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 fake fireplace that can be created from different materials. Even a master without building experience can cope with this task. The technology for creating such a decorative element of the interior will be discussed further.
What is this?
False fireplace (photo below) is an alternative to a real hearth. Such a design can be built in almost any room. For residents of apartments, building 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 to carry out the reconstruction.
To avoid such difficulties and complement the interior of the room with a hearth, you can sharpen the decorative design. It is easy to assemble it yourself. It should be noted that a large number of electric fireplaces are on sale. The installation of such equipment is quite acceptable in an apartment. However, a hearth made with your own hands can become a truly original, beautiful interior detail. This is an interesting activity. This work can be done with children. They will be interested in participating in the creation of this interior element.
Such a hearth can be just a decoration. In some cases, it is possible to create a portal for the installation of an electrical appliance that will simulate the appearance of a flame. Depending on the features of the location and operation of the scenery, you should choose materials for its creation.
Varieties
False fireplace in the interior is used quite often. This decor allows you to create a cozy homely atmosphere. At the same time, one of three types of similar structures can be installed in the apartment.
The first group includes fireplaces that imitate real hearths both in size and design features. This, for example, can be a biofireplace with a burner. This allows you to create a real flame. It's nice to look at 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 different decorations. Candles are usually placed in the furnace hole or logs are placed.
The third group includes symbolic fireplaces. To create themuse any materials. They don't look like real hearths. It can be just a fireplace painted on the wall or other similar types of decor.
Production Features
There are many options for how to make a fake fireplace. For this, a variety of materials are used. It can be brick, natural wood. Chipboard, foam plastic, plywood or drywall are also used for this. In interior design, fireplaces made of cardboard or polyurethane are also used. The choice depends on the design features, 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 interior element is made can also vary significantly. You can create a design from almost any available materials.
If there are heating objects near such a structure or candles will be installed in the fireplace, non-flammable materials should be preferred. Regardless of the type of design, fake fireplaces have a lot of advantages. They are inexpensive and can be made from almost any material. At the same time, they become an interior decoration, being its original and bright element.
Polyurethane
When creating a straight or corner raised fireplace, polyurethane should be considered as one of the best materials. From it, the structure is assembled very quickly. Almost anyone can do this job. There are many design options for polyurethane portals on sale. You need to choose the right style for this interior object.
Electrical equipment can be installed in such a fireplace. It will mimic the look of a flame. In this case, you first need to select the electrical equipment. The portal is selected based on its dimensions. At the same time, the location of the cord for connecting to the network, the location of the ventilation holes are taken into account. The installation dimensions must also be exactly matched with the 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 special tools. For work, you will need to purchase a suitable polyurethane portal. You also need to prepare a special glue, putty. You can use different materials for decoration. For example, it can be a decorative brick.
Installing a polyurethane fireplace
Having prepared all the necessary materials, you can begin to install a raised polyurethane fireplace. Step-by-step instructions allow you to follow the correct sequence of actions during installation.
It is best to mount such decor near the side wall of the room. You need to choose the right dimensions. The structure should not interfere with the passage. It shouldn't look massive. If electrical equipment is installed inside the portal, you must first bring wires to the installation site to connect it. You can install an outlet here.
First you need to install in the portalelectrical equipment. If necessary, the interior space must be adjusted. An electric fireplace that will simulate the look of a flame must be positioned correctly in the portal space.
Next, the structure is installed on the prepared base. It must be fixed on the surface with a special glue. If there is a gap between the firebox and the polyurethane portal, it will need to be sealed 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
A fake fireplace with your own hands can be made from plywood. This design is assembled on a frame. With its help, you can close unseemly communications, the withdrawal of an old pipe, etc. First you need to prepare a drawing on which the exact dimensions of the future hearth are applied. This will allow you to perform the correct calculation of materials. As a basis, you can take a drawing of a natural stone fireplace.
First you need to create a frame. It is assembled from planks or bars. When the frame is mounted, plywood sheets are installed on it. They are fixed with self-tapping screws. To be able to adjust the structure, add additional elements if necessary (for example, a podium), you need to assemble the structure with bolts.
After that, you need to equip the space of the firebox. It is also assembled from plywood. For finishing, it is recommended to use a self-adhesive film. It must have an appropriate decor (under the treeor stone). This design will be easy to disassemble.
Plywood fireplace decor
You should consider a few tips for decorating a fake fireplace with your own hands. The step-by-step technology of this process involves the creation of a finish inside the plywood portal. 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 put firewood inside the firebox. The choice of decor can be very different. The fantasy of the master here is limited only by security requirements. Plywood should not get hot. It is not recommended to install candles inside such a fireplace. It is better to use flashlights, diode lamps that mimic the look 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), you can achieve almost complete resemblance to a real hearth. On top of the shelf, you can install several figurines, books.
Gypsum board fireplace
One of the most successful options would be the manufacture of a false fireplace from drywall. From this material, you can create a solid, complex structure 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 take a free corner and will look overall even in a small apartment. Forassembly of such a design will also need to create a preliminary drawing. In accordance with the developed plan, the optimal 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-resistant drywall. If candles are installed in such a fireplace, it is better to give preference to heat-resistant varieties. These sheets are coated in pink or red.
You also need to purchase decorative tiles or other material (according to the chosen design). Self-tapping screws are needed to fix the structure. You can decorate the fireplace with LED strip. You also need to purchase a grid to create a decorative lattice.
Assembling a drywall fireplace
Special instructions also apply to drywall construction. A false fireplace must be presented in the form of a diagram. This allows you to calculate the materials. Next up is the frame. For this, a ceiling profile is suitable. If backlighting is used, electricity is supplied to it.
The space of the furnace can be with two walls. Mineral wool is laid between them. 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 layer of paint. Tile will look better. She can imitate a brick. It is better to use facade varieties.
Decoration can be anything. It is important to remember that when using candles inside the combustion chamber,only non-combustible materials should be used for finishing. Heavy objects can be placed on the mantelpiece. Can install an electric fireplace inside.
Fireplace from old furniture
A fake fireplace with your own hands can be made from old unnecessary furniture. This is the cheapest and easiest option. An old wardrobe 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 does not need to be collected additionally.
To create such a design, you need to prepare sheets of plywood, putty and acrylic paint. Also in the course of work you will need a grinder, a jigsaw, as well as a screwdriver. You can also purchase decorative ornaments, moldings, LED strip.
The old cabinet needs to be prepared first. The doors and fittings are removed from it. Only a rectangular frame should remain. Clean up if necessary. The cabinet is placed on its side. You can start the process of creating a decorative fireplace.
Assembling a fireplace from old furniture
To assemble a fake fireplace from an old cabinet, you need to nail two bars in front of the prepared frame. On them you need to fix two sheets of plywood on top and bottom. You can cut a hole in the side cabinet door. Here the “blower” will be installed. It is quite possible to store firewood here, by analogy with an ordinary hearth.
You will need to make a pedestal and a mantelpiece. To do this, you can also use improvised means, for example, backs from an old bed. They will first need to unscrew the legs.
When desiredthe structure will be 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 need to 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 irregularities are rubbed with sandpaper.
Finishing finishing
When the fake fireplace from old furniture is ready for finishing, you need to process its body with acrylic paint. Corners can be highlighted with artificial stone. All decorative elements are fixed with glue. Next, the firebox is made. 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 structure yourself.
