws carefully, the caps should be invisible.

At the next stage, it remains to put on the caps on the fasteners, best decorative. And also painted in a bright color or varnish the surface. And at the final stage you need to install a shelf on which you can then put various souvenirs and decorations for the interior.

Metal

A homemade fireplace made of metal will look prestigious and very modern in the interior. But working with this type of material is quite complicated and is suitable only for those who have already encountered this and have experience and skill in working with metal parts and structures.

Details can be of different sizes and shapes, depending on your tastes. A home-made fireplace made of this material will fit perfectly into the modern interior, especially if silver, brown and light gray tones prevail in it.

Phased creation

As was written above, not everyone can afford an artificial fireplace made of metal structures. It is quite difficult to make it, therefore, all stages of its manufacture must be treated with great care and responsibility.

So, the steps are described below.

Training

As in the previous case, the manufacture of the fireplace should begin with a small detailed plan or diagram indicating all sizes and dimensions. And you need to think through all the smallest nuances already at this stage.

Markup

After the plan is drawn up, you can begin to markup. Marks should be made on the wall in those places where the mounts will be placed. This work should be given special attention and approached with full responsibility.

Assembly

After that, we proceed to the assembly of the entire structure. The support in this case is an aluminum profile frame. It needs to be cut and then attached to the place where the marks were previously applied.

Next, you need to make the installation of the protruding elements and sheathe the frame with aluminum sheets. Metal sheets may also be used for this purpose. You can use different colors.

Installation

At the penultimate, final stage, place an artificial hearth in the finished structure. If the fireplace is not only an interior decoration, but also a source of heat, do not forget to fix the layer of thermal insulation material on the inner wall of the metal structure with the side to which it is attached.

Drywall

A fireplace made of drywall can be built even by a novice. It is easiest to create. Although this type of material has its own characteristics. Difficulty can arise only at the stage of creating a metal frame, but we also solve this problem.

Manufacturing instruction

First of all, of course, you need to make a frame. You can use both metal profiles and wooden sticks. Then assemble from the profiles a box without a back wall. Use a knife for cutting drywall, and glue the parts with glue.

Prepare the base in accordance with all dimensions, and place it against the wall. It will be better and more stable if the box is attached to the floor, thus creating a reliable foundation. We glue the assembled future fireplace to the prepared box. We install a mantelpiece on top of the structure.

Glue the baseboard under the mantelpiece. This must be done in steps. In order to make the transition smooth and beautiful, steps of different widths are used.

Now install the homemade fireplace.

At the end of creating a beautiful home-made fireplace, we do the decoration from previously selected materials.

Phased production

A stone fireplace can be made with your own hands. A material such as stone is conveniently attached to various surfaces, whether it is brick, drywall or any other material. But here it is important not to forget that the stone has a sufficiently large weight, and take this into account when planning the creation of such a heavy construction.

First of all, you need to prepare the stone for further work with it, namely to clean the surface. In the event that the fireplace will be attached to a stone wall, it is necessary to make small indentations with the help of some sharp tool.

After that, fix the masonry net on the entire facing surface.

Before proceeding with the next steps, it’s best to immediately try on (on the floor) all the details. Thus, many errors and inconsistencies in the end can be avoided.

After checking, we proceed directly to fixing the parts. You should start with the largest ones, since they are best and easiest to fix. Next is all the other details.

Bonding parts start from the bottom, and gradually reach the very top. This method can be considered more effective and correct.

After all the work done, it will be necessary to wait a few days until the glue has completely dried, and then wipe the seams. Glue, as a rule, dries not one day, but much longer. Usually, this is indicated on the packaging.

The fireplace in your home will undoubtedly help create coziness, romance and comfort, especially on rainy days. It is no coincidence that such a picture arises in the minds of people when they hear this word.A real fireplace with real fire in it is undoubtedly very good, but sometimes inaccessible and irrelevant in our time. Another thing, a fireplace, created by yourself. And after all, the choice of materials is quite large for every taste and budget. You can make just such a fireplace that will reflect your personality and harmoniously fit into the interior of your home. All in your hands!

Types of Raised Fireplaces

Oddly enough, but a fireplace may have various options for execution. Before you start your own production, you should decide which option is more preferable to you and most importantly, appropriate in your apartment.

• Maximum Realism - this type involves the manufacture of absolutely all elements of the fireplace, which will very plausibly imitate the real design. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to the real dimensions of these standard fireplaces and recreate the combustion process. For this, electric fireplaces are mounted in a niche, around which solid portals are built. Well, or an electronic photo frame that broadcasts the lights of the flame. This is the most expensive option, but also the most reliable.
• Partial imitation - This is a simpler and less costly option. To build such a fireplace, a portal is erected that protrudes from the wall, a lid is made for it, you can even imitate brickwork and natural wood or stone at the same time. But in the furnace there are already decorative elements that only conditionally indicate the presence of a hearth. Such designs look very comfortable and convincing.
• Symbolic designation - this type of performance only remotely resembles the shape of a real fireplace. With the help of wooden planks, decorative moldings and moldings or other elements on the wall, contours that are similar in shape to the image of the original are indicated on the wall. In many cases, acrylic paints are used directly on the wall surface. In this case, a flame can also be drawn. If you like these non-standard options performance of familiar things, then this option is for you.

Now let's see what benefit lies in the use of such an element in the interior and why do you need to spend so much time and effort.

