Over the centuries of its existence, the fireplace has evolved from a mandatory attribute of the home (used for heating and cooking) into a beautiful decorative element. In private houses there are no problems with installing a fireplace, but if you are a resident of a high-rise building, then certain difficulties and disappointments await you.
DIY fireplace in the apartment
Types by location
Wall-mounted
Structures are also divided by location. There are only four options for placing a fireplace in the rooms of the house. The room can be decorated with a classic wall-mounted, neat built-in, practical corner or spectacular island fireplace. Let's look at the features of each of them. A wall-mounted fireplace is the most classic option. It was these fireplaces that were built in rich houses in our country before the widespread use of steam heating. When manufactured correctly, it has good heating efficiency and looks stylish. There are also disadvantages to this design. First of all, you need to take into account that a wall-mounted fireplace requires space. Of course, if we are talking about a spacious cottage with a fireplace room, there will be no problems with space. But a standard apartment or a small private house is not the best place for such a structure. The way out of this situation is to install a version half recessed into the wall. The portal in this design protrudes only the width of the palm and does not require space.
Corner and island
A corner fireplace takes up no less space, but its location allows it to be installed in fairly modest rooms. In addition, the corner of the room is not often used to place furniture. Another advantage of this design is the relative ease of manufacture.
An island fireplace is the most impractical option. It requires a large room, it cannot be installed in many rooms - for example, a bedroom with a similar design is difficult to imagine, and a kitchen with an installed island fireplace must be truly enormous in size, otherwise moving around it will be inconvenient and unsafe. The main advantage of this option is the original design of the fireplace, which can enliven even a very dull interior.
Built-in and suspended
A built-in, and even more so a hanging fireplace is a mere baby compared to other types of these heating devices. After all, the modern wall-mounted version appeared only when advances made it possible not only to create a safe and reliable electric heater, but also to simulate the effect of a living flame with a sufficient degree of reliability.
And the device hung on the wall has come into use quite recently. There are many advantages to this option. The fireplace can be placed however you like; it does not require significant space, which means it is the only feasible solution for a city apartment. Small hanging fireplaces can be placed even in a compact kitchen. If installed correctly, an electric fireplace is absolutely fireproof, and it usually costs less than its wood-burning or even gas counterparts.
Choosing a fireplace location
Where is the best place to place a fireplace? There aren't really any special rules here. Electric fireplaces can be located in any room. The usual option is to place the electric fireplace in the room where people most often gather. This helps create a friendly environment. A good solution for a living room would be to place an electric fireplace directly under the TV; this place is most often the center of the room.
The second most popular place to place a fireplace is the bedroom. In the bedroom, an electric fireplace will help create a cozy and relaxing atmosphere. You can place the fireplace opposite the bed. This will help calm your nerves and relax after a hard day. A wall-mounted electric fireplace can be placed right at the head of the bed, thanks to which it will be possible to enjoy the sound of the flame.
Type of electric fireplaces
Long gone are the days when electric heaters had a simple and unattractive design. Older models dried out the air and caused broken plugs. Today the situation is different. Modern models are characterized by compactness, convenience and safety. The corner fireplace, powered by the network, is one of these models.
There are several types of electric fireplaces.
- Decorative ones that perform only one function - they imitate the fire of a regular fireplace.
- Heaters that visually look like a classic fireplace, but are equipped with one or more heating devices.
- Universal models that are in greatest demand. Here you simultaneously get an attractive picture that simulates a flame, and at the same time heat the room. Thanks to the combination of two functions, this type of electric fireplace is considered as close as possible to the wood-burning option.
Their power does not exceed 2 kW, so you can safely plug this device into an outlet. The latest models of electric fireplaces with a built-in heater often have a heating regulator, which can be smooth or stepped. The built-in controller allows you to set a certain degree of heating depending on the needs of the residents.
The decorative function in an electric fireplace is performed by imitation of a live fire. How realistic it will be depends on the cost of the device. For example, in cheap models you will not be able to see a flickering flame, smoke, smell or hear the cracking of logs. In simple models, several lamps are installed that illuminate the scenery. This method cannot achieve realism, but you can create a pleasant atmosphere in the room. Expensive models are very similar to a real fireplace. Thanks to rotating reflectors and flickering light, shadows and reflections are created.
They have a special backlight with flickering, a fan and ribbons made of foil or silk fabric. In addition, there is a special reflector system. Air currents cause the stripes to flutter like a flame. At the same time, water vapor is sent into the firebox, which imitates smoke from a fire. The cracklers that expensive models are equipped with are responsible for sound effects: they produce the sounds of rustling flames and crackling firewood.
Some companies allow you to add this option to existing fireplace models for an additional fee. To achieve complete similarity, you can use flavors that smell like natural smoke. Some models even provide the ability to clean or humidify the air.
