Many residents of city apartments want to create an island of warmth and comfort in their home. For many, owning a real fireplace remains an unattainable pleasure; implementing such a project is difficult and unsafe, and gas and electric fireplaces are also not always appropriate. A false fireplace is a hearth that does not require wood, an imitation of a real fireplace, and serves primarily a decorative function. It is safe, beautiful and multifunctional, and the costs of its construction are minimal.
Photo of a false fireplace in the interior of a living room
What types of fireplaces are there?
Installation of a solid fuel fireplace in urban apartments is not allowed. The only exception is apartments located on the top floor of the building. But in this case, a well-designed chimney is required, facing the street, running through the attic and roof.
For modern apartments, you can choose a wall-mounted or corner fireplace. The second option fits more successfully into a modern interior. Corner designs look more elegant and compact. To make a choice, it is worth understanding the features of the models available to urban residents.
False fireplace
A false fireplace is a structure that imitates a real hearth. Its frame is constructed of plasterboard or brick, and the external finishing is made of the desired material. This model can be installed in any part of the living room, matching the overall style of the room.
It is not uncommon for designers to use artificial fireplaces to decorate a room. They may contain flames drawn with chalk or contain decorative firewood.
Electric fireplaces
Electrical products are easy to use in an apartment. Their main elements are made of wood and glass. This is the best option for those who want to have an analogue of a wood-burning fireplace in their home. At the same time, it does not require a chimney, is easy to maintain and runs on electrical energy.
With the help of a decorative electric fireplace you can illuminate and heat the room. The undeniable advantage of such models is their affordable cost and safety for the health of people and animals. To activate such a device, just plug the plug into a socket and enjoy the beauty, adjusting the heating temperature if necessary.
There are mobile electric fireplaces designed as a heater or humidifier.
Biofireplaces
Biofireplaces are a relatively new device in interior design. It runs on biological fuel in the form of multi-colored granules: solid alcohol, sawdust or bark, compressed peat.
An ideal option for city apartments, given the fact that during operation they emit a minimal amount of carbon dioxide. Accordingly, the installation technology does not require the installation of a chimney or a special ventilation system. When the granules burn, very little ash remains, so maintenance of the bio-fireplace is minimal.
Types of models
Conventionally, fireplaces can be divided into several types - with a decorative frame, closed type and open type.
Fireplaces with portals are usually used to create designs in Classic, Minimalism, and Modern styles. Depending on the interior, a frame is chosen - it can be a laconic white portal without decorative elements or a wooden portal with patina and other decorations. Open and closed fireplaces have a discreet design. They are built into a special niche in the wall or mounted on a table, bedside table or shelf. Protective glass can be used upon request.
When choosing a fireplace model, special attention should be paid to the hearth, since they have different functional features. Based on the type of fireplace, we can distinguish wall-mounted, free-standing, built-in, corner, and classic wall-mounted models.
If you do not want to “heavien” the interior, install built-in open or closed models without a decorative portal. The hearths fit perfectly with any design and do not take up much space. A niche in the wall or a table with a recess is suitable for installation.
Finishing methods
Almost any material can be used for cladding electric or artificial fireplaces, since the surface does not heat up to high temperatures. The most popular finishing materials include:
Tiling
Ceramics occupies a leading position among finishing materials for decorative portals. In addition to high fire resistance, the material is distinguished by a wide range of colors and patterns.
Thanks to the applied glaze, the surface is easy to wet clean and repels moisture. The original shape of the tiles will help make the fireplace the main decorative element of the living room, decorated in any stylistic direction.
Tree
Wood does not have heat-resistant characteristics, but if you follow a number of recommendations, you can easily use it to improve your fireplace:
- The material is pre-impregnated with a special fire retardant;
- The firebox is equipped with a protective screen;
- A ventilation system is provided;
- Not the entire portal is covered with wood, but decorative inserts are made;
- Ash and alder are not used.
Otherwise, there are no contraindications for using wood when decorating a fireplace.
Fake diamond
Artificially created stone is quite popular due to its low cost compared to its natural counterpart and similar characteristics.
The material is moisture resistant and durable and does not require special skills when working. For the same reasons, preference is given to artificial brick.
Plaster
When choosing such a finish you will not have to spend a lot of effort, time and money. The technological process is as simple as possible and no additional strengthening of the structure is required. In this case, it is worth selecting materials that meet fire safety requirements.
A huge range of colors allows you not only to choose a shade that suits the style of the room, but also to easily change it if necessary.
Accommodation
For stationary fireplaces, there is one important rule: it must be installed near the chimney, so the place for it is selected immediately when designing the house.
As for artificial electric fireplaces, they can be installed anywhere and in any room. Since they do not emit any gases, they do not need a chimney.
Therefore, where the fireplace will be located in the bedroom is decided only by the owner of the house. This can be a place near the bed or near a wall, in a corner or near a window, and in the case of a stationary heating source, you must follow some rules:
- the distance from the fireplace to the sleeping area should be at least 1.5–2 m.
The best installation option would be a corner placement, or opposite the bed, subject to safety rules.
A bedroom with a fireplace can be decorated in any direction, for example, if it is designed in Provence or Country style, then stone is used as a finishing material, and for a modern direction, the usual fireplace masonry is left.
