What is a decorative fireplace and its purpose?
The installation of such decoration as a false hearth will allow you to decorate almost any room in an original way. A pseudo-fireplace decorates a room, but is not always equipped with a heating element.
Advantages and disadvantages of false fireplaces
A modern imitation of any fireplace has many advantages:
- the product is completely fireproof;
- various things are stored and stored in it;
- This is a most original decoration;
- pseudo-hearth creates comfort;
- made from almost any materials;
- It’s easy to do it yourself, without any special financial investments.
To make an artificial fireplace look relevant and stylish, you will have to think through many details: from its appearance to its location in the space of the room.
But there are also a number of disadvantages:
- the artificial fireplace does not heat;
- with large dimensions, the item takes up valuable space in the room;
- It will take time to create and decorate the hearth.
What is a false fireplace and why is it needed?
It is impossible to install a full-fledged fireplace in a city apartment. This is due to the lack of chimney pipes, as well as the inability of the floors to withstand heavy loads. As an alternative, an imitation of fire is used, which can be done with your own hands without special skills.
Some people buy ready-made electric false fireplaces - they are inexpensive and do not require complicated installation. However, creating an imitation of fire in a fireplace with your own hands is a more interesting way of interior design, which allows you to realize any design ideas and fantasies, turning the living room into the most comfortable part of the apartment.
Decorative fire has the following advantages:
- Affordable price. All costs are associated only with the purchase of materials.
- Decor versatility. A false fireplace can be used for a whole year, and if desired, it can be modified by changing its appearance.
- Stylish appearance and combination with any interior styles.
Types of decorative fireplaces
A wide selection of ready-made designs are available for sale. If you are not considering making an electric fireplace with a live fire effect yourself, you can choose one of the following solutions:
- Cardboard or foam portal. It is the most affordable product. In addition, you can create it yourself with minimal time and effort. Considering the flammability of materials, it is impossible to place a fire source in them. It is also not recommended to install heavy decorative objects on the structure, because Styrofoam will not be able to support them.
- Fireplace made of plasterboard. Making an imitation of fire from this raw material is quite simple. The material is easy to process and is inexpensive. Unlike foam or cardboard, drywall is fire resistant. This allows you to use candles to simulate a flame.
- Plywood option. It features a stylish design and environmental safety. But in order to preserve the appearance of the portal and extend its service life, you need to isolate the material from moisture.
- Brick and stone fireplaces. These types are highly decorative and durable. To create a hearth, you need to have basic skills in laying bricks or stones. You will also need to spend a considerable amount on purchasing materials. Before installing the structure, you should make sure that the flooring can support such a weighty structure.
Options for simulating a false oven
- symbolic - reminiscent of the classical one, done on the wall with paints or photo wallpapers and decorated with various paraphernalia. The most attractive are false stoves made of finishing materials, folded in the form of a portal. As a result, it is possible to obtain a firebox up to 15 centimeters deep, into which wax candles are placed;
- conditional - distinguished by the presence of a portal arranged in a niche. A firebox up to 25 centimeters deep is decorated with candles or logs. Mirrors allow you to visually expand the internal space of the structure and create a scattering effect;
- reliable - has maximum similarity with classic working fireplaces, corresponds to them in size and frame. In addition to firewood, a firebox about 50 centimeters deep contains a burner for fuel made from animal or vegetable raw materials, which creates the effect of a “living” flame. Installing an electric fireplace allows you to get another source of heat.
False fireplace in the children's room
An interesting solution is a decorative fireplace in the baby’s room. Without changing the essence of the design, you can increase the furnace niche and supplement it with shelves where children's toys, books and other items and accessories will be stored. The significant depth of the combustion hole will be an excellent corner for children's games.
And finally, it must be said that, first of all, a fireplace is a significant thing in creating a romantic atmosphere. Even in its decorative design, such a hearth will appeal to both a young family and an elderly couple. A smoldering flame promotes peace and relaxation, brings people together, and gives the interior comfort and coziness.
What does a fireplace in your home mean to you? Which design options did you like best?
Photos of fireplace imitation in the interior
Imitation of a fireplace in a classic interior
Portal for a biofireplace made of plasterboard
Imitation of a fireplace with candles - the main thing is to choose the right design
Bio-fireplace with stone frame. Indistinguishable from the real thing
The decorative fireplace fits into the most fashionable styles - minimalism, hi-tech, modern
A properly designed electric fireplace also fits into a sophisticated environment
Another bio-fireplace
A candle fireplace creates a romantic atmosphere
The portal can be decorated with mosaics
An interesting option - before kindling))
The best posts
- How to install a ball valve? Advantages and disadvantages of ball valves
- How to clean a floor from old paint: remove wood, remove and strip it, clean an apartment, remove parquet
- How to choose the right ball valve
- DIY knitted needlework organizer
- Making your own Easter wreath
- Large snowflakes made of paper: diagrams and templates for cutting
- How to correctly arrange furniture in a rectangular room?
- How to choose a voltage stabilizer for a private house and apartment
Related article: DIY solar water heater
Corner false fireplace
The corner portal is placed in small rooms. It does not take up useful space and turns an inconspicuous space into a full-fledged design object.
When installing a decorative fireplace, the main attention should be paid to the drawings. More complex geometric shapes require careful calculation
As a rule, the corners of the rooms are straight, so there are no big difficulties.