Electric fireplaces can be classified according to their type of design:
- free-standing, which look like a cast-iron fireplace or stove-stove;
- built-in models, which are called cassettes;
- electric fireplaces that are built into a pre-prepared portal;
- wall-mounted, which can be installed at different levels.
The first 3 types of execution provide for frontal and angular orientation. Corner-shaped fireplaces are best suited for small apartments, since they are compact and do not require special conditions.
The best built-in electric fireplaces
Dimplex Viotta
The fireplace consists of a hearth and a portal, creates an imitation of combustion in a classic wood-burning fireplace, works in heating mode and as a decorative one. The design has a hidden fan and thermostat. Silent operation, equipped with a remote control for control. The flame level is adjustable.
Advantages:
- Work without heating.
- Heat is supplied from below, the glass does not heat up.
- Remote control.
- Heating adjustment.
- Independent hearth.
- Classic design.
- Budget cost.
- Easy installation.
Flaws:
- The tangible sound of the fireplace, quiet but noticeable.
- There is a noticeable technical smell when working.
With a budget price tag of 14,500 rubles, the fireplace has good quality and characteristics. There is a flame adjustment and a remote control. In terms of the quality of fire simulation, it cannot be compared with more expensive models that use steam and LED, but the price tag for these models is higher.
But even if we compare it with other more expensive samples, it has advantages over them. For example, RealFlame 3D FireStar 33 for 49 thousand rubles has a power of only 1.5 kW versus 2 kW for Dimplex Viotta; RealFlame does not have flame level adjustment, but Dimplex does. Therefore, the fireplace is very good for the money.
Electrolux EFP/W-1200URLS
The fireplace is available in 4 colors: white, black, red and orange. To achieve realistic burning fuel, Real Fire Perfect technology is used. The kit includes two types of fuel - firewood and white stones for high-tech style. The firewood is hand-painted to achieve maximum visual effect. During operation, the fireplace produces characteristic sounds of crackling wood, the sound volume is adjustable. You can adjust the brightness of the combustion and the heating intensity - 1 or 2 kW, you can turn off the heating. The remote control is used for adjustment.
Advantages:
- Two types of fireplace fuel to choose from.
- Adjust the heating or turn it off.
- Sound effect of crackling firewood with the ability to turn it off.
- Remote control.
- High safety, the glass does not heat up, is shock-resistant, but even if it breaks, it breaks into fragments without sharp edges.
- Overheat protection, shutdown when critical temperature is reached.
- Convenient wall mounting, brackets included.
- Variety of panel colors.
- Thin, it does not stick out noticeably from the wall, but the rounded shape visually increases its size, making the fireplace even more impressive.
Flaw:
- Users note that the sound of wood burning is not realistic enough.
The price of the fireplace is 22 thousand rubles, so you shouldn’t expect complex functions from it, such as automatic heating adjustment according to the temperature in the room, parental locking of buttons and the like. Don't expect the flame simulation to be very realistic. As users note, the picture looks like a real one, decorates the room, relaxes, creates a cozy atmosphere, but cannot compare with a real flame. The fireplace copes well with the heating function, heating a room of 20 square meters. m to a comfortable temperature.
Compared to Dimplex Viotta, the functionality of Electrolux is more interesting, as is the picture of a burning flame. There are two replaceable types of fuel, a combustion sound with volume control, Dimplex did not provide such a choice. Electrolux gives a two-year warranty on its fireplaces. In general, for this money I recommend it, you can buy it. If the price seems too high to you, I advise you to take Dimplex.
RealFlame 3D FireStar 33
3D flame simulation technology, 7 halogen lamps are used to create the burning effect. The flame height is controlled by remote control. There is a burning sound. The fireplace humidifies the air and is equipped with a steam generator. Possibility of working in decorative mode without turning on the heating. Heating is adjustable in two levels. A remote control is used for control.
Advantages:
- Overheat protection.
- 3D flame imitation effect.
- Air humidification.
- Simulation of smoke using a steam generator.
- Easy installation in standard niches.
- Sound accompaniment of work.
Flaws:
- Heating only up to 1.5 kW.
- The fan heater emits a technical smell.
Competitive advantages over previous models in the rating include a steam generator for air humidification and smoke simulation, 3D combustion effect with halogen lamps. The brightness of the flame is not adjustable, only its height; the Dimplex Viotta has flame adjustment. With an average price of 49 thousand rubles, this fireplace offers a somewhat meager range of options. But if this price doesn’t scare you, you can take it: the fireplace effectively heats a room of up to 30 square meters. m, although it operates with a power of up to 1.5 kW.
Electric fireplace installation
You can install a built-in fireplace yourself, the main thing is to comply with safety requirements and take into account the layout of the room. There is a huge variety of electric fireplaces - rectangular, round, square, open or closed, wide-format and with a curved firebox, there are corner and mini models. Electric ovens occupy a separate niche.
