Not every apartment allows you to build a real fireplace. To simplify the task and complement the interior with a beautiful hearth, you can create a decorative design. This is a false fireplace, which can be created from different materials. Even a master without construction experience will be able to cope with this task. The technology for creating such a decorative element of the interior will be discussed later.
What it is?
A false fireplace (photo below) is an alternative for a real hearth. This design can be built in almost any room. For residents of apartments to build a real fireplace is quite problematic, and sometimes impossible. The fact is that the floors are not designed for such loads. In this case, a real fireplace will require the creation of a chimney. To do this, you will need to obtain permission for the restructuring.
To avoid such difficulties and complement the interior of the room with a hearth, you can sharpen the decorative design. It is not difficult to assemble it yourself. Please note that a large number of electric fireplaces are on sale . Installation of such equipment is quite acceptable in an apartment. However, a hearth made with your own hands can become a truly original, beautiful detail of the interior. This is an interesting lesson. This work can be carried out with the children. They will be interested in participating in the creation of this element of the interior.
Such a hearth may just be a decoration. In some cases, you can create a portal for installing an electrical device that will simulate the appearance of a flame. Depending on the features of the location and operation of the scenery, you should choose the materials for its creation.
Varieties
A false fireplace in the interior is used quite often. This decor allows you to create a cozy home atmosphere. In this case, you can install in the apartment one of three types of such structures.
The first group includes fireplaces that simulate real hearths both in size and design features. This, for example, may be a biofireplace with a burner. This allows you to create a real flame. It's nice to watch him on cold evenings. These are quite expensive varieties of fireplaces that look very impressive.
The second group includes conditional fireplaces. They have a ledge on which you can put various decorations. Candles or logs are usually placed in the furnace hole.
The third group includes symbolic fireplaces. Any materials are used to create them. They do not look like real foci. It can be just a fireplace painted on the wall or other similar types of decor.
Manufacturing Features
There are many options for making a false fireplace. To do this, use a variety of materials. It can be a brick, a natural tree. Also, chipboard, polystyrene, plywood or drywall are used for this. Fireplaces made of cardboard or polyurethane are also used in interior design. The choice depends on the features of the design, as well as the preferences of the owners of the house.
Depending on the choice of material, the fireplace may be more or less close to the appearance of a real hearth. The cost of the materials from which such an element of the interior is made can also vary significantly. You can create a design from almost any material at hand.
If there are heating objects near such a structure or candles will be installed in the fireplace, it is worth giving preference to non-combustible materials. Regardless of the type of construction, fake fireplaces have many advantages. They are inexpensive, can be made from almost any material. At the same time, they become an interior decoration, being an original and bright element of it.
Polyurethane
When creating a direct or corner raised fireplace, you should consider polyurethane as one of the best materials. From it, the assembly is assembled very quickly. Almost everyone will cope with this work. On sale are many design options for portals made of polyurethane. You need to choose the right style for this interior design.
In such a fireplace you can install electrical equipment. It will simulate the appearance of a flame. In this case, you must first select the electrical equipment. The portal is selected based on its size. This takes into account the location of the cord for connecting to the network, the location of the ventilation holes. Installation dimensions also need to be precisely matched with a polyurethane frame.
The procedure for creating the presented variety of fireplaces is quite simple. To do this, you do not need to purchase many different materials and a special tool. For work, you need to purchase a suitable portal of polyurethane. You also need to prepare a special glue, putty. You can use different materials for decoration. For example, it can be a decorative brick.
Installation of a polyurethane fireplace
Having prepared all the necessary materials, you can proceed with the installation of a polyurethane raised fireplace. A step-by-step instruction allows you to adhere to the correct sequence of steps during installation.
It is best to mount such a decor near the side wall of the room. You need to choose the right dimensions. The construction should not interfere with the passage. It should not look massive. If electrical equipment is installed inside the portal, you must first bring the wires to the installation site to connect it. You can install a socket here.
First you need to install electrical equipment in the portal. If necessary, the internal space must be adjusted. An electric fireplace, which will simulate the appearance of a flame, should be positioned correctly in the space of the portal.
Next, the design is installed on a prepared base. It must be fixed to the surface with a special glue. If there is a gap between the furnace and the polyurethane portal, it will need to be repaired with plaster. This work must be done carefully so as not to spoil the decorative look of the fireplace. It can be additionally finished in accordance with the chosen style.
Plywood fireplace
Do-it-yourself fake fireplace can be made of plywood. This design is assembled on the frame. With its help, you can close unseemly communications, the withdrawal of the old pipe, etc. First you need to prepare a drawing on which the exact dimensions of the future focus are applied. This will allow you to perform the correct calculation of materials. As a basis, you can take a drawing of a natural fireplace made of stone.