The frame is made of metal profiles, bars, and boards. You can lay out a corner hearth from gypsum slabs - they are lightweight and can be easily cut with a regular hacksaw.
The portal is lined with decorative materials. The polyurethane foam finish imitates molding in a classical or baroque style looks very impressive.
Types of decorative fireplaces
There are three main types of decorative fireplaces and one separate type:
- Biofireplaces. They run on special fuel, provide a “live” fire and partially heat the room.
- Electric fireplaces. A screen is installed on the front panel, like on a TV, which imitates the flames of a real flame. Conventionally, they are classified into imitations that provide heat, and functional fireplaces, which are used exclusively for heating. The second models are usually not designed for decorating a room, and therefore are not considered as a designer art object.
- Gas fireplaces. They have a real flame and are used for additional heating of the room.
- Decorative structures that are made by hand. Imitating fire is achieved through the use of candles or light bulbs. Most models do not heat the room. In some cases, eco-fireplaces are installed in an improvised fireplace.
Unusual ideas for decorative fireplaces
A beautiful, original hearth will come out of an old non-working top-loading washing machine. It is installed in a niche, decorated with LEDs, and the surface is covered with self-adhesive film with a pattern of bricks.
If the back wall of the “Khrushchev” (winter) refrigerator is covered with plywood, a sheet of chipboard, and the doors are removed, it will also look like a fireplace. The portal is decorated with a wooden or iron frame, a heater is placed inside or a fire is simply drawn. For a pseudo-fireplace in Provence or country style, a miniature cornice is mounted inside, to the top of the firebox, on which curtains with a floral print are hung. The latter are usually decorated with tiebacks so that the image of fire in the background is clearly visible.
The choice of decoration method depends entirely on the style in which the structure will be made.
A pseudo-fireplace, decorated with photographs from magazines, cut into bricks, also looks interesting. If desired and if you have free time, a hearth made of cardboard or plywood is covered with newspaper tubes, painted as if it were a real vine. Antique chests and retro suitcases, framed paintings or mirrors with patterned edges are placed inside fireplace structures. A guitar, a TV screen, a carved wooden panel are hung above the object itself, and the wall is painted or covered with photo wallpaper.
False oven made of bricks
The nuances of constructing a portal
- silicate;
- facing;
- hollow;
- decorative.
- due to the large mass of the brick structure, it is necessary to make a small pillow that will serve as a support for the walls of the future fireplace;
- For those who are doing masonry for the first time, we advise you to initially check the quality of the material. Upon visual inspection, there should be no defects on its surface. Proper firing is indicated by uniform coloring and a smooth surface;
- laying should begin from the corner of the room. The verticality of the walls is checked using a suspension. The seams should not be wide. They are sealed with a special mixture: sand with clay, cement and a small amount of water. Excess is removed with a spatula;
- The bricks should be laid in order. Before proceeding to the next row, the previous one must be given time to “grab.” The front side is wiped with a rag;
- a gap of several millimeters is left between the bricks and steel elements, which prevents damage to the structure of the false fireplace caused by different coefficients of linear expansion of the materials.
Important! The connecting seams need to be unstitched immediately, then there will be no need for finishing. To decorate the structure, a shelf made of natural wood or foam concrete is installed on top
An electric fireplace with a “live” fire function and corresponding acoustic accompaniment is placed inside the firebox. The heater is a mirror reflector or a fan that directs heat from the heating element to the outside. The air expands across the floor, rises to the ceiling and thereby heats the entire room. The power of a modern fireplace of 2000 watts is enough to heat a room of 25 square meters. m.
Types of false fireplaces: choosing a design
The first thing you need to decide is the type of construction. Decorative fireplaces can be of several types:
- Imitation. Such a hearth resembles a real one only conditionally. The flames in it are replaced by candles; logs or paintings depicting fire are placed inside.
- Electric. In this option, the role of the fireplace is played by its electric counterpart, framed by a niche and giving a fairly realistic video illusion of fire.
- Biofireplace. This variety is the closest to a natural fireplace and is practically indistinguishable from it. The fire in it is maintained by a special burner running on bioethanol. However, the price of such a design is quite high.
All of the listed types of false fireplaces differ both in the degree of complexity of their implementation and in the level of costs. The most budget-friendly and popular of them is an imitation fireplace, which, unlike the other two options, can be done completely independently, without purchasing additional equipment. Most often, the frame for this model is made of plasterboard, and candles or LED strips are placed inside. Let's get acquainted with the principle of creating such a decorative fireplace in more detail.
6278d1e1fbddd874402df002c211011b.jpe
Imitating fire in a fireplace - how to achieve it?
The most difficult thing in building a decorative fireplace is to create a flame effect, an imitation of fire. For these purposes, you can use an LED strip or a flickering “candle” light bulb, but you can also come up with an interesting and original approach - with a minimum of materials, you can build a real fairy tale. For example, use beautiful, smooth firewood and candles in glass cup holders or a garland with round bulbs. From such materials, by experimenting, you can create a real masterpiece.
Other flame imitation ideas:
- hologram – a 3D picture of a flame;
- halogen or LED lamps;
- artificial firewood with lighting - sold in specialized stores;
- candles (be careful and apply safety standards);
- biofireplace with alcohol;
- electric fireplace
In order for the decorative design to please you, you don’t need to use complex solutions - a small set of materials is enough, and the construction of a fireplace with your own hands will give an indelible impression.
