6 ways to make a false fireplace with your own hands

For a long time fireplace personified in the house symbol of comfort and the hearth. The warmth and soft light that emanated from it filled the house with a unique atmosphere, because the fire has amazing calming and pacifying properties. Years passed and appearance fireplaces has undergone many changes and upgrades. Now, having this element in your home is considered a luxury that you can not always afford residents of apartments in high-rise buildings. In this case, a simple imitation will come to the rescue. In this article, we will look at several ways how make a false fireplace do it yourself from the simplest materials.

Types of Raised Fireplaces

Oddly enough, but a fireplace may have various options for execution. Before you begin to do it yourself, you should decide which option you prefer and most importantly, appropriate in your apartment.

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

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

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

Initial preparation and size selection

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

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

No. 1. Cardboard Box Fireplace

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

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

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

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

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

No. 2. Drywall Drywall

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

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

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

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

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

No. 3. Foam Fireplace

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

• adhesive solution;
• container for kneading;
• putty knife;
• level;
• hacksaw;
• paint net:
• priming;
• putty finish.

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

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

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

Number 4. False fireplace made of chipboard or old furniture

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

No. 5. Polyurethane raised fireplace

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

No. 6. Raised brick fireplace

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

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

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

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

Trim Fireplace

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

We decorate the portal

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

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

What to use for lining

Strong designs for example from drywall or real bricks:

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

More fragile designs should not be heavily burdened.

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

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

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

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

Back wall may be:

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

False fireplace in the living room interior

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