For installation, a portal is made of plasterboard, stone, polyurethane, or a niche in the wall is used. Portals can also be purchased together with an electric fireplace. The depth of the niche should correspond to the dimensions of the hearth; the most common sizes are 30-60 cm.
In some cases, when wall partitions do not allow you to build a fireplace, for example, in a studio apartment, or with thin partitions where an electric fireplace simply will not fit, you can build the fireplace into the furniture or choose a double-sided model. Also, as an option, decorate the protruding part with plasterboard in the adjacent room,
the ledge will make an original shelf.
To give an electric fireplace a solid look as a piece of furniture, you can make an imitation of a real fireplace yourself or buy a ready-made large case - a portal.
During installation, you can place the fireplace at any height from the floor, depending on your tastes and the design of the room. To avoid cracks in the wall or undesirable consequences if installed incorrectly, you should follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions and connect to the wall.
To start using the fireplace, you need to turn it on. This principle applies to both mini-models and electric ovens. With a high power model, you should take care of the condition of the wiring.
Style directions in design
Modern electric fireplaces are not limited in design.
There are a huge variety of beautiful models made in classic or modern styles. The market offers both simple models of floor-standing fireplaces and complex architectural designs of attached fireplaces. The design of side-mounted fireplaces can be completely under your control. You can choose the facing stone, the color and material of the shelf, and all the accessories. In addition, in all electric fireplaces, the hearth itself can have its own design. Here you can choose almost any material, from wood to marble.
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Advantages of electric fireplaces
An electric fireplace heats a room using infrared radiation, but visually it imitates a live fire.
Electric fireplace in the living room interior
Advantages of electric fireplaces over live fire:
- Easy to install. Unlike real ones, before installing an electric fireplace you do not need to install ventilation and a chimney.
- The ability to easily move the device to another location.
- Fire safety, no soot, smoke, sparks, soot.
- Insignificant, and therefore safe, heating of the case.
- Uniform heat distribution throughout the living room area. Automatic temperature control using a thermostat.
- Small thickness, so the electrical device can be installed anywhere. You can purchase a compact model, which will be much smaller than a portal with a real fire, and therefore it will easily fit into a small room.
- Economical. This applies to both energy consumption and price.
- Natural imitation of the wood burning process.
Interior of a city apartment with an electric fireplace
Electric fireplaces
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What is an electric fireplace? Find out more.
Electric fireplaces in Ireland are very popular because they come in a variety of designs, and are quite indistinguishable from real fireplaces. Such fireplaces will look great in the interior of an apartment. You can easily find out prices by visiting the corresponding pages of our store. You can also read reviews about all types of fireplaces, which will allow you to make the right choice in favor of quality and convenience. Buy an electric fireplace for your home to have a pleasant time in the evenings.
Here is one of the best solutions today. Dimplex electric fireplaces can be installed anywhere and all that is needed for use is to connect to the electrical network. An electric fireplace does not require additional ventilation. And their big advantage is that they do not need a chimney. Therefore, they have gained great popularity among admirers of home comfort near the fireplace. The climate control equipment store in Moscow has everything you need in its facilities in order to provide you with the opportunity to master such a miracle of technology. Prices in our store will allow you to choose the best option for you inexpensively.
In order to satisfy the wishes of each buyer, fireplaces are equipped with portals of various types. In addition, the unit can be supplemented with “firewood”, covered with “brick” or simply finished with brass and chrome. Therefore, if you buy a modern electric fireplace, you need to take care of it, prepare or purchase firewood. Reviews about our products also help to understand that they are excellent for heating a room, and not just for the purpose of obtaining the irreplaceable “flame effect”. You can also set modes when the “flame effect” is half combined with full heating. This will allow you not only to enjoy the time spent near the fire, but also to reward your room with pleasant warmth.
If you have a desire to purchase something unusual, then you can buy electric fireplaces with a living flame effect from us. Such devices will fit perfectly into the interior of restaurants, hotels or other apartments. An ordinary fireplace clearly requires more careful care and control, and if you want to buy electric fireplaces with a living flame effect, your worries will be reduced, and the result will be the same.
Our store provides you with a lot of the best Dimplex in a wide variety of configurations. We can say with confidence that thanks to our choice, you will be able to satisfy all your most sophisticated consumer tastes. Using an electric fireplace has a huge advantage - it can be used not only in snowy winter and cold autumn, but even on a warm summer evening.
Managers with experience in sales of climate control equipment will help you buy an electric fireplace By calling us and ordering a practical product, you are freed from exhausting shopping trips. We recommend buying an electric fireplace from us at an affordable price, and we will provide delivery and a guarantee.
Dimensions of fireplaces, their design and types
The smallest electric fireplaces are the size of an eighth of a square meter, they can be portable, and most often they are only of an applied nature. The products are very convenient in everyday life for heating purposes.
The design of electric fireplaces has its own standards, namely, the standard design consists of two main parts:
- The portal is the outer part or frame; it can have an interesting design and decoration.