Interesting solutions for decorating a fireplace
A decorative hearth, first of all, is designed to please the eye, so it is not at all necessary to equip it with logs and place a poker next to it. Modern designers offer many interesting decorating ideas.
A classic of the genre - a clock on the mantelpiece. Why deviate from tradition? In the case where there is an imitation of a hearth in the room, decorators suggest placing the clock in a niche or in the firebox. In addition, it would not hurt to place figurines or books on the shelf.
Natural flowers are usually not placed near a real “home fire pit”, as they will be hot, but it is quite possible to decorate a decorative analogue with indoor flowers and spruce branches.
For gourmets, use a niche as a bottle bar.
What is a false fireplace
False fireplaces are lightweight compared to brickwork. There is no need to install a chimney, the installation of which will require permits and design documents from various authorities. You can add electric decorative heaters with a visual flame effect.
A pseudo-fireplace is just a decoration, one of the decorative techniques when decorating any room. This structure is suitable for rooms in apartments, country houses and country houses.
Advantages
First of all, this design is a fairly successful design solution for masking flaws in the communications layout: in the box you can hide unsuccessfully protruding heating pipes, a large number of sockets and wires.
Advantages:
- finishing styling can be selected for any direction;
- no open flame;
- a wide variety of materials for independent installation and decoration without specific skills and specialized equipment;
- ready-made portals with and without finishing are available for sale;
- concealment of communications;
- can serve as a shelf for books and souvenirs.
Depending on the width of the top cover and the reliability of the design, not only small figurines and candlesticks, but also large vases can be placed on the resulting tabletop.
Types of false fireplaces
In order to begin choosing materials, you need to decide on the type and design of the fireplace, what it will consist of and where it will be located.
By type they are:
- reliable or as realistic as possible;
- conventional fireplaces with partial imitation;
- symbolic.
Depending on the size of the room, the type of structure is selected. For spacious living rooms in country houses, a reliable type is suitable. It can emphasize the stylization of the room and become a bright accent. Conditional and symbolic are often made in apartments and are small in size.
Reliable
This type of design contains all the elements of the original, thereby achieving visual authenticity. Real dimensions are used with imitation of a “live” flame. For this task, electric fireplaces or special panels with suitable graphic display are installed in the resulting niches.
Materials for the base of the portal are used with increased resistance to loads. This is a rather expensive option.
Conditional
A less expensive option made from inexpensive building materials. Dimensions are selected according to the size of the room. The side width of the frame can be 10-20 cm with the width of the top cover five centimeters longer. These models are mainly used as shelves.
The finish can imitate brickwork, wood grain and plaster stucco. You can create a decorative corner in the niches, where you can add scented candles and other decorations to mark the hearth. It is possible to install panels with graphics.
Symbolic
You can make a decorative fireplace with your own hands from polyurethane cornices, moldings (decorative parts in the form of a convex strip), wooden planks and even thick cardboard. In design, they are more reminiscent of a picture frame. The hearth can be painted or pasted with appropriate photo wallpaper. The design is made in a flat solution, as a result of which the width of the top shelf cover can be only five centimeters.
A symbolic false fireplace is suitable for small or narrow rooms - when there is nowhere to place it, but you really want it.
Heating decorative fireplace
An original false stove in an apartment is good, but a heating one is even better. Modern electric fireplaces not only imitate flames, but also emit heat. Improved models are able to depict a “live” fire on a reflective screen, as well as accompany the “burning process” of coals and firewood with crackling sounds.
Typically, electric fireplaces are equipped with:
- fans that function like a regular household hair dryer. They release a heated air stream that evenly warms the interior space;
- IFC heaters - they heat nearby objects, not air;
- glass coated with a special conductive composition that radiates heat from the front surface.
After reading our article, do you have a desire to install an original fireplace in your apartment yourself? Don’t put off implementing your own project until later, especially since doing it is not as difficult and expensive as it might seem.
If you are unable to create a false structure, the professionalism of experienced craftsmen will come to the rescue. Based on individual measurements, according to your wishes, preferences and allocated budget, they will assemble a decorative stove, which will become an exquisite interior decoration, filling the room with warmth and a harmonious atmosphere.
What is a decorative fireplace?
In apartment conditions, there is usually no opportunity to install a full-fledged fireplace: there is a large load on the ceilings, there is nowhere to run the chimney, there is nowhere to store fuel. In addition, it is unlikely that anyone will decide to turn modern housing into a storage facility for bundles of firewood and buckets of coal. An open flame indoors is also dangerous, especially since not only the owners of the premises are at risk, but also all residents of the apartment building. In such cases, available analogues are used - bio-, electric fireplaces and gas-powered models. Full-fledged construction will inevitably involve additional expenses, and the budget option will cope with the main task - decorating the room, but the result will be inexpensive. Such an element will fit organically into the interior, since the models differ not only in size and materials, but also in execution styles.
Corner fireplace made of plasterboard sheets
This design solution has a number of advantages:
- allows you to save free space - usually such structures are placed in an unused corner;
- they heat not one, but two or three adjacent rooms;
- the flame is clearly visible from anywhere in the room;
- the structure can be installed after the design and construction of the house.