Therefore, the design of a bedroom with a fireplace should be in clear harmony with all interior items, including the installed heating item. [ads-pc-2][ads-mob-2]
What to look for when purchasing:
To make the right choice when buying an electric fireplace for the living room, it is not enough just to decide on the design. In this case, a few professional tips will help:
- Power. The degree of heating of the room will depend on this indicator. If the device is assigned not only a decorative function, the power should be calculated based on the area of the hall;
- Size. An important point, since its location and the arrangement of other pieces of furniture depend on its dimensions;
- Designer design. When choosing exterior decoration, you need to build on the general stylistic direction in the room and apartment;
- An additional advantage will be the ability to adjust the brightness of the flame and temperature;
- If possible, you should give preference to a model equipped with an air humidification and aromatization system.
Following simple recommendations will allow you to choose a fireplace that will not only decorate the living room and heat it, but will also make the interior much more comfortable and harmonious.
Hearth technologies
Dimplex offers several hearths:
- Revillusion
is a premium fireplace with a 3D flame effect. Instead of ordinary glass, a translucent mirror screen is installed here, enhancing the effect of the flame and visually enlarging the firebox. - Optiflame
is a fireplace with a mirror surface and a rotating metal drum with notches. This design allows you to create a realistic imitation of 3D flame. Some models have an air filter installed. - Opti-Myst
– thanks to the built-in steam generator and LED lighting, a realistic imitation of “live” fire and smoke occurs, which looks very realistic and impressive, especially in an apartment. - Opti-V
is a fireplace equipped with an LED screen. An innovative series of fireplaces with realistic 3D flames and the effect of flying sparks and crackling logs. The flame cannot be distinguished from real fire, it looks so natural.
Fireplace in the interior of the apartment (photo selection)
See our collection of photos, which presents modern solutions on how to place a fireplace in the living room of an ordinary apartment. Various materials, styles and types of useful accessories that will bring a piece of warmth to your cozy home.
Materials
Decorative frames for fireplaces are made mainly from MDF, natural veneer and plastic.
Natural stone or brick can also be used here. You need to choose the most practical and suitable option. Thanks to this, you can install the frame yourself, even without special tools at hand. Portals made of MFD and plastic will look advantageous in any interior, adding gloss and aristocracy to the room. The main thing is to choose the right color that will match the walls of the room, furniture or accessories.
Fireplace in the interior of a country house
Below are photos of how you can implement and organize a fireplace in a country cottage. The favorite place where all relatives gather on weekends should radiate warmth and love. Get inspired and take ideas home with you.
Cardboard portal
The easiest and cheapest way is to make an imitation fireplace out of a box. Most of us always have one or two boxes of household appliances that need to be thrown away, but never get around to it. Now they can find a worthy use for themselves - to become a false fireplace. The costs in this case are minimal - both physical and material. Additionally, to create a false fireplace you will need PVA glue, a stationery knife, scissors, a tape measure or measuring tape, and adhesive tape.
You can use one large box or many small ones.
You can lay out a square portal from several boxes, securing them with tape, in accordance with the original dimensions of the design layout. The frame from a large box is also very simple to make: in the center of the front side of the future fireplace, a window of any shape is cut out - a square or a semicircle. In the future, this will be the hearth zone. If you plan to put candles or garlands in the fireplace, then you need to provide a shelf inside the portal.
In the photo: Cardboard portal for a false fireplace
The use of additional materials will depend on the portal design. If the fireplace requires columns and bas-relief, then you can use corrugated cardboard, papier-mâché, etc. for this. You can also additionally buy stucco molding in the store and glue it with double-sided tape.
From a sheet of cardboard (this can be one side of another box or a whole sheet), we cut out a lid-shelf, make a pedestal - the base for the portal. In order to hide joints and irregularities on the front side of the portal, you can use old newspapers or plain paper.
To add stability and strength to the fireplace, you can make stiffening ribs around the entire perimeter; you can also use corrugated cardboard, as shown in the photo.
The corner fireplace model is made a little differently - you need to bend the box, create a corner, or disassemble small boxes into separate sheets and form a frame for the fireplace from them. A corner fireplace will save space.
When the portal is almost ready, all that remains is to cover it.
The following may be suitable as cladding:
- wallpaper for brick or stonework;
- painting in any color (you will first need to cover the frame with paper so that it is even);
- pasting with foam bricks and their further painting;
- decoration with ready-made stucco.
The easiest way to glue the decor is with a glue gun.
It is worth noting that an imitation fireplace made of cardboard or cardboard boxes is short-lived; most often this design is assembled for themed photo shoots or for holidays.
Living room with fireplace and TV: side by side or further apart?
You need to understand that both objects are active and can visually compete with each other, so it is better to provide a special panel for the TV or choose an invisible model. If it is possible to organize a fireplace and TV area in one living room separately, away from each other, it is better to choose this option.
Photo: home-and-design.com
Photo: home-and-design.com
Design: Geometrium
Design: Geometrium
Design: Alla Polenova, Natalya Lavrik
Design: Alla Polenova, Natalya Lavrik
