10 ideas for placing false fireplaces and their types

How to make an artificial fire in a fireplace with your own hands, simple methods

Many people enjoy looking at a fire in a fireplace. The sight of the flame calms, allows you to relax and immerse yourself in your own thoughts. However, it is not always possible to put a real fireplace in your home; it is especially problematic for city dwellers, whose stress level is very high and who, like no one else, need an effective way to relax.
Fortunately, we can build a false fireplace in our apartment, which will adequately replace the real analogue. At the same time, it can have a real fire if biofuel is used, or an imitation of fire in a fireplace, which you can also do yourself. In this article we will talk about how to make an imitation of fire in a fireplace with our own hands, we will analyze the most popular methods.

The final stage - fixing the structure

An imitation of a flame for a fireplace should not only look as natural as possible, but also be additionally fixed. To do this, we use several flaps of previously prepared tissue. For strengthening, it is best to use white silk, since throughout the structure and color, it harmoniously fits into the overall picture of the dummy and conveys all the light effects well.

Tip: It is necessary to cut from 4 or more elements of a triangular shape from the fabric, it is advisable to make them a little asymmetrical in order to achieve maximum similarity with a real flame.

You need to fix the shreds next to the fan, so when it is working, they will perform rhythmic oscillations.

This completes the imitation of fire in a false fireplace. In order to reproduce this effect, you just need to connect the fan to the mains. The advantages of this visualization are guaranteed safety, high realism and minimal production time.

Available options

A decorative false fireplace is created from various materials, you can use cardboard, gypsum, polystyrene, drywall, plywood, chipboard and even brick. In most cases, these materials are flammable, so it is worth remembering the fire safety standards and not placing a real fire in the furnaces. If you plan to build a biofireplace burner into the firebox, which will create a real flame, then the choice of materials for construction should be taken more seriously. For example, build a brick structure, sheathe the firebox with metal sheets.

We will consider options when it is required to make an imitation of fire, which would be remotely or very similar to a real flame. And the simplest idea that immediately comes to mind is to create a suitable drawing. Anyone can draw a picture, but how this fire will look on canvas depends on the artist's talent.

There are many other options for creating a fake fire in a fireplace that is more realistic than a painted one, and the most interesting of them are the following:

• using a steam generator is a modern way;
• the use of fabric and a fan is a theatrical solution;
• the use of LCD displays, TVs is an effective option;
• original lighting with a salt lamp is a useful technique;
• lighting with garlands is a simple method;
• use of candles, candle fireplace - design approach.

If you want to create a high-quality imitation of fire in the fireplace, you can use any of the options available, but remember that each method has its advantages and disadvantages. To understand which fire for a fireplace is easiest for you to make with your own hands, let's look at all these methods in order.

Freezing fire

Here's another good way of how you can simulate fire in a fireplace with your own hands.

Get the following list of things, they will come in handy:

• Cardboard or tin box.
• Patchwork fabric.
• Fan.
• Three LED bulbs: red, yellow, blue.
• Three small mirrors.
• Optical filters of three colors: red, yellow, blue.

Repeat the following steps:

1. Place the fan on the cardboard box so that it blows air upwards.
2. Then place three LED bulbs in the corners of the box.
3. In accordance with point 2, do the same with optical filters, that is, next to the lamps.
4. Install the mirrors on the sides of the box.
5. Cut out the shapes in the form of triangles from the patch, glue to the box.

Important! It is advisable to install light filters as follows: in the middle blue, and along the edges - orange, red. This placement of filters will give the imitation more brightness and relief.

1. The process is over, the last steps remain. You install it in a false fireplace, connect it to the network, admire the flames, albeit artificial.

The next method is with water vapor.

General description of popular methods

One of the most difficult methods is to create artificial fire using generated water vapor, and we will start with this method.

To create a steam installation inside your raised fireplace, you need certain accessories and electrical skills. You can look for a ready-made solution, but it will be difficult to find it.

To build a steam generator, we need the following components:

• small quiet fan;
• DMX-controller and DMX-decoder - devices that allow transferring digital data and balancing the operation of all generator systems;
• LED lamp (LED);
• ultrasonic fog generators;
• pure water;
• suitable box, box.

The principle of the steam system is very simple. Fog generators are installed in a suitable box or box. Pure, distilled water is poured into them, which, under the influence of a fan and an ultrasonic oscillator, begins to gradually evaporate. Note that the evaporation of water occurs at room temperature, and the vapor itself is cold. The rising steam from the evaporation of water is illuminated by an LED lamp, and the effect of a real flame in the fireplace is obtained.