Advice! The most popular design solution is to install a decorative false plasterboard stove in the corner opposite the front door. It becomes the central element of the interior decoration.
For beginners who do not know how to make a decorative fireplace from plasterboard on their own, we advise you to use the recommendations of experienced craftsmen. The main thing is that before starting work, you should determine the appearance of the future product and make a detailed sketch, which will allow you to calculate the exact amount of material, facilitate and speed up the installation process.
To make the case you will need:
- plasterboard sheet;
- steel profile;
- primer, putty;
- self-tapping screws;
- facing material.
To complete the frame, the following tools are useful:
- corner grinder;
- electric drill;
- jigsaw;
- laser level;
- square;
- roulette, ruler.
Beginning of work
distance from other interior items: a fireplace located near a furniture set or cabinets is not the best solution;
the presence of a sufficient amount of free space - the original design becomes the central element of the decor, attracts the attention of household members and guests;
location away from the window - a fireplace is primarily associated with warmth, so installing it near an opening can disrupt this context.
Having prepared a sketch, apply markings to the walls and floor. In this case, you need to use a level, since even minor defects can damage the integrity of the structure in the future.
1c1b023a7479239b1b8c6e287daf7856.jpe 7d295d20ec9b86217ce1a264ea26fc2a.jpe
ecc6505c080abba18c5590519ea07f5f.jpe
Advice! Before purchasing materials for making the frame yourself in a store or on the construction market, you should correctly calculate the thickness of the steel profile according to the load acting on it. Evaluating by eye is unacceptable.
Installation
- A starting profile is mounted on the floor near the walls; it should connect in the corner of the room.
- After this, the base of the furnace is erected. It is assembled in a standard way, using metal guides.
- A guide profile is fixed near the walls, along the lines in the corner. It is included in the starting one, attached with self-tapping screws to the floor.
- Fastenings between walls, contours and floors are fixed with self-tapping screws. The strength of a homemade structure depends on the reliability and stability of the base. Only after its installation can you begin to assemble the false oven portal niche and frame.
- The guide profiles are inserted into the base and brought out into the box. Jumpers are inserted between them. Metal screws are used for fastening. At the final stage, cables are laid through which current will flow to devices simulating the flame of a fire.
Frame cladding, false fireplace decoration
- to cover the base and the inside of the portal, sheets of plasterboard will need to be cut into small pieces;
- Perforated corners will also be used in the work to obtain a perfectly flat structure.
To decorate a homemade fireplace, you can use less expensive water-dispersion paint and colored plaster. In this case, all irregularities and joints of plasterboard sheets are sealed with cement, gypsum or polymer putty, and after drying, these areas are sanded with fine sandpaper.
Important! Even with very careful cutting of the gypsum board sheet, small nicks remain on its edges, which must be removed with sandpaper before applying the putty. Then all that remains is to place the electric fireplace in the “firebox”
But you can leave it free or decorate it with sea shells, flowerpots with indoor plants, thick candles, soft LED lighting, etc. There are many design ideas for decorating a false fireplace. You can bring your own vision to life or use the ready-made work of experienced specialists
After that, all that remains is to place the electric fireplace in the “firebox”. But you can leave it free or decorate it with sea shells, flowerpots with indoor plants, thick candles, soft LED lighting, etc. There are many design ideas for decorating a false fireplace. You can bring your own vision to life or use the ready-made work of experienced specialists.
Shape and size of false brick fireplace
At the first stage of the process of building a false fireplace with your own hands, you need to decide on the shape of the future structure.
Here you can give free rein to your imagination: do not think that brick is a boring and uninteresting material in design. You can use the Internet and see what interesting options for shapes and decor of false brick fireplaces are offered by designers today. From a wide variety of options, you can take the elements you like most and create your own sketch of the future device. At the second stage of preparing for the construction of a false fireplace with your own hands, you need to determine the dimensions of the building. The main thing in this matter is not to get carried away so that the false fireplace does not turn out to be too bulky, but to build on the actual size of the room. A false fireplace that is too large in a small room will not look very presentable, just as a small fireplace in a large room will look somewhat comical.
When designing a firebox, you should also not make it too high and deep, as this will make the entire structure heavier. As the most standard option, you can use the following parameters: the base can be made 0.9 x 0.25 m, and the combustion hole measures 0.5 x 0.38 m. For laying walls of this design, the size of half a brick can be well suited.
Materials for production
After choosing the type and size of the structure, drawing up a drawing, determining the style direction and color scheme of the future fireplace, you can begin to determine the necessary materials.
Brick
Suitable for mounting the frame of a high-quality portal. Due to its heavy weight, use is only permissible in country houses. Even the hollow look is not suitable for an apartment. Ceilings may not be able to withstand such a large point load.
For exterior finishing, brickwork can be imitated with almost any finishing material: gypsum, plastic, foam “bricks” or even putty. You can simply paint them or cover the fireplace with vinyl 3D wallpaper with the corresponding image.
Laminated boards
LDSP (sanded chipboard) or MDF (medium density fiberboard) are suitable both for assembling the frame and as a finishing coating. If a frame is assembled from slabs, then the finishing can be done with an imitation of the same wood or brick.
Suitable for this:
- plasters and putties to create texture;
- paints and varnishes;
- stucco.
The purchased laminated MDF may not require additional finishing. All screw heads can be sealed with special tape, seams and joints can be covered with moldings.