- The hearth is the firebox of an electric fireplace, the functional part.
An electric fireplace is much safer than a classic fireplace; it dries out the air in the room less and is easier to operate and clean.
By size, electric fireplaces are divided into:
- microfireplaces that have dimensions of 35cm*50cm*20cm;
- small fireplaces, the dimensions of which fluctuate around 60cm*65cm*32cm;
- large models in which any parameter exceeds 1 meter.
Depending on the placement, there are several types of structures:
- floor;
- built into the wall (the so-called “hearth in the wall”);
- attached.
Their price can range from 10 thousand to 250 thousand rubles due to additional effects, such as flame visualization and humidification functions.
An electric fireplace is considered large if it measures more than 50 cm in height and 70 cm in width. Most often they are installed on the floor in large niches.
The decoration of the fireplace can be completely different, especially if you have a large financial reserve. You can make a fireplace with carvings, special masonry, stylized in the spirit of the Renaissance, or cover the protective grille with precious metal.
What kind of electric fireplaces can be built in (installation type)
Decorative electric built-in fireplaces, with the effect of live fire, are a complete imitation of a natural hearth. Some models, during operation, in addition to visual images, recreate the noise of the flame and the crackling of wood during combustion.
If there is a need for additional heating of an apartment or private house, purchase a modern wall-mounted electric fireplace with a heating function. To increase productivity and heat transfer, fans are installed inside the device, increasing the intensity of the circulation of convection currents.
Front mounting
The difference between the internal installation of an electric fireplace and the front one lies in the location and installation of the structure. In the first case, only the portal protrudes from the wall; all the filling is located in a specially made niche in the wall. The heating efficiency of built-in electric fireplaces is greater. Frontal models are mainly used as one of the decorative elements.
Indoor installation
Distribution of heated air: intake and release, carried out through convection channels. Heating is carried out by convection. Cold air is taken from the floor level and, after heating, rises to the ceiling. The heating elements are hidden in a heat-insulating casing, so the body of the electrical device heats up slightly.
Electric fireplaces are used as an additional source of heat and effectively maintain the required temperature in the room. But it is not economically feasible to heat a room exclusively with an electric fireplace.
Features and Benefits
Many modern owners prefer to decorate their living rooms with electric fireplaces. This device will give you only pleasure. The models simulate smoldering firewood, a real flame, the brightness of which can be adjusted. Using the remote control, you can control the device comfortably.
Some electronic fireplaces have a fan heater. This means that they can heat a large room. This function will be especially relevant when the heating is turned off in the autumn or spring. Thus, you will not only find a stylish piece of decor, but also find a replacement for a simple heater.
Modern models have LED backlighting, which means they save energy. A stylish room will always lift your mood and put your family in a positive mood. An attractive fireplace will create an unforgettable atmosphere of comfort and home.
The products have a number of advantages:
Stylish aesthetic look. Each fireplace has an attractive design. You can choose the option that best suits your home. In this case, you should focus on the style of the room so that a unified concept is observed
Be sure to calculate the parameters of the product before making an important purchase so that the fireplace fits seamlessly into the room
- Safety. This is another important point that makes up the advantages of electronic fireplaces. These products do not require special permits for installation. They are fire resistant.
- Easy to install. The devices do not require a chimney, will not become sources of contamination of furniture or rooms, and will not “eat up” the oxygen in the room.
- Economical. You will not need to constantly buy coal and firewood.
- Such an electrical device does not require special care. You will only need to keep it clean. The device operates from a household network.
- No need to worry if you have small children at home. You can safely install an electric fireplace in the living room. It will not harm any member of your family.
Among the many advantages, there are also disadvantages of the products. For example, the very principle of operation of the device resembles a fan heater. The air is forced through the heating coils, causing a slight noise to be heard. It makes some customers uncomfortable. Significant energy consumption occurs if you set the product to heating mode. When you turn on additional devices, the wiring may simply not withstand it. Therefore, it is worth considering these parameters in advance. The artificial flame pattern is repeated with some cyclicity. This allows you to realize that this is not a real fireplace after all. If these nuances do not scare you, then you can safely install this attractive product in your living room.
How to choose a quality electric fireplace?
Advantages and disadvantages
Before you go to the store for a new purchase, you should clearly understand what advantages and disadvantages you may encounter during installation and use.
Among the advantages, the following components can be noted:
- As already mentioned, anyone can install the product; installing it yourself will save some money that can be spent on other needs. In addition, the process itself is not labor-intensive and quite “clean”.
- There is no need to purchase firewood and coal, the device operates from the network and is turned on by a control panel, which is equipped with a temperature control button. When the apartment is warm, you can turn off the heating and, to maintain an aesthetic appearance, leave only the fire burning.