• First of all, this, of course, successful design decision, which will help to decorate the room and make it more comfortable, warm and homely. In addition, fireplaces are not so common in apartment interiors, which will help make it more unusual. And given the fact that often the surface is decorated with beautiful materials, you additionally diversify the decor elements in the room,
• If you decide to recreate the option with a built-in electric fireplace, then you will get additional source light and heat. This will help maintain a comfortable temperature in the room before the central heating is turned on or after it is turned off,
• Most fireplaces are crowned with massive lids. Recreating this element, you will see extra bed to place your favorite collection of decorative figurines or home photos. For various holidays or observances, you can decorate its surface with a symbolic decor. Fireplaces decorated for the New Year with garlands, real spruce branches and decorative socks for gifts look especially festive
• And the trickiest option is for hide communications and layout flaws. For example, you can hide a large number of outlets and wires that are located under the TV zone. It often happens that under a window and in a corner on an adjacent wall there is a heating radiator, which not only looks inappropriate, but also prevents any piece of furniture from being placed there. To turn this flaw into a highlight of the room and beat the empty corner will help the construction of a decorative portal around it. In this case, the radiator will not stop heating the room.

Initial preparation and size selection

To make a false fireplace with your own hands, it is not necessary to have special design or construction abilities. It’s enough to clearly imagine the desired image of the future fireplace and choose material with which it will be easier and faster to work with you. Any work should begin with sketch and drawing. Yes, these are two completely different things. After all, the sketch displays only the appearance with all kinds of decor. And the drawing already sets the dimensions, focusing on which, you can calculate the required amount of material. In order to draw a working drawing, it is necessary decide from dimensions composition. Be careful at this point.

The dimensions of the false fireplace should be proportional to the room in which it will be located. Too large construction in a small room it will look bulky and hide space even more. But a small fireplace in a spacious room is simply lost sight of. Also, it should not interfere with the free movement of the room. Optimum width must not exceed 1/3 of the wall to which the structure will be attached.

No. 1. Cardboard Box Fireplace

Having a large number of cardboard or small cardboard boxes for shoes or small equipment, you can very simply "build" a real fireplace. In addition to cardboard you will need:

• a lot of wood glue,
• masking tape
• roulette,
• scissors or stationery knife,
• something heavy as a press,
• something writing.

Beauty of this way lies not only in its ridiculous cost, but in the fact that the creation process can be carried out in a playful way, in which your children will be happy to participate. Moreover, you do not need to drill anything, and there is nothing to spoil. So, let's begin.

For the first time, we recommend use more simple forms for the manufacture of the portal. Moreover, such a false fireplace can be used as a one-time use. For example, to make it for the new year and hold a small family photo shoot against it. You will get a lot of positive and memorable moments, surprise your friends and relatives and make the most unusual decoration of the most ordinary materials.

If you have a large box from large equipment, then it must be carefully deployed and make a pattern. To do this, draw the dimensions of the back and side walls on its surface. You should get a rectangle, which must be folded with the letter P. The sides must be made voluminous. To do this, they should be folded, as shown in the figure. If one box was not enough, do not despair. Glue together between themselves small boxes forming a wireframe. If necessary, put the press at the junction. All edges and joints at the end must be glued with masking tape and fixed with glue. After the structure has completely dried, it can be painted with spray paints, glued with foam bricks or decorated in any other way. Remember that this is decorative, very fragile construction.

No. 2. Drywall Drywall

Of course, an important role is played by cost finished composition. Let's start with the most affordable material, not counting cardboard, - drywall. It is a pleasure to work with him due to the fact that details of any configuration are very easily cut out from him. Yes and mounting such elements are very is simple. For the construction of a medium-sized fireplace, one sheet of gypsum plaster is enough for you, because its dimensions are 1200 × 2500 mm. It’s better to use a wall view that has thickness 12.5 mm. To work you would need:

• GKL sheet or trim,
• profile or wooden planks,
• roulette,
• level,
• stationery knife,
• putty knife,
• finishing putty,
• primer,
• perforated corner,
• paint net
• screwdriver and self-tapping screws for drywall.

In order to most accurately represent how much space will take mark the fireplace that you depicted in the drawing, mark the place of installation on the wall and transfer the external dimensions to it. Move to the opposite wall and evaluate the result. You may need to slightly reduce or increase the size, or change the location. At this stage, you can still to deposit all kinds of amendments. Only after you are completely satisfied with the dimensions and place, proceed to cutting out the parts and fixing the frame, subject to changes, if any.

• Basis for frame there may be remnants of a special profile for drywall or even wooden planks. According to the marking, screw the first elements with screws to the wall. It is not recommended to use nails - threaded connections are much more reliable. If the size of the fireplace is quite large, for its stability and reliability, make additional mounting points on the floor. Use horizontal jumpers to give constructions rigidity. In the case of fastening profiles to a concrete base, first just attach it to the wall and drill a hole with it. After that, insert the dowel and fasten with self-tapping screws. The evenness of each element is required control the building level.
• After the frame is ready, transfer the dimensions of all the walls to the GKL sheet, trying to place them as close as possible so that there is less waste. For cutting, you can use either a regular stationery knife or a jigsaw. True, there will be a lot of dust from the latter and the cardboard around the edges may frown and tear if you move too fast. Everything details needed preliminarily try on and finish the edges with sandpaper, if necessary. When you are sure that all the elements fit the frame perfectly in size, you can proceed to their consolidation.
• Be careful, twisting screws. With proper installation, their hat should be buried in the surface of drywall to a depth of about 1 mm. This will greatly facilitate the further process of facing. Recommended distance between fasteners - 10-15 cm.
• After sheathing, it is necessary hide all joints and bumps. Finishing putty is best for this. Prior surfaces must be primed. If the wall does not consist of a single piece, then the joints between the fragments must be glue with masking tape. All corners should be aligned using perforated corners, and then apply the first layer of mortar. Putty should be distributed uniform thin layer. After drying, irregularities and sagging must be cleaned with sandpaper or a special metal mesh. Primer again to remove dust and apply the top coat again.