Polyurethane
Ceiling cornices, small and large pseudo-stucco parts are mainly made from this material. Since it is lightweight, the frame can be made of lightweight chipboard, MDF, or plasterboard. Before gluing, the surface must be treated with a primer or PVA glue diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio.
Various elements are suitable for creating imitation fireplaces with your own hands in an apartment where there is very little space. The most important thing is to choose the glue, since fastenings with screws and nails are unacceptable.
Drywall
Used for covering the frame of a portal assembled from metal profiles or wooden blocks. It is installed in dry rooms, because when exposed to moisture it swells, deforms and delaminates, and ultimately crumbles.
It can be used for cladding curved surfaces. For example, an arched vault. It cuts effortlessly, the screws are easily screwed in, and the surface is smooth. As a finishing touch, bricks are made from gypsum plasterboard (plasterboard sheets) and painted in the desired color.
Tree
Wood is a fairly high-quality and reliable material for both frame and cladding. Various bars and planks can be used to create the base of the portal. For decorative border elements, you can use purchased blanks with wood carvings, parquet boards and their trimmings. They lend themselves well to processing when creating aging effects.
Do not forget about protective impregnations that repel all insects, as well as protect against mold and fungi. Appropriate varnishes are used to add gloss or matte finish.
Styrofoam
If large loads are not envisaged, then a frame can be mounted from foam sheets. Otherwise, this material is used in the form of elements to decorate the same cornices or rosettes for stucco molding. You can also cut out figures from it yourself.
Foam plastic is not afraid of moisture, but is unstable even to light impacts. It must be glued with a special glue; others can simply dissolve it.
Painting should be done after priming and only with acrylic paints - solvent-based enamels destroy it.
False fireplace made of foam plastic
Perhaps one of the simplest options for creating a decorative fireplace is to use foam plastic as a base. This makes the process much easier, so this master class is suitable even for beginners.
Necessary materials:
- Styrofoam;
- acrylic primer;
- PVA glue;
- scissors;
- brush;
- acrylic lacquer;
- masking tape;
- toothpicks;
- golden acrylic paint;
- braid for decoration;
- knife;
- putty knife;
- centimeter;
- decor
We cut out four rectangular pieces from polystyrene foam. These will be the front and back walls, as well as the side parts. Since the foam is quite poorly fixed with glue, we additionally use toothpicks.
ecbeb95057bced1b6225dc7fef146c17.jpe
We connect the side parts with the walls.
Apply a thin layer of acrylic primer to the joints and leave until dry.
On the inside we make markings where the firebox should be. Carefully cut it out using a sharp knife.
If necessary, additionally secure the parts with toothpicks.
We also fix the parts along the top and bottom edges with masking tape.
Apply primer to the frame and leave until dry. We dip the braid for decoration in glue and attach it along the cut for the firebox.
Using light movements, apply golden paint to the braid. We glue decor in the form of flowers in the corners.
We cut out another blank from foam plastic. We attach it to the top of the fireplace, like a shelf. We cover the sides of the workpiece with gold paint.
Let's start decorating. If desired, glue various snowflakes and braid. You can also decoupage the sides of the false fireplace. Cover the entire surface with acrylic varnish and leave to dry.
You can put a decorative candlestick or just a few candles in the inside. It looks very beautiful and unusual.
Do-it-yourself false fireplace made of polystyrene foam
One of the simplest ways to make an artificial hearth is based on the use of ordinary foam plastic. Anyone can create such a decorative fireplace with their own hands - a detailed description and photo will easily help you understand the details:
Step 1. First, a frame is made from wooden slats, which are then covered with sheets of plywood (as shown above).
Step 2. Another option is to make a base from boxes.
Step 3. After finishing the work, you need to use putty or universal glue to cover the entire workpiece with sheets of foam plastic, which are pre-cut with a sharp knife exactly according to the dimensions of the parts in the drawing.
Step 4. All that remains is to decorate the hearth. To do this, you can use decorative skirting boards, which are sold in hardware stores.
Strictly speaking, this is a fireplace made of plywood or boxes, decorated with foam plastic. Or you can make a fireplace only on the basis of polystyrene foam. Visual video instructions will help you with this easy and fun task.
Types of fireplace imitation
The fireplace structure is made:
- reliable;
- conditional;
- symbolic.
All three types differ in appearance, internal filling, and dimensions.
Reliable
This hearth is as close as possible to the real one, but it does not have a chimney. An electric or bio-fireplace is installed inside to heat the room. On the outside, the product is decorated with imitation brickwork, ceramic tiles, and artificial stone.
A properly made fireplace can completely change the appearance of a room and complement the interior of the living room.
Conditional
The portal is made shallow - 15-25 cm; often a niche in the wall is used for its construction. There is a mantelpiece here that allows you to beautifully place family photos, candles in candelabra, and small souvenirs. There is usually firewood or dummies of it inside.
With this imitation of a hearth, an artificial portal protrudes directly from the room partition, so its depth is significantly less than that of a reliable one.
Symbolic (drawn)
If desired, the hearth can simply be drawn with paints or pencils. Volume and depth are not needed here - the boundaries of the structure are marked with polyurethane skirting boards and a wooden console shelf mounted on the wall. It is permissible to insert a slate board in the middle, on which to depict a flame with colored chalk.