First you need to create a wireframe. It is collected from planks or bars. When the frame is mounted, sheets of plywood are installed on it. They are fixed with screws. In order to be able to correct the design, add additional elements if necessary (for example, a podium), you need to assemble the structure using bolts.
After that, you need to arrange the space of the furnace. It is also assembled from plywood. For decoration, it is recommended to use a self-adhesive film. It should have the appropriate decor (wood or stone). This design will be easy to disassemble.
Plywood fireplace decor
You should consider some tips for arranging the decor of a false fireplace with your own hands. The step-by-step technology of this process involves the creation of finishes inside the portal from plywood. One option is to install a metal mesh. This is a tray with 10 x 10 mm cells. It can be filled with tracing paper.
If the fireplace is large, you can lay firewood inside the firebox. The choice of decor can be very different. The wizard’s fantasy here is limited only by security requirements. Plywood should not heat up. It is not recommended to install candles inside such a fireplace. It is better to use flashlights, diode lamps that mimic the appearance of candles. Otherwise, the operation of such a fireplace will be unsafe.
You can make a podium under the fireplace. In its space you can equip a bar. By adding various decorative elements (for example, a beautiful twisted grate in front of the firebox), one can achieve almost complete similarity to a real hearth. On top of the shelf you can install several figurines, books.
Drywall Fireplace
One of the most successful options will be the manufacture of a false fireplace from drywall. From this material, you can create a solid, complex design with various additions. At the same time, you can safely put a TV or decorative items on the top shelf of such a fireplace.
You can create a corner fireplace. It will occupy a free corner and will look dimensionally even in a small apartment. To assemble such a design, you will also need to create a preliminary drawing. In accordance with the developed plan, the optimum amount of materials is purchased.
Materials and Tools
You need to purchase a metal profile that will serve as a frame. You also need to purchase moisture-proof drywall. If candles are installed in such a fireplace, it is better to give preference to heat-resistant varieties. Such sheets are coated in pink or red.
You also need to purchase tiles for decorative finishes or other material (in accordance with the chosen design). To fix the structure, self-tapping screws are needed. You can decorate the fireplace with LED strip. You also need to purchase a grid to create a decorative lattice.
Drywall assembly
For the construction of drywall, special instructions also apply. A false fireplace should be presented in the form of a diagram. This allows the calculation of materials. Next, the frame is going to. For this, a ceiling profile is suitable. If the backlight will be used, electricity is supplied for it.
The firebox space can be with two walls. Between them mineral wool is laid. When the frame is ready, it can be sheathed with drywall. When the structure is assembled, it will need to be properly finished. You can simply cover the surface with putty and a coat of paint. The tile will look better. She can imitate a brick. It is better to use facade varieties.
Decoration you can think of any. It is important to remember that when using candles inside the combustion chamber, only non-combustible materials should be used for decoration. On the mantelpiece, you can install heavy objects. You can install an electric fireplace inside.
Old fireplace
You can make a false fireplace with your own hands from old unnecessary furniture. This is the cheapest and easiest option. An old cupboard or sideboard will do. From such furniture you can make a fireplace with lighting or another type of decoration. This design has already been assembled. It will not need to be additionally collected.
To create such a design, you need to prepare sheets of plywood, putty and acrylic paint. Also, during the work you will need a grinder, a jigsaw, and a screwdriver. You can also purchase decorative jewelry, stucco molding, LED strip.
The old cabinet needs to be prepared in advance. Doors and accessories are removed from it. Only the rectangular frame should remain. If necessary, clean. The cabinet is placed on its side. You can begin the process of creating a decorative fireplace.
Assembling a fireplace from old furniture
To assemble a false fireplace from an old cabinet, you need to nail two bars in front of the prepared frame. On them you need to fasten the top and bottom two sheets of plywood. A hole can be cut out in the side cabinet door. Here it will be installed "blowing". Here it is quite possible to store firewood by analogy with a conventional hearth.
It will be necessary to make a pedestal and a mantelpiece. For this, you can also use improvised means, for example, backs from an old bed. They first need to unscrew the legs.
When the desired design is assembled, you can proceed to the decorative finish. All surfaces that were previously polished with varnish must be treated with a grinder with a special nozzle. They will become rough. Next, the walls must be primed and allowed to dry. After that, the surface is covered with putty. It needs to be properly aligned. When the layer dries, the bumps are wiped with sandpaper.
Finish finish
When the fake fireplace from the old furniture is ready for the finish, you need to process its body with acrylic paint. Corners can be distinguished using artificial stone. All decorative elements are fixed with glue. Next, the furnace is made out. A diode tape is glued along its perimeter. At the bottom, you can pour pebbles or shells.
Having considered how to make a false fireplace, you can assemble a decorative design yourself.