To make the fire look more realistic, a diaphragm should be installed over the entire structure. A diaphragm with holes of different diameters will allow you to vary the speed of the air around you, and therefore create more realistic flames.

If we consider the processes taking place more deeply, then we should remember about Bernoulli's law, which tells us that the smaller the holes, the higher the speed of air flows.

Components are selected according to the main characteristics of the fireplace, at the same time, at the assembly stage, we plan the final result. You can buy such items in stores where steam electric fireplaces are sold, or in companies selling equipment for concerts, steam engines are also present here. The design diagram can be easily found on the Internet.

Option two - a simple monitor

One of the easiest ways to recreate the burning effect in a fake fireplace is to use a simple LCD monitor or TV. All you need is to choose a screen that is the right size and fits freely into the fireplace. Then turn on any of the pre-prepared effects and enjoy! A simulator of burning a fireplace flame, according to this method, is very simple, but in the absence of suitable equipment, it is the most expensive.

Option three - hologram image

Using a holographic image with a flame is also a very realistic, simple and powerful option. To recreate this imitation, we need a special hologram. It must be fixed in a false fireplace, so that its edges are invisible even from a short distance.

Additionally, to make it as realistic as possible and create 3D
effect, you can use special lighting and LED multi-colored lamps, which are fixed on top and on both sides of the fireplace.

Opti-Myst

Electric fireplaces of the Opti-Myst series are an innovative patented Irish development in the fireplace is ordinary filtered water. Water is poured into a special reservoir, which is installed in the hearth. Thanks to the operation of the steam generator, the water is converted into cold steam, which not only does not burn, but also humidifies the air in the room.

The steam is illuminated by halogen lamps, which are also installed inside the hearth, thanks to the illumination of the steam, it becomes indistinguishable from a real flame. Its only difference is 100% safety.

In order to keep the fireplace clean, it is enough to use the supplied brush to clean the hearth from limescale. Some Opti-Myst flame effect models are equipped with a heating function. In this case, the heating can be turned on and off at will; therefore, the hearths can be turned on at any time of the year, even in summer.

Optiflame

Optiflame flame technology creates a realistic simulation by using a mirrored surface and a rotating metal rod with metal petals that resemble miniature flames. Thanks to the light of the halogen lamps installed in the hearth, the light falls on the petals and is displayed on the mirror screen in the form of tongues of flame.

Recently, this technology has been improved, and now stencils of differently shaped flame tongues are cut into plastic, and LED backlights are used instead of halogen lamps. Thus, the flame looks as realistic as possible.

Also, some Optiflame flames have a built-in air filter that removes spores, pollen, dust and other allergens from the air. The air filter removes particles from 1 micron in size. This allows you not only to admire the flame, but also to purify the air in the room.

The hearth itself is powered by the mains. Fuel is not required for its operation, and, accordingly, it is not necessary to remove waste and clean it from soot, like wood-burning fireplaces.

Examples of using

Consider the options for the location of false fireplaces in the rooms.

False fireplace with imitation fire

False fireplace in the form of a log

A decorative fireplace can be a focal point in a living room

The upper part of the decorative fireplace can be used as a shelf

A false fireplace can have an exclusively decorative function.

You can make an artificial hearth from various materials, as well as purchase a ready-made structure in a store. The main thing is to understand what functions the object should perform and try to bring the idea to life.

Opti-V

The Opti-V series is one of the latest developments on the electric fireplace market. The Opti-V flame effect models have an integrated LED screen. This technology allows you to project an image of brightly burning flames and flying sparks directly onto a screen that is installed in the hearth. The flame cannot be distinguished from a real fire; the sound effect of the crackling of burning logs is also integrated in the hearth.

There is also an analogue of the Opti-V hearth according to the principle of operation - the Aqua-V electric aquarium. The projection screen depicts the underwater world of the ocean with floating exotic fish. This is an ideal aquarium that does not require cleaning, changing water, or feeding fish.

Revillusion

Fireplaces with Revillusion technology are a new solution in the fireplace market. The secret of this technology is the use of a Semi-Transparent MiragePanelTM, which replaces the traditional mirror. The mirror screen enhances the flame effect many times over. It does this by increasing visual depth and using RGB LED backlighting. The image of the flame is transmitted from a special flame simulation panel - MirageTM.

Due to the reflection of the flame on the screen, the visual depth of the furnace increases, which makes the flame as voluminous and realistic as possible. The efficient ComfortSaver heating system can also be switched on and off at will.