As the name of this type of decorative hearth suggests, it performs exclusively the role of decor, complementing the overall style concept of the room.
Decorating false fireplaces
When decorating, the following means are used:
- Paper and cardboard. Suitable for those who can draw;
- Wallpaper. Cheap and practical material;
- Textile. A non-trivial option that will emphasize the “artificiality” of the imitation;
- Wood veneer. Lightweight material that will not weigh down the structure and will give it a neat appearance;
- Styrofoam. It is malleable, so using a soldering iron you can easily create an original relief;
- Artificial stone or brick. Suitable for false fireplaces with a “pretension” to maximum resemblance to the original.
This list is not final, since any of the available materials can become part of the design. All it takes is imagination.
Artificial plasterboard fireplace
Many people think that it is difficult to make a false fireplace from plasterboard yourself. You will see that this is not the case by studying the proposed master class with a detailed description of the process.
The process of making a fireplace from plasterboard
This material can be purchased at any building materials store, and its price is reasonable. To make a decorative false fireplace, you need:
- plasterboard sheets;
- metallic profile;
- self-tapping screws (for metal) and a screwdriver;
- level;
- roulette
- dowels;
- facing materials (optional).
Here are step-by-step instructions for installing an artificial false fireplace:
- On an ordinary sheet of A3 paper or Whatman paper, draw a sketch of the future fireplace in a reduced size. To simplify the drawings, you can find them on the Internet and download the version you like. For beginners, we advise you to start by focusing on simple forms, without aiming for complex models. Then find a suitable wall in the house and transfer the markings to it, observing the scale. Mark the places on the wall where the hearth frame will subsequently be located. A corner false fireplace will first have to be completely assembled and then mounted on the wall, but in other situations you can start assembling the frame base directly on the wall.
- Cut strips of metal profiles based on the marks on the wall. You can assemble the back wall by attaching the profiles to one another with self-tapping screws. The resulting frame is attached to the wall surface strictly according to the marks using dowels (if the wall is plastered).
- Gradually assemble the frame completely, be sure to check the drawing, otherwise you will easily get confused and the product will turn out uneven. For greater stability of the fireplace on the side and rear walls, attach transverse jumpers from the same profile to the main frame every 30 cm. If you decide to equip the product with an arch, then do not forget to make cuts in the sides of the profile and bend it a little, giving it a rounded shape.
- Now it's time for drywall. To cut it, you can use a stationery knife, a jigsaw or a hacksaw, but in the absence of these, a strong, sharp knife will do. Accurately measure each area of the frame where the part will later be attached, and transfer the measurements to the drywall.
- Cut out the parts and screw them to the base with 25 mm self-tapping screws. At this stage, the base of the decorative hearth is ready.
How to cover a plasterboard hearth
The decoration of false fireplaces is quite simple.
- It can be refined with paint or decorative tiles. Depending on the type of cladding chosen, the preparation of the plasterboard frame will be different.
- Before painting the frame, you need to screw the screws in harder so that their heads do not stick out. Also remember that the base is first primed, then puttied, and then painted.
When preparing the base for the tiles, you must pay attention to what is written on the adhesive packaging. You should not try to rub the seams right away; start this process only a day after finishing the work, so that the glue has time to set and dry. In addition, you may need a shelf
You can buy a regular wooden plank or stair step at any hardware store. Original plaster stucco molding is also purchased there; the cost of 2 half-columns + 2 half-bases is approximately 2,000 rubles.
e4c410ae3d0f4507df4aaaca5bcb2352.jpe
7f4fb1f8da3c242b763daac163503fdb.jpe
Decorating a plasterboard product
A plasterboard fireplace is quite durable, so you can give it a more natural look using conventional building materials.
Suitable for the firebox:
- tile;
- artificial brick;
- mirror panels.
The upper part can also be decorated, as well as install a decorative shelf that can easily withstand the load of a couple of books of candles or figurines.
An ornate or lattice metal fence is perfect for this interior element.
False fireplace made of plasterboard: step-by-step assembly instructions
Instructions for creating a false fireplace yourself will be discussed using sheet plasterboard as an example.
The first stage is preparation of tools and materials
Tools and materials for work
Start by preparing a set for work. First of all, you will need the drywall itself. When choosing a material, be guided by the features of the selected finishing cladding. If you plan to finish with tiles, it is better to buy a moisture-resistant modification of drywall.
Next, purchase rack and guide profiles. The frame of the fireplace will be assembled from them.
types of guides for drywall
Profiles
To fasten the frame elements, buy self-tapping screws. The recommended length of the fasteners is 1.4-1.6 cm. You also need to buy self-tapping screws with a countersunk head for fixing the sheets. In addition, you need to purchase dowel nails for attaching profiles to the floor and walls.
Types of self-tapping screws for profiles
Next, focus on the features of the selected finish. If you are going to wallpaper or paint the portal, purchase a primer and putty. If the false fireplace will be tiled, buy tile adhesive and grout for the joints.