At this stage, the construction of a false fireplace from drywall is considered completed. Next, the small business remains - the decor of its surface, which we will talk about a little later.

Number 3. Foam Fireplace

One more quick and simple manufacturing method A false fireplace is the use of foam sheets. They can be purchased at any hardware store. Better buy sheets 100 mm thick. You can use transportation foam, which remains from the purchased refrigerator, TV, washing machine or other equipment. If you do not plan to move, then it is unlikely to be useful to you, but in terms of density, it far exceeds the finishing option. Draw a drawing and figure out if you have enough material. Besides must have:

• adhesive solution
• mixing container
• putty knife,
• level,
• hacksaw
• paint net:
• priming,
• putty finish.

To to avoid chopping and uneven edges when cutting parts, use a small hacksaw for metal. Due to the large thickness and density, it is unlikely that it will be possible to simply cut off a fragment with a knife accurately.Break off half-cut elements is also not worth it, in the event of a crack, such a piece can no longer be used. We will glue the elements to the wall and with each other using a special foam solution. Very important buy a mixture specifically for the installation of this material. Due to the very slippery surface, which is practically devoid of absorbent properties, another type of composition may simply not stick together the elements. The wall, floor and ends of the foam that will come into contact with them must first be primed and allowed to dry. Knead the mixture strictly following the instructions.

Begin installation from the side parts. The solution is applied to the wall and floor, focusing on pre-made markings. After leaning on the foam. Until the mortar has set, use the level to check that it is level and adjust by need of it position. So all the details are gradually connected. After the frame has dried, it is necessary to plaster its surface and prepare it for subsequent decor. This can not be done if you plan to glue decorative foam bricks.

The foam surface is very hard putty. To facilitate this process and provide the necessary level of adhesion, it is necessary to paste over the entire surface with a paint net. If the edges come out jagged and torn, use a corner. The process of applying putty is similar to that described in the previous version. After complete drying, the polystyrene raised fireplace is ready for decorative cladding. If you liked this manufacturing option, then keep in mind that the construction of this material in the future should not be used as the location of pots with home plants, various equipment and other heavy objects. Only decorative items.

Number 4. False fireplace made of chipboard or old furniture

Another very suitable type of material for creating an artificial hearth is a chipboard. Can use as normal polished Chipboard and laminated. The choice is based on how the finished product will look. If you want to imitate a wooden fireplace, then, of course, it is better to give preference to chipboard. Beginning of work should be produced, as in the first embodiment, from the drawing. In this case, it is necessary not only to present the dimensions more realistically, but also so that in the place where you will purchase the chipboard sheet, you can immediately cut it into the necessary fragments. It is very convenient both in terms of facilitated transportation and during assembly. At home, you just have to fasten all the elements together using self-tapping screws. Main difference false fireplace made of chipboard from the construction of drywall - this is it mobility. It is not necessary to fasten it tightly to the wall in order to achieve stability. By equipping a small base stand for it, you will make a completely independent design, changing the location of which is not difficult. And if you wish, you can even equip it with small wheels. With proper skills, you can cut the sheet yourself. In the case of using chipboard, you must purchase and decorative edge which will hide the ends and make them more accurate. By the way, for the manufacture of a "wooden" fireplace you can use and old shelves or cabinets. And small doors can even serve as side walls. It will cost a lot less. The finished product must be disposed of from dust and sawdust and rubbed with furniture polish. A fireplace from ordinary chipboard is subject to further decoration.

No. 5. Polyurethane raised fireplace

This modern material won the recognition of many designers and ordinary consumers. This is not surprising, because in addition to its attractive appearance, it can bend and take on various forms.You can easily find many offers to sell in stores or on the Internet already ready portals from polyurethane. Moreover, their diversity will allow not only to choose the necessary size, but also the style of execution. The models are presented both in the form of strict, straight lines, and with a richer finish that imitates stucco elements and even wood carvings. In general, with the choice you will not have difficulty. Installing it, too, is not difficult. You just need to stick it to the wall using a special adhesive solution in the desired location. Then you can paint the surface of the portal or give particular luxury individual elements by applying gold, bronze or silver powder. In addition to a solid portal, you can imitate it using various moldings or half columns of the same material, as if to indicate the zone of the focus, but not so clearly. Of course, this option is less realistic, but in some interiors it will be quite appropriate. Especially in rooms with limited free space, which I want to diversify a little.

No. 6. Raised brick fireplace

This option allows to achieve as much as possible realistic external kind of. But at the same time, efforts and costs require much more than in previous versions. For masonry, a facing brick is used. The only nuance this method is the weight of the finished structure, especially if it has considerable dimensions. Therefore, before you begin to work, evaluate the condition of your floors. If you are sure that they can easily withstand a considerable load - feel free to get down to business. You would need:

• N pieces of bricks
• mixture for masonry,
• Master OK,
• primer,
• a container for mixing the solution,
• whisk for a drill.