It is worth noting that all the effects of the flame have their own advantages, but all these fireplaces are united by ease of installation and maintenance, fire safety, their flame does not burn and they do not emit harmful combustion products.

Options for making a decorative fireplace

The implementation of the idea has many options: from the most primitive - to stick a film with the image of a fireplace on the wall, to the arrangement of the structure using various building materials. Having studied the manufacturing technology of a false fireplace, it will become much easier to make it yourself.

Brick

The choice of brick as the basis of the design allows you to bring the appearance of a false fireplace as close as possible to a traditional hearth. For its arrangement, decorative or facing bricks are used; it is recommended to make masonry for joining. Possessing elementary masonry skills, it will not be difficult to cope with the task with your own hands.

Comment! First, you need to make sure that the floors are strong, otherwise the decision to make a false fireplace from bricks of impressive dimensions can lead to damage to the floor surface.

Professionally performed work on the design of the decorative portal allows you to refuse additional finishing. As a decoration over a false fireplace, it is better to make a massive wooden shelf on which souvenirs dear to your heart will be successfully placed.

Wood-based material

False fireplaces made of laminated plates look harmoniously. To do the work efficiently and accurately, you first need to create a drawing with a clear indication of the dimensions of the future structure. On the basis of the prepared project, you can cut the slabs yourself or order a service from a specialized company. The budget option is made of chipboard, at the end of the work, it is advisable to carry out additional finishing with decorative materials for a false fireplace.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane products are mainly used for finishing already prepared structures. However, a creative approach allows you to make the entire decorative hearth on the basis of polyurethane. For this, various half-columns, moldings and trims are fixed directly to the wall. The appearance of such a product only vaguely resembles a classic fireplace, but giving room for imagination, a false version can be made an original element of the interior. One of the popular solutions is the idea of ​​fixing a mirror on the rear wall of the portal, which allows to significantly increase the visual depth of the "firebox". A wooden shelf fixed on top will enhance the effect of the naturalness of the hearth.

Drywall

Most often, drywall is used to decorate a false fireplace. Its characteristic properties enable an easy assembly process and a variety of finishes. Sheet material allows you to design spatial forms of varying degrees of complexity. The low cost of drywall is another reason for the popularity of the product among a wide range of consumers who want to make a false fireplace with their own hands. The basis of a plasterboard structure needs a mandatory finishing decoration.This allows you to change the cladding over time without affecting the decorative portal itself.

Do-it-yourself options for artificial fire in the fireplace

A home fireplace is always cozy and stylish. Fire and light crackling of wood soothes and pacifies. No wonder they say that you can look at the fire endlessly. But modern housing is not always suitable for installing a fireplace. Therefore, a lot of technologies have appeared, with the help of which the imitation of fire in the fireplace becomes like a real flame. The main problem in this case is to create a realistic image, as close as possible to real fire.

At first, the designs were very simple: a dummy of firewood, which was illuminated from the inside. It didn't look like fire at all. Then there were attempts to give the imitation of the fireplace dynamics. The design became more complicated: a fan, a lamp for illumination and foil tapes were used. The latter fluttered under the flow of air from the fan, casting glare and shadows. All this very vaguely resembled the flickering of a flame.

General principles of building a raised brick fireplace

1. Before starting the main work, it is necessary to calculate the height, width of the future product, and also determine the place where this rather heavy structure will be located.
2. In order for an imitation of a fireplace with your own hands to come out of high quality, it is imperative to draw up a detailed diagram-drawing of what you want to end up with.
3. For the construction of a false portal, in principle, any brick is suitable: silicate, facing or decorative. Moisten it with plenty of water before laying to remove excess air. A properly made brick has an even, smooth structure.
4. From the corner, according to the level, start laying. Try to make the seams the same width.
5. After the mortar holding the rows of bricks dries well, the inner sides and bottom of the portal must be laid out with special heat-resistant tiles.
6. Now you can start installing the electric heater. Do not forget about safety measures when working with electricity, strictly follow the instructions supplied with the device.
7. Decorating the fireplace or leaving it as it is, depends entirely on your desire. For cladding, you can use wood, artificial stone or any interior ceramic tiles.

Modern ways of creating artificial fire in the fireplace

The designs were more realistic, where to simulate the tongues of flame, scraps of fabric were already used, which also fluttered under the action of a fan and were illuminated by a lamp. And although it also did not look very much like a real fireplace, but such primitive designs with imitation of coals and flames became the basis for more advanced models.

As a result, a large number of technologies have appeared, with the help of which an imitation of fire in a fireplace is created. Next, let's take a look at some of the more popular options.

