How to make a decorative fireplace from an old cabinet with your own hands. Homemade fake fireplace for home False fireplace from an old nightstand

Cozy gray living room

The presence of a fireplace gives the interior coziness and a feeling of warmth of the hearth, but it is not always possible to create a real firebox. In this case, you can make a false fireplace and decorate the interior with it, for which you do not need to have special skills in construction. Take the necessary measurements and explore the various options and ideas for creating portals- this will help you make the right decision and create your own unique design.

Decorative fireplace in bathroom design

Types of decorative fireplaces

Decorative portals have a number of advantages:

Low manufacturing cost: in fact, money will be needed only for the purchase of materials.
Availability of raw materials to create a structure: the necessary materials can be bought at any hardware store.
Decor and the appearance of the fireplace can be easily changed.

Snow-white fireplace portal on a black background

Chandeliers above the nightstands instead of traditional sconces

DECORATIVE FIREPLACES CAN BE DIVIDED INTO THREE TYPES:

Credible most similar to the real thing. They are consistent in size and design. In terms of cost, they are the most expensive.
Conditional the variant is a portal protruding from the wall. Such fireplaces have a variety of decor - it all depends on the desire of the owner and the style of the room.
Symbolic least reminiscent of real fireplaces. It can be just a drawing applied to the wall of the room.

Variety of materials

To create an imitation of a fireplace portal in your home, you will need simple building materials that are sold in any store:

plywood, chipboard or wood;
drywall;
foam, polyurethane;
brick .

Through decorative fireplace located in the partition

Pure wood fireplace portal

Advice! You can use old furniture and create a strong frame for the future product.

POLYURETHANE - A SIMPLE AND QUICK OPTION FOR CREATING A FIREPLACE

It is enough to choose and buy a ready-made polyurethane portal. It is important to consider the design and size of the room. For installation inside an electric heater, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions and the option of connecting to the network. For manufacturing, a small amount of materials is required - a ready-made portal, glue, putty, decoration for decoration.

Action algorithm:

choose the right place to create a portal: the design should not interfere with the passage and clutter up the room;
bring the electrical wiring to the connection point;

the frame can be created from a bar or a metal profile, and sheathed with plywood or drywall;
the polyurethane portal is attached to the glue, the gaps are puttied;
decorating the firebox is carried out in accordance with the style. The fireplace mantel is made of wood or artificial stone slab.

Advice! The portal can be made not only from polyurethane, but also from wood. In this case, the cost of the finished product increases significantly.

Wooden products with carved elements emphasize the uniqueness of the style

PLYWOOD - ANOTHER OPTION FOR CREATING A FIREPLACE

This option is suitable if you need to hide the flaws of the room, for example, you need to disguise the old radiator battery. Before starting work, you should take measurements, perform calculations and make a drawing. All this will save money and time for the production of works.

To start work, a frame is made, which can be made of a wooden beam, after which it is sheathed with plywood. To fix parts, it is best to take screws, they are much more reliable than nails. Surfaces that can be viewed from the outside are pasted over with a film.

Advice! To decorate the battery, place a mesh tray on it, which will simulate the bottom of the firebox. It is filled with firewood or pebbles. To create a fireplace grate, a copper profile or aluminum wire is useful, dyed golden .

Option for making a decorative portal from cardboard

USE OF OLD FURNITURE IS AN INEXPENSIVE WAY TO CREATE A FAKE FIREPLACE

There is definitely an old closet in the house. No need to throw it away - old furniture will help in creating beautiful fireplace imitation. For work you will need such tools and materials:

jigsaw;
screwdriver;
plywood;
putty and paint;
LED Strip Light;
gypsum stone for decoration.

First you need to remove the doors from the cabinet and put it on its side. Two beams are screwed in front. A hole is cut in the door to create a blower, where firewood can be placed. To create a podium and a mantelpiece, headboards can come in handy.

When the case is ready, you need to decorate:

First, remove the top layer with a grinder to get a rough surface. It is primed and puttied.
After the putty dries, it needs to be sanded.
The frame is covered with paint and performed brick or gypsum finish, after which the fireplace mantel is installed.
An LED strip is glued around the perimeter of the firebox to simulate a fire. Pebbles, sand or shells are poured at the bottom of the firebox.

False fireplace from old furniture

gypsum board - an indispensable material for the production of a portal

The use of this material allows you to create any design in terms of complexity and placement in space. To work, you need to arm yourself with the following materials:

metal profile;
drywall sheet;
ceramic tile;

From drywall in a short time you can make a beautiful decorative fireplace

self-tapping screws;
LED Strip Light;
decorative lattice.

Before starting work, take measurements and complete the drawing. A ceiling profile is suitable for mounting the frame. Make a power supply for create backlight. After making the structure, it is sheathed with drywall.

Advice! For finishing, facade tiles are suitable, which are laid on heat-resistant glue.

Decorating a fireplace portal

In order for the false firebox to harmoniously fit into the interior, correctly choose style and color. To simulate a burning fire, you can use several options: led strip, electronic photo frame, candles of various heights.

Decorating with cuts

Advice! Good for decorating a firebox fake diamond. It comes in different textures and colors. It is important that the appearance is consistent with the overall style of the room.

Forged looks nice metal grill, it gives the appearance of naturalness. You can buy a finished product in a store or order production in any workshop.

Bookshelf placed in a decorative portal

Spacious loft-style living room

Creating a fireplace portal in the house is a simple process, especially if it's just an imitation. You do not need special materials, as well as special construction skills. Before developing a drawing, review the various options and ideas for making fake fireplaces in the Internet. This will help create a unique option that suits your stylistic interior design.