To decide the main the taskhow many bricks are needed, a drawing with all sizes is needed. Knowing the dimensions of one brick, you can easily navigate with the total quantity in the store. In any case, the seller will always help you. Masonry not be difficult. The main thing is to check the straightness of each row. To set a benchmark for yourself, mark up on the floor and wall. This will help to avoid distortions. Knead the solution strictly following the instructions and observe the agreed proportions. Otherwise, your masonry can "crawl" and all your work will go down the drain. To achieve a more uniform mass, use a whisk for the drill. Do not spread the solution with a thin layer, but do not overlay it in heaps. It is necessary to adhere to one thickness, distributing the mixture evenly. Little tip - Do not lay it on the entire surface of the brick, leave about 1 cm from each edge free. When you lay the brick on top, you need to tap it a bit to keep it well. In this case, the solution will certainly protrude, and dirty the bottom row. If you follow our advice, you will be able to avoid this, and the seams will be even and neat.

Do not forget that the finished mixture has the necessary properties only for a certain period of time. It’s usually 60-120 minutes, read more specifically on the package. Therefore, you should not be distracted during work. Chesswork looks most effective, but in this case you cannot avoid the need for cutting. The grinder and the diamond wheel will help you with this. Do not forget about personal protective equipment. Stone fireplace will need to be closed with a lid on top. The finished brick portal does not need external decoration.

Trim Fireplace

Now the turn has come creative stage which consists in giving the frame the desired appearance. There are a lot of options for facing the fireplace. For the choice to be successful, you must remember that a real fireplace consists of four core elements - portal, cover, firebox and back wall.Consider the methods of finishing each element individually.

We decorate the portal

Depending on the style of the room, you can use the following techniques:

• Most easy way - this is a painting. The advantage of this method lies in its low cost, speed of execution and the ability to choose absolutely any shade.
• Most realistic way - it is facing with decorative sandstone, gypsum or foam bricks. They stick to a special mixture. To maintain the same seams, use plastic crosses for masonry. The larger the portal, the wider they should be. Bricks after installation can be painted in the desired color.
• Wooden panels also very appropriate for the design of false fireplaces in a classic style. To protect the surface previously open it with varnish.
• Decorative elements from plaster or polyurethane stucco molding look great on plain smooth portals. They immediately become elegant and presentable.
• You can use decorative mosaic or even tiled tile small sizes. You can lay out a specific pattern. In principle, any cladding materials may be used. Even wallpaper the color of the wall and create the feeling that it was squeezed out of the wall. If only the design style did not contradict the interior rooms.

What to use for lining

Strong designs For example, from drywall or real brick:

• You can cover with a piece of real wood, opened with varnish or a slab of artificial stone
• You can use as a basis a cut of plywood or chipboard and veneer them with porcelain stoneware.

More fragile designs should not be heavily burdened.

• You can decorate a small cover pebbles. To do this, a thin layer should be applied with a thin layer of adhesive mixture and drown pebbles in it. After drying, open with varnish.
• Leftover remains laminate flooring after repair - excellent! Feel free to use it for the final structural element.
• You can use the same material as for the construction of a false fireplace. To do this, simply paint the lid with a color or highlight with a contrasting shade.

What to place in the furnace and how to beat the back wall

If you decide to use an electric fireplace, then niche depth under it should be at least 40 cm and have a power outlet. In all other cases, a depth of 20 cm is sufficient. firebox can post following items:

• Candles which will help create a very warm atmosphere and perfectly simulate the lights of a real flame. For a more harmonious composition, use candles of different heights and diameters.
• Real logs which will be stacked on top of each other will create the feeling that you are about to light a real fire.
• Large river pebbles mixed with colorful decorative pebbles.
• Can be placed on the floor diode tape with a yellow spectrum of light, cover it with plexiglass or ordinary, and pour the same pebbles or glass balls from above. The effect of light glow will be created, like from hot coals.
• It is possible at all nothing Do not put it in, but leave this place free by simply placing a decorative forged grate in front of the fireplace.
• You can even put vases with flowers, various figurines or small pillows.

Back wall may be:

• Continuation portal and look the same
• Lined with decorative brick, which will give it more realism,
• Have drawing, which represents fire
• It is pasted over with mirror panels or a piece of real mirrors. This technique will help visually deepen the niche.

False fireplace in the living room interior

Due to the fact that the false fireplace is absolutely is safe in terms of fire safety, it can to have in any indoors. Even in the nursery. An exception is designs equipped with candles or electrical elements.With a great desire and space, you can equip a fireplace in the dining room. But many are inclined to believe that it is living room yet is an most appropriate premises for this. Just imagine how you sit in the evening, after a hard day's work, with a howling favorite chair with a cup of delicious coffee or a glass of wine, and enjoy the view of a burning fire. And all this in an ordinary apartment ... Immediately comes the feeling of calm, harmony and peace. Even without simulating fire, this element will create an indescribable feeling of comfort which will be appreciated by all your guests and family members. Your living room will become their favorite meeting place and celebration, because it is in this room that all friendly gatherings and warm family evenings are held.

4. False fireplace from old furniture

Any old cabinet or chipboard cabinet can be reassembled into a raised fireplace, like a cardboard box. Only it will be incomparably neater and stronger, and unlike drywall, it will also be more mobile. Old shelves are suitable for the base, an unnecessary drawer for the podium, small doors for the side walls.

Particleboard is unpretentious material, but you need to work with it carefully. So that the plates do not crumble, cut all the lines to the end and do not screw the fasteners twice in one place. The edges must be glued with a special decorative tape - so they will not swell and deform.

5. False drywall fireplace

Assemble a small frame of a false fireplace from profiles, but it is better to attach a large and heavy one directly to the wall. If you still have rack profiles after building or repairing, this is their time.

Sheets are cut into the necessary fragments of any shape, size and configuration - an ordinary construction knife is suitable for this. In the calculations, be sure to consider the ends and overlaps. All corners are closed with special corner profiles, and rubbed with putty on top.