The simplest solution is to place a fire pattern inside the hearth. A better option is an electric photo frame with a similar image.

Simulation of fire can be achieved by placing candles in the fireplace niche. Many people do this, while creating a kind of additional comfort in the room. To enhance the effect, mirrors can be placed on the inner walls of the fireplace.

To simulate fire with your own hands, an electric fireplace or a bio fireplace is also suitable. They are placed inside on a shelf and connected to the network.

Steam generator

More complex designs are also more realistic. A system using water vapor gives a good effect. It consists of the following components:

• fan;
• DMX controller and decoder (these devices transmit digital data and coordinate all elements with each other);
• lamp, better than LED;
• ultrasonic fog generators;
• distilled water;
• cardboard box.

Fog generators are housed in a box.The water poured into them begins to evaporate and rises under the action of the fan. The steam is illuminated by a lamp and creates a flame effect.

Electric motor

Models using an electric motor are also popular. A small motor rotates a drum or other figured part through which light from an LED lamp passes, due to which the effect of a burning fire is achieved. Glare and shadows fall on the dummy firewood or the screen. Since everything happens in motion, the picture is bright and spectacular. In addition, the design can be made so that the speed of movement and the intensity of light change. However, everything looks rather unnatural and artificial.

This model can be slightly improved by adding illumination of the inner walls and a translucent screen, as well as a device that will simulate the crackle of burning firewood. Unfortunately, the use of a large number of electrical appliances leads to the fact that they will add their own noise.

Television

Separately, it is worth noting designs based on the use of TVs. To be more precise, it is placed inside the fireplace LCD screenwhere the image is displayed. Most often these are flames. But if you wish, you can start up the image of beautiful landscapes, etc. A good effect can be achieved if the screen is supplemented with an optical system that includes light filters, lenses and glass. This allows you to make the image three-dimensional.

3d image

The fire in the fireplace can be created very realistically using holography... For this, a flat image is used, which, with the help of special technologies, acquires three-dimensionality. If you add an optical system and LED lamps, you can achieve a very realistic image of a flame in a small space. In this case, the depth of the picture will exceed the real depth of the fireplace.

LED technology

Also, an excellent effect can be achieved using LED technology or Real Fire. They are based on the principle cold fire... An important element of the system is the ultrasonic steam generator for the fireplace. The steam emanating from it is illuminated by halogen lamps. To give the desired color, special filters are used. At the same time, the steam below glows brighter and resembles a real fire. Above, the light is dimmer, which creates a smokiness effect. Making an ultrasonic steam generator with your own hands will not be difficult for you.

Pepper's ghost

In other technologies, a trick called Pepper's ghost, used by theater directors and magicians, comes to the rescue. For example, are used mirrorsinstalled in a niche at different angles. Thus, it turns out to combine individual objects into one volumetric picture. The Opti-Virtual series allows a virtual image of fire with sparks to be combined with a dummy log. Using this technology, you can achieve extraordinary realism. The outbreak looks very natural.

Silk fabric

And below are the steps on how to simulate a fire in a fireplace. from ordinary scraps of fabric:

• a small fan is placed in a cardboard box (fits from the system unit);
• install red, blue and orange LEDs above the fan on the vertical axis;
• below the diodes, pieces of mirrors are needed, which will create glare;
• shreds of silk fabric of different sizes and shapes are attached next to the fan;
• the box is equipped with the necessary decoration and is placed inside the fireplace;
• the simulated fire construction is now ready to use.

Materials and work accessories

To complete the work, you should purchase in advance:

• Rack and guide metal profiles
• Drywall, if possible moisture resistant
• Self-tapping screws for metal (about 16 mm) for twisting profiles
• Countersunk screws

Above is a list of required materials for work.Everyone else chooses everything else independently, depending on the preferred decoration option. For example, glue and grout for tiling, primer and putty for further painting or papering.

In addition to materials, you will need a working tool. You cannot do without scissors for cutting metal, a screwdriver or drill, a level, a tape measure, a clerical knife.

It is possible to build walsh fireplaces with your own hands from small to very large. Before starting work, it is recommended to make a sketch on paper indicating the main parameters of the finished structure. On its basis, it will be possible to determine the required amount of building materials, the amount of work and time.

Assembling the frame

It is recommended to start the production process by applying markings to the floor and wall surfaces. Then the profile guides are cut and attached along it. The installation method depends on the material from which the wall is laid. The profile is easily screwed to the tree with screws, in brick or concrete you will have to drill holes for dowels.