- The device consumes a small amount of electricity, which means you won’t have to pay exorbitant amounts on utility bills. Interestingly, a fireplace is quite capable of temporarily replacing heating from a radiator. This is especially true on the eve of the heating season, when the heating has not yet been turned on, and the weather outside is no longer like May.
- If desired, the electric fireplace can be turned off.
- The unit is completely safe for small children, as certified by the fire inspectorate (if this is confirmed by the relevant documents attached to the equipment).
- Some models are equipped with a simulator of natural sounds, for example, the crackling of firewood, which soothe and relax the human nervous system.
- After purchase, you can transport the device in a regular car, because it is light in weight and has appropriate dimensions that allow you to transport and move the fireplace from room to room, if necessary.
- In order to install an electrical appliance, you do not need to stand in line and obtain permission from employees of the relevant authorities.
Now is the time to talk about the disadvantages of the product:
- Those who have not disconnected the unit from the power supply at all claim that the round-the-clock pleasure of enjoying the aesthetics and luxury of the design costs a tidy sum. If you calculate the costs, even the cost of gas heating per month is less than the payment for using an electric fireplace.
- Craftsmen pay attention to the fact that not every wiring can withstand round-the-clock load, and certain problems may arise with this.
- The device has built-in spirals and fans, which when operating create little noise.
- Of course, natural flames will never be replaced by artificially created effects. Therefore, if you are a supporter of exceptional naturalness, this device is not suitable for you.
Criterias of choice
There is no point in starting to install an electric fireplace that does not work well. Your task is to choose the most suitable model that meets your personal taste preferences and functions without interruptions or breakdowns.
First of all, check with the sales consultant what the power of the product you are interested in is. It’s good if it takes one kilowatt of power to heat one square meter of space.
Before buying an electric fireplace, consider all the pros and cons of the models you like.
When deciding on the cost, do not go to extremes and do not follow the lead of the sellers - a device that is too cheap and, on the contrary, expensive is not your option. A cheap analogue cannot have good characteristics, if only because the manufacture of such models uses the most mediocre bases, metals, fasteners and parts that can break at any time.
At the same time, the cost of expensive products is unreasonably high and often depends not on the functionality of the devices, but on the quality of the finish. For example, framing a frame with mahogany costs the manufacturer much more than other types of wood.
Which manufacturers are time-tested
It is important to know which manufacturer you can trust. If this is the first time you hear the name of the brand, do not take this equipment, let someone else become its first “tester”; you don’t need any extra hassle or problems.
Today, domestic electric fireplaces are very popular among buyers. Although production is concentrated in Russia, all parts and components are purchased abroad. Thus, you will not have to pay a considerable customs fee, and the quality of the device at an affordable price is not inferior to foreign competitors in the same industry.
Among foreign manufacturers, one can highlight the Irish company GLEN DIMPLEX. Here the consumer is given the opportunity to decide for himself whether he needs a full assembly of the device, or whether it is enough to purchase some accessories along with the construction portal. Agree, this is a convenient approach for those who are confident in their abilities and can assemble a single device from many components.
This company is also distinguished by its large offer of equipment, offering a wide variety of design options.
Electric fireplace installation
According to installation option
The designs differ in the installation method, they can be:
- floor;
- wall;
- embedded in objects;
- corner;
- prefabricated
The main design detail is its hearth. However, without the necessary design, it can only act as a mediocre heater. It is the correct design, which coincides with the overall design idea of the entire room, that can turn it into an unforgettable element of decor.
You can install the wall sample next to the outlet to which the power cord is actually connected. The wall-mounted model is framed and mounted a meter from the floor covering. A corner fireplace will allow you to save space in the room.
Experts do not recommend placing built-in units on the opposite side of the light source - the effects built into the equipment may noticeably fade. Try to keep the hearth deep, this will add realism to the flame.
In any case, the installation of an electric fireplace begins with the formation of a portal for it. Creating a frame is not difficult at all. It is enough to build a metal profile and place plasterboard panels on top of it. Do not forget to cover the resulting joints, irregularities and crevices with putty and primer mixture. The socket is mounted next to the fireplace in a special niche.
Further processing depends only on you. As finishing, you can use natural materials - wood or stone, plaster, as well as artificial components. Recently, apartment owners have given preference to glass finishes interspersed with natural fibers. The amount of money you have will help you decide on the variety of options.
Taking into account the placement of the device in the apartment
An electric fireplace looks great in a studio apartment where the kitchen is combined with the living room. Here the product will fit well along the wall, located perpendicular to the windows. Let the soft, comfortable sofas stand a meter from the electric fireplace, and place a low table between them. It’s convenient when sitting on the sofa, you can easily reach the shelf with books located on the side and slightly behind. A mandatory attribute of such an interior is a soft carpet.
It’s nice to look at an electric fireplace in the bedroom while lying on the bed, with a loved one or alone, relaxing after a working day. It is advisable to build small shelves for photographs and postcards into the portal for the device.