The surface is primed, and then you can paint and decorate it with anything. For example, lined with imitation stone, and in a niche - hang a mirror for the volume. In the future, you can easily change the finish - this is another advantage of drywall.

6. False fireplace made of polyurethane

It is impossible to make a real fireplace out of polyurethane, but a good decorative imitation is quite. This is a modern material that easily bends and takes on absolutely any shape. It makes ready-made portals with imitation of wood or stone carving - they just need to be glued to the wall.

In stores, sometimes there are ready-made sets for false fireplaces. In fact, this is a kind of 3D puzzle, which you just need to unpack and assemble according to the instructions. It remains only to paint it under your interior.

7. Foam polystyrene fireplace

In fact, this is a simple box that you cut and fold on your own. Take a few sheets with a thickness of 10 cm, cut them into parts and glue together, and for more reliable fixation, use self-tapping screws. By the way, packaging foam from household appliances is usually denser than finishing - and therefore stronger.

For cutting sheets you will need a small hacksaw for metal - so the foam will not crumble. Take your time and cut the lines completely so as not to break anything. There are special adhesive solutions for polystyrene for joining - another glue will not take impermeable material.

First, place the floor under the future foundation, and begin to gradually fold the parts. Immediately check all planes with a level until the adhesive solution has set. Puttying smooth polystyrene is problematic, so lay on top of the paint net. For the design of the portal, ready-made elements are suitable - columns and half columns, stucco moldings, shelves, moldings.

8. Corner raised fireplace

You can make a neat corner false fireplace with your own hands from a large cardboard box - for example, from a TV or heater. You need to completely cut one wall and fold the three remaining into a triangle.Trim the edges so that it fits perfectly into your corner in size.

Then it remains to cut through the portal - and you can move on to decoration and decoration. For example, paste a wallpaper over a mini-fireplace under the brickwork, and lay a wooden corner shelf on top - and you will get a neat table top.

How to make fire for a false fireplace?

There can be no talk of any open fire in a false fireplace, and even real candles are quite dangerous to use. Therefore, we will figure out how and how to effectively simulate the focus.

Bright orange-red LED strip is launched along the contour of the niche below. Put inside a transparent bowl-aquarium with water or glass balls - and with the refraction of light, the fire will come to life.

Safe biofireplaces that can be embedded in home simulations are on sale. It is an advanced alcohol burner with virtually no smell, smoke or fire risk. Indoors without chimneys this is the only option for live open fire.

It looks interesting lights that simulate fire, or special electronic photo frames. They broadcast the image of a flame with characteristic sounds and crackles. But keep in mind that such a framework is quite expensive, because this is a simplified miniature plasma.

False fireplace: what is it, why is it needed, what materials can be made of?

The fireplace has always been a symbol of comfort, home warmth. It is great to gather the whole family in cold rainy or winter weather by the crackling fireplace, drink hot tea and talk on various topics. Owners of private houses can afford such a pleasure as a fireplace. Those who live in apartment buildings, alas, can either only dream of a fireplace or make an artificial fireplace.

A false fireplace can be made with your own hands without construction skills. Creating a decorative fireplace is an interesting and fascinating activity, to which you can attract all family members. This is a good reason to showcase your creativity.

Advantages of decorative fireplaces:

1. Cheap materials. Below we will tell you what materials you can make false fireplaces from.
2. The ability to make a fireplace of the desired configuration and with any parameters. This is very convenient, because the dimensions of the rooms are different for everyone. Perhaps a corner fireplace, or a very small one, will suit you.
3. The original decor. To decorate the fireplace, you can choose inexpensive, but beautiful decoration materials that perfectly fit the tone of your interior.
4. The ability to change the decor. Depending on your mood, you can change the decor. And that’s great. For example, decorate a fireplace for Christmas or pick up completely different decorations for Easter.

Decorative fireplaces come in many forms. Divide them into groups:

1. Artificial fireplaces. They are very similar to real, completely imitate genuine fireplaces. Spread such brick fireplaces, and this option, it is worth saying, is quite expensive. Also, such fireplaces are not the best solution for small apartments. A burner for a biofireplace is installed inside such fireplaces, which allows you to create a real fire.
2. Conditional fireplace. This fireplace is represented by a portal protruding from the wall. Inside, candles are usually placed, and the fireplace is decorated to taste.
3. Symbolic fireplace. These fireplaces are similar remotely. They can be made from improvised materials. The symbolic fireplace includes a fireplace painted on the wall.

You can make a decorative fireplace from different materials. As a rule, the following materials are most often used:

What is a false fireplace

What to make an artificial fireplace

The first thing that comes to mind is to put down a fake portal and a firebox made of brick in order to achieve maximum similarity with the original. The idea is not too good, because such a building will fly a pretty penny and in addition will load the ceiling.Imitation of masonry can be implemented in other, cheaper ways, for example, to assemble a wooden frame, sheathe and then cover with tiles under any artificial stone. But first things first.

The manufacture of the pseudo-focus occurs in 2 stages - assembly of the main structure and cladding. To make a portal, home craftsmen most often use such materials:

• plasterboard sheets on a frame made of metal or wood,
• Laminated particleboard and ordinary,
• plywood, fiberboard,
• polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene.

Foam raised fireplace with decor made of polyurethane elements

The fireplace portal, assembled from drywall, is the most popular design. It allows you to use a variety of types of cladding - wallpaper, stucco made of polyurethane, tile and decorative plaster. There are a lot of design options for such homemade products. False plywood or chipboard fireplace is much more difficult to cover with tiles, and polymeric materials are afraid of mechanical damage (for example, from cat's claws).