Further, rack profiles are installed in the already prepared guides and fastened with self-tapping screws. If the walls, relative to which the construction is being carried out, have a significant deviation from the vertical, special suspensions are used for the even arrangement of the racks.

First, you need to twist the base of the false fireplace together. After it, you can think over the size and shape of the combustion portal. The structure must have sufficient rigidity, withstand the facing material and those items that are planned to be placed on it (vases, decorative dishes, TV, etc.). In order to prevent the profiles from bending, it is recommended to reinforce long sections with a certain step with jumpers.

Sometimes it is necessary to give a certain section of the frame a special, non-linear shape. This is done very simply: with scissors for metal, the stiffeners are cut in several places and the profile is gently bent.

Frame cladding

You can veneer the frame with various materials, but moisture-resistant drywall is considered the most popular of them. Its lightness, low price, strength, ease of processing and the ability to take any shape - these are the main factors that have a positive impact on the choice.

After making accurate measurements, it is necessary to cut the suitable pieces. This material is easily cut with a stationery knife or jigsaw:

• Slide the blade along the cut line on one side
• Place the stove on the table and gently break
• Run the blade along the crease line on the other side

Drywall is screwed to the profile using screws with recessed caps every 15 cm on straight lines and corners.

To give the necessary shape to the material, it should be slightly moistened with warm water and gently, without sudden movements, begin to bend. Thus, you can easily make a semi-arch. The wave is collected from the required number of such elements.

It should be remembered that drywall is fragile, therefore, when working with it, excessive efforts should not be applied.

Imitation of fire in the fireplace: design options

Decorative hearths made of gypsum plasterboard require compliance with fire safety standards, since such a design is designed exclusively for artificial fire.

Most often, craftsmen use the following types of fire imitation:

1. Use of steam.
2. Creation of "theatrical fire".
3. The use of salt lamps.
4. Installation in the TV hearth.

The most difficult way to create decorative flames is with steam. Not everyone can create such an imitation, because it requires a specific set of components and special equipment, as well as skills in working with electronics.

To make this kind of fire, you need to prepare:

1. DMX controller.
2. Fan with a diameter of 9 cm.
3. LED RGB lamp.
4. DMX decoder.
5. 3 ultrasonic fog generators.

These devices must be selected according to the parameters of the built fireplace, the layout, as well as the manufacturer and characteristics. It all depends on what kind of initial result the master wants to get. All these devices are part of steam electric fireplaces, as well as concert electrical appliances that create a steam effect.

With the correct connection of the devices, it is possible to make an imitation according to the cold glow system, which makes it possible to make a simulated fire, which is difficult to distinguish from a real hearth.

If the master wants to use just this method of simulating a flame, it is important to provide for the necessary parameters of the components, and mount the hearth of the required size.

The principle of operation of such an electric fireplace looks like this:

1. A fog generator must be placed on the bottom of the container, into which water is pre-poured.
2. The generator has a diaphragm that vibrates at a specific ultrasonic frequency, providing a reduced pressure. Therefore, it turns out, one might say, a vacuum and water evaporates at room temperature.
3. Thanks to this, the steam rises upward.
4. Above, there is a backlit LED-lamp.
5. A diaphragm is arranged above the structure.

Assembly according to technology will make it possible to create a more natural imitation of a flame in a false fireplace on your own. The second way is the theatrical version. As it is already clear, this method is used in theatrical circles, for various kinds of performances. However, it is also suitable for making a dummy, an imitation of fire.

To make such an imitation yourself, you need to prepare the following items:

1. A flap of light silk fabric in white.
2. 3 halogen lamps with reflectors.
3. Silent, powerful fan.
4. 3 filters: red, orange and blue.
5. A box or a special bowl for assembling a false structure.

When everything is ready, you can start assembling according to the following scheme. At the bottom of the box, bowl, you need to arrange a fan. The cord must be routed out. Further, halogen lamps must be fixed on one axis, so that the light is directed upward. Then, at a distance of 20 mm above the lamps, light filters must be arranged.

From the prepared material, it is necessary to cut shreds of various sizes, preferably a triangular shape, since they will be more realistic.

The next step is to fix the flaps to the box, bowl along the edges of the fan. When you turn on the fan to the power grid, a not real, but very similar to natural fire will appear in the fireplace. This method is quite simple and makes it possible to make an almost real, bewitching flame in the fireplace.

How is an imitation of a fireplace done with your own hands?

In a suburban apartment, a fireplace is needed not to show off, but for family warmth, peace of mind and comfort. Installing a fireplace in an apartment is not so easy, but there is still a way out. Any person who has basic skills in working with drywall can make a plasterboard false fireplace.