The main thing is to take care of high-quality subsequent finishing
Adherents of the teachings of Feng Shui should place the structure in the southern part of the apartment, away from sewers and pipes that can “extinguish” the energy of the fire.
Assembling a portal for an electric fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands
You can make a portal from plasterboard in any convenient place - its low weight makes it easy to carry. The manufacturing process looks like this:
- A frame is assembled from special metal profiles for mounting plasterboard structures. First, the base (for a wall model it will be rectangular, for a corner model it will be triangular), then the racks and top trim are attached to it.
- Next, the frame is covered with plasterboard. The screws should be screwed in so that their heads are recessed by approximately 1 mm. Securing the sheets with one or two screws, perform a test installation of the electric fireplace. Only after such a check should all fasteners be screwed in.
- Now the portal can be installed in place and screwed to the wall using dowels.
- The tabletop is laid on top and fixed. It should be wrapped in plastic film or newspapers, otherwise it may get dirty during finishing work.
- Seams, cracks and recesses from self-tapping screws on the surface of the drywall must be puttied.
- After this, you can begin cladding the portal. Most often, ceramic tiles or gypsum plaster are used for this purpose. Using the latter, if you make the composition thick enough, you can imitate modeling, brickwork or artificial stone cladding. To make the plaster coating durable, it is coated with paint or varnish.
- The last step is to install the fireplace.
It is best to decorate the portal using artificial stone elements. This material is inexpensive, but at the same time it looks very impressive, as it is very similar to stones of natural origin. It is light in weight, so it can be attached to drywall with glue.
Plasterboard fireplace
A variety of accessories can be an excellent addition to the portal: poker, fireplace grate, scoop, screen, firewood rack, etc. The size of the firewood box can be purely symbolic, but you definitely need to put several real logs in it
Please note that firewood logs can be either forged or stamped. The former are more expensive, but they also have a much more noble appearance.
Screens can also be forged - they are decorated with curls and other elements. Of course, in this case there is no need to shell out money for a product with fireproof glass. Portals in which the screen is made in the form of a brocade screen look good.
Accessories such as a scoop for removing ash, a poker, tongs, a peak, a broom, etc. should be placed on the side wall, but in the case of a plasterboard portal, it is better to hang them on a special rack.
What should you consider before installation work?
Before you purchase a heater and begin installing it, you need to resolve several important issues:
- What is the main purpose of the device?
- Where will the hearth be located?
- What design will it have?
- How will the electric fireplace be connected to the network?
We will briefly tell you about each nuance of self-installation.
So, the first thing you must decide is what this type of electric heater will be used for in your house or apartment. Most often, an electric fireplace is installed for decorative purposes - to make the living room more comfortable or to give the bedroom a romantic atmosphere. However, this does not mean that such a device will not perform its main function - heating the room. The power of an electric fireplace usually varies between 1-2 kW, which is quite enough to heat a room of 20 square meters. meters. If any room lacks a central heating system, such equipment can save the situation and make the room warm.
The next, no less important question is where to install the electric fireplace in the room. Here it’s up to you to decide where it’s best to place it, but consider the following requirements:
- Direct exposure to sunlight and bright light from light bulbs will degrade the quality of artificial fire, so it is better to place the device in a darkened corner or a plasterboard niche.
- If you choose a hanging design option (more on this later), the hearth should hang no lower than 1 meter from the floor. Otherwise, it will be covered by other interior elements.
- In addition to the previous requirement, it should be noted that the installation location and connection of the electric fireplace must be such that it is the “highlight” of the room’s interior. Various cabinets, paintings and figurines should complement the electric heater, but not dominate it in design.
- If the room is spacious, you need to install the electric fireplace in the center, but not in a secluded corner.
- There should be a socket near the selected connection point so as not to draw a new line from the junction box.
- We highly recommend not placing a fireplace under the TV, because... Heat generation may adversely affect the operation of the screen.
- If you want to decorate your interior according to Feng Shui, place the fireplace in one of the corners. It is believed that negative energy accumulates in the corners of the room, which is neutralized by the positive energy of a corner electric fireplace.
- If the room is small, but you still want to install this type of electric heater in it, buy a corner housing. In this case, you will “kill two birds with one stone”: you will save free space and make your dream come true.
The third question is choosing a suitable design depending on the location of the installation of the electric fireplace in the apartment with your own hands. It should be noted here that electric fireplaces can be corner, wall-mounted, built-in and attached (all 4 options are shown in the photo below). As for the last two options, the attached fireplace does not need to be mounted into the wall, but just needs to be moved to a suitable place, which significantly facilitates installation work. With the installation of a built-in electric fireplace, things are more complicated, because... For installation it is necessary to make a special plasterboard structure or a niche in the wall. The advantage of a portal heater is that it can be lined with natural stone or wood, creating a design similar to a real wood-burning fireplace.