Select the required amount of materials individually, taking into account the dimensions of the future decorative fireplace. Plasterboard construction can have a wide variety of sizes. When choosing a specific option, be guided by the available space and personal preferences.
| Designation | Cardboard color (front/back) | Marking color |
| GKL | grey/grey | blue |
| GKLO | grey/pink | red |
| GKLV | green/green | blue |
| GKLVO | green/green | red |
Drywall sheets
| Thickness | Size | Square | Weight |
| 12.5 mm | 1200x2500 mm | 3 sq.m | 28.9 kg |
| 12.5 mm | 1200x2700 mm | 3.24 sq.m | 31.2 kg |
| 12.5 mm | 1200x3000 mm | 3.6 sq.m | 34.7 kg |
The set of necessary tools includes:
- screwdriver;
- electric drill;
- scissors for cutting metal;
- level;
- knife;
- roulette
Drawing
Drawing
The second stage - installation of the frame
First step. Mark the walls and floor to install the profiles. Work according to the drawing. Place marks taking into account the selected dimensions of the fireplace.
Second step. Secure the guides along the marked lines. If you are fixing it to a concrete surface, first attach the profile to the base, drill holes according to the markings, insert dowels into them and after that attach the guides.
Third step. Install the posts into the guides. Fasten the products using self-tapping screws.
Types of profile fastening for drywall
Before attaching the profiles, it is recommended to check the evenness of the wall using a plumb line. If deviations are detected, fix the guides using direct hangers. These products will allow installation of products strictly vertically.
Frame assembly
First, assemble the frame for the entire structure, then for the portal with a recess for the “firebox”. To give the base greater rigidity, connect long horizontal profiles and vertical posts with additional jumpers.
Frame
Expert opinion: Masalsky A.V.
Editor of the “construction” category on the Stroyday.ru portal. Specialist in engineering systems and drainage.
If desired, you can give the firebox opening a curly shape. To do this, just carefully cut through the stiffening ribs of the mounting profile and bend the product in accordance with your idea.
Frame
The third stage - lining the frame with plasterboard
How to properly attach drywall to a profile.
Mark the sheet according to the dimensions of the fireplace and cut out the necessary parts. To cut the material, it is most convenient to use an electric jigsaw. If this is not available, cut with a simple wallpaper knife. In this case, you will need to first cut the cardboard layer on one side of the sheet, carefully break the board, and then cut the second layer of cardboard.
Drywall sheets are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws
Fix the sheathing elements to the frame. Screw the screws into the material so that their heads are slightly recessed. The recommended spacing of fasteners is 100-150 mm.
Drywall sheets are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws
There shouldn't be any problems attaching the sheets. Even without such experience, you can cope with the sheathing. Just remember that drywall is a relatively fragile material, so try not to drop it and do not press too hard on the screwdriver when screwing in the fasteners.
The seams between the sheets, the ends of the fireplace, the places where the screws are attached are puttied, and your DIY decorative fireplace made of plasterboard is almost ready
Video - Making a false fireplace
Stage four - finishing
Having covered the frame with sheets of plasterboard, all you have to do is complete the finishing decoration of the structure. When choosing a finishing option, focus primarily on the design features of the room as a whole.
Plasterboard fireplace
Most often, artificial stone, decorative brick and ceramic tiles are used for cladding false fireplaces made of plasterboard. To attach finishing elements, tile adhesive or liquid nails are used. When tiling using tiles of the correct shape, lay them with equal gaps. To decorate them, use special plastic crosses.
Decorative fireplace finishing option
Brick or stone decoration is unlikely to fit into a modern interior. In such a situation, it is best to use paint or decorative plaster to finish the fireplace . The surface must first be carefully treated with putty, sealing the joints between the sheathing elements and eliminating any kind of unevenness. After puttying, the surfaces are additionally sanded with sandpaper.
Otherwise, when choosing a finishing option, be guided by your taste preferences.
Finally, all you have to do is install an electric fireplace in the “firebox” opening or decorate the free space at your discretion. For example, instead of installing an electric fireplace, you can install warm and soft lighting in the firebox - an excellent option for a classic interior. A more modern and bold solution is to decorate the “firebox” using multi-colored LED strip.
Option for using an electric fireplace for a false fireplace portal
You can use a mirror to decorate the back wall of the firebox. Attach it to the surface, and line the bottom of the firebox with decorative logs or other material, for example, shells and pebbles.
There is a mirror in the firebox
By installing several candles of different shapes and sizes in the firebox, you will create a real fire in your fireplace.
Hearth Decoration
There are many ideas for decorating a false fireplace. You can use the proposed solutions or come up with something yourself - everything is limited only by your imagination.
Good luck!
Material selection
Having decided on the appearance of the fireplace, you need to choose the appropriate material. If you look at the recommendations of master classes, then each type of false fireplace is recommended to be made only from a certain material. But you shouldn’t follow everything the master class advises and spend extra money. You can create a great imitation from what is available:
- Drywall. Many people have pieces of drywall left over from renovations at home, and they are quite suitable for making a decorative element of the interior. Drywall is easy to process, and parts of any shape can be cut from it. Expenses will only be required for fasteners.
- Cardboard. The cheapest material is cardboard; you don’t even need to purchase it. You can ask for empty cardboard boxes at any store. The advantage of cardboard is that you don’t even need to study a master class to work with it. It’s enough to use your imagination, giving cardboard sheets any shape you like using glue and tape.
- Tree. Not every craftsman can make a hearth out of wood. In this case, certain woodworking skills will be required. But a budget option would be to remake an old chipboard cabinet. No master class is needed here, because anyone who knows how to use a jigsaw and a hacksaw can handle this work.