Finishing work

The drywall fireplace is ready, it is time to proceed to the most interesting part, to decorate the building. The appearance of the room will help you choose the style of decoration, focusing on its design, you can easily find the right materials and decorate your fake fireplace.

Decoration of a raised fireplace with artificial stone

Among the most common options are:

• Simple painting of the building in white, similar to the decoration of plaster false fireplaces. To do this, primer the structure, and then paint it with water-based, acrylic or latex paint in several layers.
• Finishing construction with artificial stone. Artificial stone is glued to the frame using tile glue or liquid nails.
• Pasting imitation fireplace wallpaper. Wallpaper is easily glued to drywall, the main thing is to properly mix wallpaper glue. An interesting option may be the use of liquid wallpaper, a kind of decorative plaster.
• Sheathing with plastic panels with imitation of brickwork, stone, wood. The assortment of PVC panels in construction stores is simply huge, it will be easy for you to choose the suitable option. Glue the panels to the fake fireplace with liquid nails.
• Facing the fake fireplace with ceramic tiles. The tile perfectly attaches to primed drywall. When laying, use plastic crosses so that the lines of the joints are even.

Appearance of a finished false fireplace made of drywall

At the final stage, you should deal with the firebox, which can be done:

• In a city apartment, it’s quite possible to get a living flame if you place a burner from a biofireplace in the furnace of a false fireplace made of drywall. Of course, first you need to finish the firebox with refractory materials, for example, ceramic tiles.
• Another solution allows you to get an imitation of a real flame, in this case we install an electric fireplace in a niche. He will give the room an amazing sense of the presence of real fire.
• You can install a niche LCD screen with the image of a live fire, also a good option to create the right atmosphere.
• It is easy to make a bright glow from the furnace by installing mirror walls and LED strip.
• A simpler solution is decorating the furnace with improvised materials. It is permissible to place artificial or real firewood, tree branches, candle cones in it. The accessories will be added to the surroundings, located next to the raised fireplace.

You can always search for original ideas for decorating dummies of fireplaces made of gypsum plasterboard and other materials on the Internet, not on the same sites where you looked at projects of structures for drawing. Decoration masters are happy to share their best practices with all people.

We hope that now you understand how to make a drywall fireplace at home yourself, now you represent all the stages of the work and are ready to start their implementation right now.

In conclusion, we note that not only a metal profile can be used for the construction of the frame, a wooden beam is also suitable. The next master class will help you figure out how to do this.

How to simulate fire

To create a fake flame picture, you can use 3D holograms with stereo effects, LCD technologies and digital panels.

• ordinary painted on the back wall dummy,
• LCD TV
• Christmas garland with light transmission control on the background of a 3D image,
• salt lamp
• decorative firewood made of plastic or ceramic with or without internal lighting.

The listed materials are perfectly combined into a single composition and can both complement each other and create accents.

Than to roof

The facing option depends on the material of which the portal is made. For sturdy structures made of brick, plywood, gypsum board or chipboard, you can use something heavier.

• boards
• artificial stone floor tiles,
• scraps of plywood faced with laminate, porcelain stoneware or glass mosaic.

For more fragile designs, you can use the same material as for false glazed, painted in the same or contrasting color.

What to put in the firebox and how to decorate the back wall

If you need to decorate an electric fireplace, then the depth of the niche under it should be at least 40 cm, a socket is needed in it. In other versions, a depth of 20 cm is sufficient.

In the furnace you can place a wide variety of elements:

• candles with and without smell,
• real or artificial logs,
• large pebbles mixed with other multi-colored pebbles,
• diode tape along the contour of the bottom of the hearth under a transparent plexiglass, on which pebbles can be laid,
• to glue the back wall with a photo picture or draw a composition yourself,
• flower vases, figurines of different sizes and even soft toys.

Decorations for the back wall are selected depending on what will be in the firebox itself.

• continuation of the portal,
• lining with plastic or plaster "brick",
• drawn or pasted picture,
• mirror tiles of different sizes or solid panels,
• mosaic tiles or tiles of small sizes with ornaments.

Even without a living flame, a false fireplace is able to bring a touch of tranquility and peace to an everyday evening.

Decorative fireplace made of brick-like boxes

The design in the form of a brick looks very impressive and allows you to forget for a while that this is a fake hearth. In this step-by-step instruction for making a fireplace for the New Year with your own hands from a box, each brick is painted separately, getting here such an interesting decor element, as in the photo.

To make a Christmas hearth, you need to prepare the following:

• boxes of suitable size - 1-2 pcs.,
• round shape template (pan cover, basin, microwave glass plate, etc.),
• acrylic or oil paint,
• scissors,
• knife,
• glue,
• pencil or felt-tip pen,
• roller or wide brush,
• white, red or black paint,
• parchment paper if desired.

You need to take a large box, but if you could not find it, you can connect the two smallest sizes. Then cut off the lapels and glue them with the upper part to each other using adhesive tape.

Take a large template and use it to draw the bottom of the hearth. Side elements can be drawn on a ruler or manually. This part must be cut.

• Next, the fireplace needs to be painted with white paint. If you wish, you can use an aerosol can, but then you need to do the painting on the street, so as not to contaminate the room.
• When spraying the bottle, do not keep it near the fireplace. A suitable distance is 30-40 centimeters from the subject.Also, you should not paint in only one place, the cardboard can get wet and become undulating.
• If you do not want to paint, then you can cover the hearth with white paint at the end, when the "bricks" are glued, but more on that later. For plausibility, a little sand can be added to the paint to make it look like a solution.