Well, the last nuance is the method of connecting the electric fireplace to the electrical network in the apartment. Everything here is quite simple - due to its low power, the fireplace can be connected to a regular outlet, the main thing is that no more powerful electrical appliances are connected to this electrical point. It is not entirely reasonable to draw a new line from the distribution box, unless, of course, the place for the electric heater is chosen at the stage of a major overhaul. If you are really thinking about installing an electric fireplace while renovating your apartment, install one separate outlet in a suitable location and you won’t have any hassle.
The wires are visible - the socket is installed incorrectly
Having dealt with all the nuances, you can proceed to connecting the electric fireplace to the network with your own hands, which we will talk about next.
Features of choice
In fact, choosing such a device is quite an interesting and non-trivial task, which people do not come across very often. The following recommendations will allow you to make a more informed choice of electric fireplace:
Selecting the location and style of the device
It is very important to choose the right place on the wall where your device will hang. Usually the central wall of the room is cleared for it, and a place is chosen at eye level
The dimensions of an electric fireplace correlate with the size of the room, so massive rectangular systems are appropriate for large rooms, and flat and neat, often round devices are appropriate for small rooms. A wall-mounted electric fireplace should suit the style of the room, for example, for simple minimalist styles, rectangular devices with metal or glass trim are appropriate, and for classic interiors, square devices trimmed with wood and metal forging are perfect.
Selection of the required functionality. You should immediately determine the tasks of the device. Will the electric fireplace be an exclusively decorative accessory, or will it need its help in heating the room, or maybe it will illuminate the room as an original night light or play music as a music center. For example, infrared electric fireplaces do an excellent job of heating in apartments and houses; their efficiency can reach up to 100%. Determining the primary functionality will allow you to correctly select the power of the device.
The main accent of a spacious living room
Mounted electric fireplaces are presented in a wide range in various stores and on Internet sites. Having made a calm and deliberate choice, you will certainly move on to the exciting stage of installing the equipment.
Where to install
Future fireplace owners often wonder: where is the best place to install a corner fireplace to make it beautiful and practical? The fireplace is installed on an internal or external wall. If you choose the first option, installation difficulties may arise due to the elevation of the chimney. In the second case, installation is less problematic, but requires prior approval from the relevant authorities.
Whatever fireplace option you choose (except for an electric fireplace), everything related to the presence of fire must be installed in accordance with fire safety requirements. Everything else is at the discretion of the owner. The only thing is that it is not recommended to install a fireplace opposite windows and entrance doors to avoid drafts.
Fireplaces in niches
A fireplace in a niche can not only be built in, but also simply placed in it. These types include cassette hearths and stoves, free-standing models or classic ones. Everything is limited only by the designer’s imagination. The niche can be made at eye level - if we are talking about cassette fires, or near the floor. This way you can designate a fireplace area with a niche where the hearth will be installed. The easiest way to make such niches is in plasterboard partitions. The back wall can be decorated with brick to create the most realistic effect of a real wood-burning fireplace. Some models can be connected directly to the water supply to keep the flame burning continuously without the need to fill the water tank, in which case it is important to provide access to the water supply.
In the photo: fireplace in a niche
Step-by-step instructions for making an electric fireplace portal
The question arises, how to make an electric fireplace with steam with your own hands? Let's figure it out. Models of electric fireplaces are different and they are made from different materials. For example, such as: plasterboard, stone, noble wood, chipboard, plywood and many others.
To create an electric fireplace with your own hands, no special skills are required, the main thing is to strictly follow the instructions
You can make an electric fireplace with your own hands, step-by-step instructions for which are presented, without any problems. The fact that it is divided into parts is only a plus, since you can choose the most optimal option based on your preferences and capabilities. About
Plywood and wood - step-by-step instructions
Making a portal from plywood and beams is almost no different from working with drywall, but here you have to take into account both the large mass and the significant thickness of the materials used. The finished structure will be noticeably heavier, but it will be able to withstand the weight of not only a full-size fireplace, but also additionally installed equipment on the mantelpiece.
Tools and materials
To work you will need:
- frame beam 50x50 cm;
- plywood with a thickness of 12 mm;
- wood screws;
- jigsaw;
- screwdriver
For finishing, you can take primer, wood putty and paint that is resistant to high temperatures. In the case of a heating fireplace, all combustible surfaces must be impregnated with fire retardants, unless the manufacturer has done this in the factory. To attach the overlay decor you will need carpenter's glue - hardware will spoil the solid image of the wooden portal.
Schemes and calculation of materials
To give the electric fireplace maximum resemblance to the real thing, it is necessary not only to select a suitable sketch of the portal, but also to maintain the “classic” dimensions. After measuring the firebox, a drawing is made so that the height of the structure is twice as high as the visible part of the electric fireplace, and the width is 2/3 greater.