- Brick. Real brick requires certain skills, and not everyone can create an original false fireplace from this material. But many master classes recommend using fake facing bricks made of plasterboard or papier-mâché. Even a beginner can handle false bricks, and the product will look great.
What can you make a fake fireplace from with your own hands?
It is possible to make a pseudo-fireplace from almost anything - the choice of material depends on the imagination of the master, the availability of space for placement, the possibility of subsequent dismantling, etc.
Drywall
A plasterboard object requires the preliminary creation of a metal or wooden frame, which must be sheathed with gypsum plasterboard sheets.
Drywall is the most popular material for creating a decorative fireplace.
Brick, stone
The construction of a fireplace made of stones and bricks requires an additional foundation (for the first floors) and strengthening of the floors (when placed on the second floor and above). The product is often lined with decorative brick.
To make a false fireplace from brick or stone, you need to ensure the high quality of the materials used.
Made from polyurethane
A polyurethane pseudo-fireplace usually consists of moldings used for ceiling decoration. Less commonly, ready-made three-dimensional portals are purchased, which are glued to the wall or decorate a niche.
Polyurethane allows you to make a very durable and fire-resistant decorative hearth.
From chipboard or fibreboard
It is also easy to imitate a fireplace using chipboard and fiberboard lumber. The material is cut using a hacksaw, jigsaw, and fastened with perforated corners and self-tapping screws.
The technology is very similar to making a decorative fireplace from plasterboard.
From cardboard boxes
From a box from a washing machine, computer, refrigerator, it is also easy to create some kind of fireplace. The required part is cut off from the box and a hole is cut. The portal is decorated with plastic stucco, photo wallpaper, colored paper, and self-adhesive films.
A decorative fireplace cut out of a cardboard box is so easy to make that even children can help you.
Made of wood or plywood
The wooden fireplace is decorated with voluminous carvings and overhead perforated elements. Additionally, iron grilles and textile curtains with tiebacks are installed inside the portal. The product is varnished or painted so that the carved parts appear even more voluminous. A false fireplace made of plywood is also covered with wooden parts; the upper shelf is decorated with a wooden plinth with a beautiful profile.
When creating a fake fireplace, plywood, chipboard, timber and other materials can be used as wood materials.
From old furniture
An old bedside table, the remnants of grandma's bookcase, will find new life, becoming a modern fireplace. Excess shelves are removed from the object, the top is decorated with a board, the walls inside and outside are sanded, puttied, painted or lined with stone or foam stucco.
Decoration methods vary depending on the type of fireplace, its size, purpose and style of the room.
Unusual hearth made from books
You can also make a dummy fireplace using books. Thick, hardcovers are usually used. Side racks are made from them - books are simply placed on top of each other, with a narrow board becoming the top shelf. The interior is decorated with a drawing of a fire and a large photograph of it. Printed publications are also stored in the portal itself.
You can use lit candles for decoration.
From stucco (gypsum)
For a stucco structure, a base made of plywood, chipboard, and plasterboard is pre-installed. It is covered with a layer of gypsum, after which elements pre-cast in molds are installed on the tile adhesive. The finished structure is painted manually - with a brush or using a spray gun.
f63b2eef7d0ebf79f59030e09db22d9e.jpe 3c6fcb05ba0f78455858024dbabc35bf.jpe
An artificial fireplace, unlike a real one, can be installed not only in the living room, but also in any other room.
Styrofoam
It is permissible to sheathe a wooden or plasterboard frame with polystyrene foam. Less often, the item is made entirely from it. To do this, the material, which is sufficiently thick, is cut to the shape of the bricks from which the masonry is made. The parts are held together with glue and painted by hand with water-based paints.
Such an imitation of a hearth will delight not only the owners, but also the guests of the apartment.
How to make a brick false fireplace?
Stages of work
Before starting construction and spending money on material, you need to draw a diagram of the future false fireplace. Then be sure to calculate the dimensions of the structure, the amount of materials required and the strength of the flooring so as not to damage it. Only then can you start working. Choosing brick as the main material allows the structure to be as close to natural as possible. The masonry is made from cement mortar and depends on the type of brick (ceramic, silicate, hyper-pressed).
Materials
To make a false brick fireplace with your own hands, you will need the following materials:
- brick (no more than 30 pieces);
- cement mortar;
- metal strip;
- board for the mantel.
There are no special requirements for tools, including:
- Master OK;
- plumb line;
- nylon thread;
- level.
Frame installation
Brick laying requires experience or good theoretical knowledge. It is recommended to do the masonry under jointing (a template for maintaining the same distance between the bricks). Masonry is carried out using the following method: bricks are placed in the corners and edges, between which a thread is stretched. This is done to lay out the first row of masonry. Same with the next rows. Here it is important to apply the correct amount of solution, which will help with jointing. With its help, the seam gaps between the rows are controlled, which gives the masonry a beautiful appearance.
Facing
Ordinary bricks are not enough for cladding. A finished false fireplace requires decorative finishing in the form of plaster or plastic elements. However, tiles remain a popular decoration method. A brick fireplace can be decorated in another way. Facing bricks are intended specifically for exterior decoration work. Made immediately in a beautiful form in multiple choice. The advantages include the absence of external defects, persistent uniform color and the creation of an interesting design to suit your taste. However, this type of building material does not withstand moisture well, which damages it in the future.