A drawing of a plasterboard fireplace.

Required elements:

• drywall;
• self-tapping screws;
• putty;
• digital photo frame;
• abrasive mesh.

Artificial Fireplace Fire: Salt Lamp

The use of salt lamps in artificial fireplaces to recreate decorative flames is beneficial and considered effective. A salt lamp is a special light fixture, the shade of which is made of an intact salt crystal. An ordinary light bulb is located in the inner part of such a plafond.

When the lamp is connected, the plafond begins to warm up and exude negative ions into the air.

They bind positive ions (from household appliances), which have a detrimental effect on human health, thereby helping to improve the well-being of the residents of the house. The disadvantages of this method include the rather high price of salt lamps, and the advantages: realism, aesthetics and ease of installation.

Using shades of various colors, it is possible effectively and very simply, to make a non-natural flame in the fireplace yourself. In addition, by using several lamps of different sizes at once, it is possible to make an imitation of a fire.

What can you make a blende fireplace with your own hands

It is permissible 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 item requires the preliminary creation of a metal or wooden frame, which must be sheathed with sheets of gypsum board.

Drywall is the most popular material for creating a decorative fireplace.

Brick, stone

The construction of a hearth of stones, bricks, requires an additional foundation (for the first floors), strengthening the floors (when placed on the second floor and above). The product is often faced with decorative bricks.

For the manufacture of a false fireplace made of brick or stone, you need to make sure of the high quality of the materials used.

Polyurethane

A polyurethane pseudo fireplace usually consists of moldings used to decorate the ceiling. Less often, ready-made volumetric 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 fiberboard

It is also easy to imitate a fireplace from chipboard, fiberboard lumber. The material is cut with a hacksaw, jigsaw, fastened with perforated corners, self-tapping screws.

The technology is very similar to the manufacture of a decorative plasterboard fireplace.

From cardboard boxes

From a box from a washing machine, computer, refrigerator, it is also easy to create a kind of fireplace. The required part is cut from the box, a hole is cut. The portal is decorated with plastic stucco, photo wallpaper, colored paper, self-adhesive films.

This decorative fireplace, cut out of a cardboard box, is so easy that even children can help you.

Wood or plywood

The wooden fireplace is decorated with three-dimensional carvings and perforated overhead elements. Additionally, inside the portal, iron gratings, textile curtains with hooks are mounted. The product is varnished or painted so that the carved parts appear even more voluminous. A false plywood fireplace is also pasted over 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

The old bedside table, the remains of grandmother's whatnot, will find a new life, becoming the most modern fireplace. Extra shelves are removed from the object, the top is decorated with a board, the walls inside and outside are polished, putty, painted with paint or revetted with stone, foam stucco molding.

Decorating methods differ depending on the type of fireplace, its size, purpose and style of the room.

Unusual hearth from books

You can also arrange a dummy fireplace using books. Usually thick, hardbacks are used. Side racks are made of them - books are simply placed on top of each other, a narrow board will become the top shelf. The interior is decorated with a picture of a campfire and a large photograph of it. The portal itself also stores printed publications.

Lighted candles can be used for decoration.

From stucco (plaster)

For a stucco structure, a base of plywood, chipboard, drywall is pre-mounted. It is covered with a layer of gypsum, after which the elements pre-cast in molds are installed on the tile adhesive. The finished structure is painted by hand - with a brush or with a spray gun.

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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, plasterboard frame with polystyrene. Less often, an item is made from it completely. For this, the material, which has a sufficiently large thickness, is cut into the shape of the bricks from which the masonry is made. Parts are held together with glue, painted by hand with water-based paints.

Such imitation of the hearth will delight not only the owners, but also the guests of the apartment.

Do-it-yourself fireplace fake: TV instead of a fireplace

Another easy way to realize a non-natural flame in a fireplace is to use a flat-panel LCD TV. But this method is considered the most costly, since this technique is expensive. Special LCD TVs have been developed, which are produced specifically for artificial fireplaces.

They contain a video recording of:

• Playing tongues of flame;
• With embers;
• With a bright fire.

This recording goes on in the hearth of the false fireplace. Sometimes TV can be supplemented with special optics, which consists of light filters. With the help of it, the image of fire will be the most expressive and voluminous. In addition to this optics, it is possible to use a mirror system. They are located in the corners of the fireplace, and the picture is more realistic, such lighting looks very beautiful. In rare cases, it is possible to use holographic installations as well. But this is not cost effective enough.