Types of fireplaces
Depending on the type of fuel, installation method, style and location, models come in different types: wood-burning, gas, electric, floor-mounted, wall-mounted, straight, corner, stone, timber. There are devices that don't even need a chimney. They do not emit harmful substances into the atmosphere, although they function on the principle of living fire.
Built-in options take up little space, but the space for them should be taken into account in advance when designing the interior so as not to disturb the structure of the walls. If you decide to install equipment after renovation, the best option is a wall-mounted fireplace. As for the exterior decoration, it can be made of stone, brick, and other materials.
In addition to the above, island and corner fireplaces are popular - they fit organically into the interior, becoming an integral part of it.
Features of built-in electric fireplaces
How do these heating devices differ from their analogues? To understand, you need to understand what types of electric fireplaces there are, what their features and functions are.
Wall fireplaces
They are an electric fireplace enclosed in a housing, which is built into the wall in any convenient place. Depending on the model, they can be classically shaped or large-format, decorative or combined, combining the heating function with flame visualization.
The disadvantage of such fireplaces is the insufficient depth of the firebox, which does not allow creating the effect of a natural wood-burning hearth.
Wall fireplace
Wall and corner built-in fireplaces
This type of fireplace is made of metal and is designed for installation anywhere in the room, depending on its shape. They can also combine a decorative function with a heating one, while the depth of the firebox can be any, and as the price rises, the realism of the hearth also increases: some models are equipped not only with an imitation flame, but also with sound, a smoke generator, decorative logs and coals. The only drawback of this series of models is that the design of the fireplace cannot be changed or adapted to the overall design of the room.
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Wall fireplace in cast iron casing
Built-in fireplaces
Perhaps the most versatile type of electric fireplace, because it combines all the advantages of the fireplaces listed above with the ability to install it in any portal, niche, and even build it directly into the wall. At the same time, the realism of the firebox will allow you to forget that this is not a real wood-burning fireplace, but an electrical appliance, for which you just need to press a button on the remote control.
Built-in fireplace with wooden portal
3D electric fireplaces - the choice for a stylish interior
Another interesting nuance. The lucky ones who have the opportunity to choose a traditional solution will say that the unique atmosphere of a living flame, characteristic of a wood-burning fireplace, cannot be faked. But this is no longer an indisputable statement. Modern electrical devices have achieved amazingly realistic imitation of a living flame. The developed, unique solutions have become a real breakthrough in 3D visualization. Look for yourself in the photo and be sure to video at the end of the article.
Using electric versions of the traditional wood burning solution allowed the fireplace to step into the water
The effect obtained by reflecting light and using spot lighting makes the imitation of burning logs so real that sometimes you want to make sure that this is not a real fire. The 3D flame and smoke effect allows you to achieve an almost perfect, 3D illusion of fire. The unique technique involves creating water vapor using ultrasound, similar to that used in steam generators and humidifiers. This steam rises and creates the illusion of a living fire, floating above it like smoke above real burning wood.
The classic style presupposes and encourages the appearance of decorative elements in it to create coziness
If you want to really bring a breath of fresh air into the interior of your apartment, then purchasing a 3D fireplace will be absolutely the right decision. With limited space, you can play with the design of the room and place an electric fireplace and a TV on the same wall. Another proven option would be to install a corner device. 3D electric fireplaces with the effect of a live fire will be appropriate not only in a small living room, but also in any other room, for example, in a bedroom. The main thing is to correctly determine the design and size of the device, which must correspond to the parameters and general design of the room.
The magnificent ability of these devices to seamlessly integrate into any design and any space
Date: September 25, 2022
Gallery of electric fireplaces in the interior
Electric fireplace with imitation of open fire in the living room
Comfort and warmth in the bedroom
Minimalistic modern style Original use in the interior of the dining room Electric fireplace with imitation coals in the portal
Full imitation of fire in the living room fireplace
Advantages and disadvantages
The flame in the fireplace is not alive, so the risk of fire is eliminated.
A built-in electric fireplace has undeniable advantages and a number of disadvantages. The positive aspects include the following points:
- Safe operation - the fireplace portal does not heat up during operation, so this device is safe in a house where there are small children.
- Ease of operation - for the fireplace to function, you only need to connect to the electrical network.
- By installing an electric fireplace, you can decorate the interior and provide warmth to your apartment or house.
- The artificial origin of fire eliminates the need to prepare firewood, clean chimneys and fireboxes.
- A large selection of compact models allows you to find a fireplace for any room, even the smallest room.
- Variety of portal finishes.
- Since the fire in the fireplace is not alive, the risk of carbon monoxide emissions is eliminated.
The disadvantages of built-in models are much smaller than the positive aspects. The disadvantages of purchasing an electric fireplace are:
- Additional costs for electricity consumption. But this only applies to models that operate for heating. Electricity consumption of decorative devices is much lower.
- Due to the high popularity of electric fireplaces, many fakes have appeared on the market.
To purchase quality equipment, you need to contact only trusted manufacturers.