From the boxes cut off at the beginning of the lapels, “bricks” of various sizes should be cut. The corners can be made rounded, but this is to your taste and imagination.

Bricks need to be painted.

Then stick to the hearth.

If desired and possible, you can make “coals” with the help of parchment paper, painted black. A garland can be placed in the interior of the fireplace and covered with parchment. As a finishing touch, you can use coals and firewood.

​

Get inspired: the best ideas

If you are seriously planning to make a fireplace out of boxes or sheets of cardboard with your own hands, then the ideas we have chosen will help you understand what variations are possible and be inspired to create your own masterpiece.

The fireplace in the form of the letter "P" without foundation is easy to manufacture. Imitation of brickwork made of red paper bricks or wallpaper corresponds to the New Year theme.

The red brick fireplace and green spruce represent the classic colors of the holiday.

To create the desired effect on the inner wall of the hearth, you can glue the image of burning logs. Such a fabulous option can be used as a props for a children's matinee or for a home performance.

The image of fire inside the fireplace can be more realistic, especially if you find a 3D format. If for gluing you take not individual bricks, but a wallpaper or a special blank for brickwork, it will turn out even more interesting. But here you need smooth angles and the correct shape.

You can also paint bricks on the surface. It will take more time, but it will look more believable. You can put rolled paper or thin cardboard in the firebox.

The use of plaster, followed by masonry, turns the lightweight cardboard structure into a solid stone structure. White marble color fits perfectly into the interior of the bedroom with pastel colors.

A great place for a fireplace is the wall between the windows in the spacious living room of a private house. The option with a chimney in a large room looks impressive.

For a fireplace in an aristocratic style, decorative elements made of polystyrene foam (patterns, planks) and a ceiling baguette are well suited for a massive white stone.

They are glued with polymer glue to the finished, but not painted construction

Instead of gluing boxes with white paper, you can use a wrapping with a cloth of a certain color. Feel free to involve children in the process: joint crafts strengthen relationships and develop imagination.

A great option for a small hearth. It is more stable, so it can be placed not only against the wall. It will perfectly decorate the hallway. In the firebox, you can put a bunch of twigs from the park, and to simulate fire, cut out flames from colored paper or put short LED garlands (possible with a flickering effect). The presence of dim light from the fireplace will fill the apartment with comfort and warmth.

If space permits, you can put a large raised fireplace as tall as a man. The mantelpiece can be decorated with themed figurines and a miniature Christmas tree. We leave the cabinet in place of the furnace - the size of the fireplace allows it. And a vase with sweets will replace the attraction of flickering fire.

If the apartment does not have a free wall for the fireplace, then you can use the idea of ​​a corner construction

Its creation is not characterized by increased complexity, but here special attention is paid to geometric proportions. A harmonious solution is a rectangular isosceles triangle at the base of a triangular prism

To create a festive atmosphere in a cozy corner, light several tea lights in a firebox, and put decor or tangerines on a shelf.

New Year's Eve is the most fabulous holiday and it is necessary to meet it surrounded by magic. Create magic for yourself and your loved ones from the available materials in three free evenings.

Brick

Suitable for mounting a solid portal frame. Due to the high weight, the use is permissible only in country houses. Even a hollow view is not suitable for an apartment. Ceilings may not withstand such a large point load.

For external decoration, brickwork can be imitated with almost any finishing material: gypsum, plastic, foam "bricks" or even putty. You can simply draw them or glue the fireplace with vinyl volumetric wallpaper with the corresponding image.

Laminated Boards

Chipboard (polished chipboard) or MDF (medium density fiberboard) are suitable for the assembly of the frame, and as a topcoat. If you assemble a frame from the slabs, the fine finish can be performed with imitation of the same wood or brick.

Suitable for this:

• plasters and putties to create a texture,
• paints and varnishes,
• stucco molding.

Purchased laminated MDF may not require additional decoration. All the hats of the screws can be sealed with a special tape, the seams and joints can be closed with moldings.

Polyurethane

Ceiling cornices, small and large details of pseudo-stucco moldings are mainly made from this material. Since it is lightweight, the frame can be made lightweight from particleboard, MDF, drywall. Before gluing, the surface should be treated with a primer or diluted with water PVA glue in a ratio of 1: 1.

Various elements are suitable for creating imitations of fireplaces with their own hands in an apartment where there is very little space. The most important thing is to pick up glue, since fastening on screws and nails is unacceptable.

Drywall

It is used for sheathing the portal frame assembled from metal profiles or wooden blocks. It is installed in dry rooms, because when exposed to moisture, it swells, deforms and delaminates, and eventually crumbles.

It can be used for facing curved surfaces. For example, an arch vault. It is effortlessly cut, the screws are easily screwed in, the surface is smooth. As a finishing finish, they make bricks from gypsum plasterboard (gypsum plasterboards) and paint them in the desired color.

Tree

Wood is a sufficiently high-quality and reliable material for both the frame and the lining. Various bars and strips can be used to create the foundation of the portal. For decorative bordering elements you can use purchased blanks with wood carvings, parquet boards and their trim. They work well when creating aging effects.

Do not forget about protective impregnations that scare away all kinds of insects, as well as protect against mold and fungi. To add gloss or dullness, appropriate varnishes are used.

Styrofoam

If heavy loads are not foreseen, then a skeleton can be mounted from foam sheets. Otherwise, this material is used in the form of elements for decorating the same cornices or rosettes for stucco molding. You can also independently cut figures out of it.

Polyfoam is not afraid of moisture, but even to light shocks it is unstable. Glue it on a special glue, others can simply dissolve it.