False fireplaces: varieties and features

When planning to install a false fireplace in the interior, decide which type is most suitable for you. Designers subdivide them into authentic, conventional, and symbolic.

Decorative fireplace from boxes

Do-it-yourself decorative fireplace: frame made of metal profiles, sheathing - drywall

Fireplace niche as a cabinet. Shoe boxes can be placed in it

Homemade decorative fireplace from a cardboard box

You can place something unusual in the fireplace niche, for example, an old chest

Bold experiments in a fusion style space

Reliable fireplace models

They carefully observe all the parameters of a real fireplace, except for the outlet of the chimney. Full copying is achieved by installing a biofireplace burner or a conventional electric fireplace in the "firebox". For its decoration, tiles, wallpaper, and stone are also used.

Logs for a false fireplace, painted in different colors, to match the room

In the false fireplace, you can place a bio or electric fireplace

The fireplace fills the room with a special atmosphere

Traditional style fireplace niche with small cauldron and decorative figurines

Conditional fireplace

A niche in the wall, a portal (it is also easy to make a portal for a fireplace with your own hands), imitating a furnace hole and decorated with candelabra, wood and other attributes of a real fireplace. Such a model does not require great depth, 20 centimeters is enough, and you can give the interior volume with the help of mirror tiles glued on the sides and back of the niche.

Decorative fireplace in the home library

False fireplace filled with logs in the living room

A disco ball will help fill the room with additional light. Place it in front of a window or lamp for glare.

Small wall niche, stylized as a fireplace

A little trick to simulate a fireplace opening filled with logs

Dried flowers and candlesticks look great in an antique fireplace with a shabby facade

Symbolic false fireplace (painted fireplace)

This is more a drawing on the wall than a complete structure. It can be made from ordinary skirting boards, indicating only the shape, without depth.

False fireplace with a fire pattern - stylish and original

A decorative fireplace in the kitchen can be used as a rack, store books with recipes, various jars of bulk products and other little things in it

A drawn fireplace hearth will perfectly replace a real fireplace on New Year's holidays.

Fireplace Wall Stickers

The original performance of fake fireplace

Decorative firewood for fireplace

In specialized salons you can find an abundance of options for such products; on sale there are quite realistic firewood with a natural pattern of logs. They can be plastic or ceramic. Any imitation, purchased or made on your own, is intended to give realism to a decorative fireplace to help you feel all the splendor: home comfort, harmony, tranquility and warmth.

Imitation of plastic firewood or coal, has a fairly simple principle of operation.

Coal and firewood are illuminated with red lights. The light bulb can be located inside the wood. Of course, this is not so reliable, but still. For more expensive electric fireplaces, flickering or a picture of the artificial transmission of tongues of fantastic flame is characteristic. It is possible due to a special mechanism in which special elements rotate around the lamp, alternating with transparent and shaded areas. Such illumination can be located either behind the dummy logs, or in the inner part.

It is possible to apply the exact same lighting system to achieve the effect of fire, using natural coal, which must be placed in the niche of a false fireplace. In this case, the backlight should be positioned from the bottom.

How to make an imitation of a drywall fireplace

This is the easiest way to make a false fireplace with your own hands, which does not require much cost or effort.

In order to make such a fireplace, you will need:

• metal profiles (CD and UD);
• one sheet of drywall 12 mm thick;
• dowel screws;
• perforated corners;
• knife, spatula, putty, drill, levels.

You should start by sketching a drawing of a fireplace of the required size.

Then, from the metal profiles, you need to make the frame of the future imitation of the fireplace. You can immediately attach this frame to the wall if your fireplace will be adjacent to it.

In this case, first UD-profiles, that is, the stiffeners of the frame, are placed, and then CDs are inserted into them. We fix all this in random order with self-tapping screws for metal.

Then you need to carefully check the evenness of all edges with building levels, and then proceed to cutting drywall.

To prevent the gypsum from breaking, you must first cut through the top layer, and then break the sheet and cut from below.

Now you can start plastering the frame with drywall, it will be fastened with the same screws. It looks like this.

Covering the frame of the false fireplace

If further finishing goes directly over the drywall, then it is better to sheathe the sides and cross-bar in two layers for additional reliability.

But if you decide to make a deep relief, then you need to glue pillows from the selected material with mounting glue or silicone.

If the finishing will be carried out on drywall, then you need to round off the corners, you can make vertical grooves on the sidewalls to simulate a column, or purchase ready-made decorative parts.

The grooves are made using an abrasive mesh, but if you are not sure that you will get straight lines, then it is better to pre-practice on an unnecessary piece of drywall.

If you do not want to stop there, you can also make a foot to the fireplace, as well as the obligatory internal shelf.

These parts can be glued to the rest of the structure, but it is better to fix the shelf with self-tapping screws, since the load will be carried on it.

After that, you need to putty all the cracks, it is better to cover the entire fireplace completely in 2-3 layers with a putty for leveling.

Inside, you can paint a false fireplace black and thus depict a firebox. You can also insert a photo of the fire or just draw it.

Then there are facing works, if they are provided, for example, painting under a stone.

At the conclusion of all painting work, you need to open the entire fireplace with a PVA-based putty.

Imitation fireplace made of wood

As a frame and the structure of the fireplace itself, you can use unnecessary wooden blocks, shields, boards.

In the future, they can be painted or varnished. A wood fireplace will become stable and look beautiful.

If you have an old wardrobe or sideboard, then you can easily decorate it, and your imitation of a fireplace is ready. You can see an example of such work below.

Fireplace from unnecessary furniture

The front part can be made of boards, plywood, drywall.

If the furniture is polished, then you need to remove the layer with a sander so that all surfaces are rough. Then, just as in the case of a drywall fireplace, you can treat all sides with a primer, level them and you can proceed to further decoration.

In the photo on top of the fireplace, an ordinary decorative corner is attached on a glue basis.

It is possible to decorate such a fireplace both under a tree and with the help of artificial stones or bricks.

Today in hardware stores there is a huge selection of polyurethane ready-made fireplace bases that you can simply install or finish according to your taste.

You can view an example of an imitation of a fireplace made of polyurethane in the image below.

Polyurethane portal

Materials for simulating a brick or stone fireplace

If you want to make the appearance of an antique heavy stone fireplace, then the choice of materials for this is huge.

The only difference is how natural it will look.

The easiest option is to paste over the fireplace with brick wallpaper or self-adhesive film.

You can buy embossed tiles - bricks. They don't look so natural, but very beautiful.

If the structure and frame can withstand a significant load, then the cladding can be made with natural stone or brick. In this case, the natural material sits on the cement mortar and is well fixed.

After hardening, you can paint or varnish stones or bricks.

In order to make embossed bricks of different shapes by hand, you need to take the required shape or box and pour gypsum into it. But at the same time, the thickness should not be large so that the frame can withstand the plaster linings.

Such bricks will look as shown in the picture below.

Gypsum bricks

Finished bricks can be laid on the frame using tile glue, but in any case, be sure to varnish them. These homemade bricks can also be painted the desired color with acrylic paint.

How to make a fire in a false fireplace

There are a lot of options for simulating fire. Let's consider the main ones, the most popular solutions, starting with the simplest ones:

• A simple drawing of a fire or electric photo frame with a burning fire.
• A popular solution is to install beautiful candles in the inner fireplace niche. To enhance the glow, you can use the mirrors installed on the side and inner walls of the fireplace.
• An equally common option is to put logs on the shelf, and on the sides and inside there are LED strips that will illuminate the logs and simulate fire.
• You can simply buy an electric fireplace or biofireplace that reproduce fire in a very natural way. They just need to be placed on the internal shelf and turned on as needed. You can see an example of how an electric fireplace works below.

Electric fireplace
The original solution is a way of lighting and visibility of the fire using water vapor. For this you need:

• fan of the right size;
• DMX controller and decoder (needed to transmit digital data and coordinate all equipment with each other);
• lamp, preferably LED;
• ultrasound fog generators;
• distilled water and a cardboard box.

Fog generators placed in a cardboard container need to pour water, the steam from which, when evaporated, lifts the fan up, and there the lamp illuminates it.

Here we have shown only a few ways to make an imitation of a fireplace, but depending on your ideas and imagination, you can make such a fireplace from any materials at hand.

It can be ordinary cardboard, plywood, various metal parts and more. The design can also be the way you want it to be. An imitation of a fireplace faced with pieces of tiles or colored mosaics also looks beautiful and expensive. You can also lay out a pattern of fire in the inner niche from the mosaic or make an ornament on the side walls of the fireplace.

Video - imitation of a fireplace with your own hands

After watching the video, you will see an illustrative example of installing a false fireplace and once again make sure that everyone can cope with this work.

You just need to show your imagination and choose the level of difficulty. As you can see, the cost of this fireplace is very cheap, and you can even make it completely free from the materials that you have.

In any case, an imitation of a fireplace, made with love and with your own hands, will decorate your home for a long time, and if desired, the design of a false fireplace is very easy to change.

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