Staining should be carried out after priming and only with acrylic paints - solvent-based enamels destroy it.

How to make a decorative fireplace from polystyrene: description, drawings, photos

Making a fireplace out of polystyrene is easy. Polyfoam is a malleable material. Moreover, its cost is low.

Another advantage of a decorative foam fireplace is a minimal set of materials for work.You do not need skills to work with a jigsaw, screwdriver and other men's tools.

Foam fireplace materials:

• Styrofoam Sheets,
• Cardboard sheets or a large cardboard box,
• Scotch,
• Stationery knife or scissors,
• Glue.

It is easy to make such a fireplace, but you will have to work on the design and decoration. To make such a fireplace look decent, you need to design it in a high-quality and beautiful way.

The manufacture of any fireplace begins with a drawing. You must decide what size your fireplace will be, what shape it will have. You must clearly understand this so that the finished fireplace fits the size of your room, rather than blocking the space.

DIY fireplace scheme

Cardboard will serve as the basis of the fireplace. It is advisable to make a fireplace of a simple design, because a solid foundation should be made of cardboard. To do this, cut the cardboard sheets into pieces of the required length and width. Use adhesive tape and glue to glue them into the frame. He should stand well and firmly on the floor.

DIY fireplace

After the frame is ready, you can proceed to gluing it with foam. To do this, you will need foam sheets 1-1.5 cm thick. Gluing the frame with foam can be done quite quickly. As we said, this is malleable material.

Styrofoam fireplace

Hide flaws can be putty. You can also pre-purchase decorative elements made of polyurethane to give the fireplace a beautiful architectural form. You can also cut simple shapes from polystyrene foam and stick them on the fireplace.

Fireplace Decor Elements

Then the fireplace can be painted with plain or colored paint. The usual white color looks the most advantageous. Acrylic and water based paints can be used.

Styrofoam fireplace

If you want your fireplace to look like a brick, there are several options for how to do this:

1. Cut foam rectangles in the shape of a brick. Then stick them on the fireplace, paint with brown or reddish paint, paint the seams with white paint.
2. Paste brick wallpaper on the fireplace. This option will look easier, but the work will be faster.
3. You can also draw a brick pattern with paints and a brush.

The fireplace insert can be designed as follows:

• The walls of the furnace can be pasted with wallpaper with a brick pattern.
• On the back wall you can draw fire. Alternatively, use a ready-made image of fire.
• To have light inside, place the LED garland. And in order to make more light, you can place a mirror inside.
• Firewood, fir branches, cones will look good in the fireplace insert made of polystyrene.
• You can install a candelabrum near the fireplace.

Imitation of fire in the fireplace

Where to begin?

Like any other homemade craftsmanship, making a fireplace begins with planning. This stage may seem superfluous and boring when an idea is already growing in your head and you want to quickly translate it into reality. But it is a must. Without the correct sketch, the "construction" of the outbreak will take a lot of time and effort, and the result may disappoint.

At the planning stage, we do the following:

• carefully select a place for a decorative element, since it is undesirable to move the finished structure,
• we determine the style and prevailing colors in the interior: a decorative fireplace should harmoniously fit into the atmosphere, and not stand out with its absurdity,
• we collect the “building” material (any cardboard boxes are suitable) and select the appropriate shape and size,
• we make a drawing of the desired design with a detailed indication of all sizes,
• we select the method of decorative decoration and prepare a sketch drawing of the fireplace in color (very often what we draw in the imagination turns out to be far from ideal, but all the flaws will be immediately visible on paper).

When choosing a decoration method, we recommend a walk through the hardware store.If you have not done repairs for a long time, you will be surprised how many new materials and mixtures appeared on the market. Perhaps such a walk will lead to the original idea of ​​staining or coating with imitation material.

Do not rush to simplify everything as much as possible, because the manufacturing process itself is already quite simple. Decoration design needs to be given enough attention. Otherwise, you will receive a craft at the level of the school lesson of labor, which you will not fool and surprise anyone.

Decoration of an artificial fireplace

One of the most common options is a candle fake fireplace with a mirror on the back wall of the opening. It is realized simply: in front of the glass, on the upper shelf and pedestal are candles that are set on fire during the holidays. The decoration can be supplemented with dummies of firewood and an iron fireplace grate. The latter bends according to a drawn pattern of thick aluminum wire inserted into a vinyl tube. At the end, the grill is painted with bronze paint.

A few words on how to make an imitation of a flame. We have already talked about the electric fireplace, but there are other ways:

• lay on the bottom of the furnace, strewn with pebbles, LED strip red or yellow,
• install a safe alcohol burner in the opening (their decorative models are commercially available),
• use an electronic photo frame with an LCD display, where the GIF image of the flame is loaded, after which it is placed in the fireplace niche.

So the LED strip simulates fire

How to make an artificial eco-fireplace with a real flame from an alcohol burner is available on the video:

False plywood fireplace step by step instructions

The sequence of work is similar to the manufacture of a decorative portal from drywall. For the frame, you can use bars, and the mantelpiece is made from a finished staircase.

To make a fireplace you will need tools and materials:

• roulette,
• pencil,
• screwdriver
• "Bulgarian",
• 40x40 mm bars for the frame,
• finished wooden step,
• plasterboard for cladding,
• decoration tiles
• glue,
• paint for plastic.

After the development of the project, they begin to manufacture the frame. Cut the bars according to the dimensions indicated in the drawing. Connect the elements together with screws.

The next operation is covering the frame with plywood.

The final stage - finishing with facing foam and painting.

It is interesting: Decorative fireplace in the apartment - illuminate in general terms