Feb 16, 2018 Sergey

Oddly enough, but to have a comfortable home is a completely natural desire that is inherent in us. So it turns out that we are ready to spend our energy, money and time to turn our house or apartment into a place where it is pleasant to be and which we are not ashamed to show to others. One of the ways to decorate a room, make it cozy and stylish is a fireplace, which is also a home. How pleasant it is for the whole family to gather around the fire in the house in the evening, chat, drink tea and talk. But, there is one problem: for residents of private houses, such an opportunity is quite real, but it will not work to make a fireplace in an apartment with live fire. If you are a resident of a high-rise building, do not be discouraged, we have found a solution for you.

In this article we will look at how to make a decorative fireplace with your own hands. This is the so-called false fireplace, which is visually identical to the usual one, only now it can be used in an apartment. You will see not only a photo, but also instructions for making a fireplace with your own hands. It is an irreplaceable decorative element of your apartment.

The concept of a decorative fireplace and its necessity

Everyone knows that the combustion process is accompanied by side effects such as soot, debris and, most importantly, smoke. That is why an ordinary fireplace is not complete without an ash pan and a chimney, which solve all problems. In addition, this design has an impressive weight, which does not allow mounting such a fireplace in an apartment. The floor slab may not withstand. So it turns out that a decorative fireplace is an ideal alternative for those who, in spite of everything, want to have this element in their home. Even without special skills in construction, you can make it yourself.

Note! There are so-called bio-fireplaces that are used for apartments. As a raw material, alcohol or other biological fuel burns inside. In this case, no smoke, dirt, ash, etc. is formed. Only the process of combustion and heat generation takes place. However, the products are quite expensive. But, if you do not mind the money, you can use this alternative.

There are even electric fireplaces on sale that are easy and quick to install. But, not everyone can afford it, in addition, a decorative fireplace with their own hands will be much more original. You put your whole soul into it, so it will be valued differently. This is where your imagination can run wild. With such a decorative element, your neighbors will simply envy.

As you can see in the photo above, it is difficult to distinguish it from the real one. In addition, the design has a number of its advantages:

Low cost, as you only need to spend money on materials.
Simplicity of materials and their availability. Anyone can work with them, without professional skills.
It is possible to change the decor at will at any time. Everything depends on you.
The decoration uses at least inexpensive, but rather original and beautiful materials.
You will receive a full-fledged fireplace, which, although not a replacement for the original, will become a worthy alternative.
Your room will be transformed and become original.

In the end, we want to draw your attention to 3 types or groups of decorative fireplaces that you can create. The first group is authentic fireplaces, which are like two drops of water similar to real ones. It's about the size, design and design principle. Inside such a fireplace, there may even be a bio-fireplace burner or other fire imitation options. This option is expensive, but it looks perfect.

The second group is conditional fireplaces. They have a protruding portal from the wall. You can decorate such a design as you like, implementing the most extravagant and unusual ideas. The firebox is often filled with candles or firewood.

But the third group is symbolic fireplaces, which are made from a variety of materials. They vaguely resemble a real hearth. Most of the time, they don't really look like him. It gets to the point that it is a simple wallpaper or an image with decor, just like Papa Carlo's.

What can you make a decorative false fireplace from?

You will be surprised, but there are more than enough materials for work. They are simple, affordable, inexpensive and beautiful. If everything is done correctly, then even the cheapest material will look noble. So, here is a list of materials that you can use for this purpose:

drywall;
classic bricks;
plywood sheets;
wood;
Styrofoam;
polyurethane;
and even cardboard.

Note! If you have old furniture, then you can use it. After all, it is a pity to throw it away, but as a fireplace it will be transformed and will last a few more years.

Let's look at how to make decorative fireplaces with your own hands from some of the materials listed above.

Polyurethane fireplace

If you're looking for the easiest and fastest method to create a fireplace, then you've come to the right place. All you need is to purchase a polyurethane fireplace portal. It remains only to choose the style and size that will fit into the room, and the rest is a matter of technique. The body of such a fireplace is lightweight, and installation will not take much time. The photo shows the result you can get.

What is required for work?

That's all. There is only a step-by-step instruction that will help you cope with the task. In fact, you don’t need to build anything, since you have purchased a ready-made portal, which remains only to be fixed in place against the wall. Dustless work:

Exactly according to this principle, you can make a fireplace out of wood. Only now it should be noted that the wooden portals that are on sale are of great value. However, outwardly everything looks much nobler. Look at the photo, what effect can be achieved if you make an effort.

Plywood fireplace

A pretty good option if the room has some flaw or defect. Some are trying to transform an old radiator. With the help of a decorative plywood fireplace, you can realize this idea.

To begin with, the design should be done on paper. Everyone knows what it is. You need to do some calculations and create the drawing of the fireplace you want to make. Alternatively, you can use a ready-made project from the Internet. Here, for example, one of these options.

Dimensions, design, appearance - all this you can adjust for yourself. Next, a hammer, saw, screwdriver and tape measure are used. The first step is to create the frame of your fireplace. For this purpose, slats or bars made of wood are suitable.

You can connect elements to each other in any way. It is more reliable if these are self-tapping screws. Although nails are fine too. Then it remains to sheathe the frame with plywood. As for the design and appearance of the product, you can adjust it in the process. As an option to make a podium to the portal. Look at the photo, how the frame of the decorative fireplace has changed and has become similar to the finished version.

On the bar along the back wall, you can fix the firebox, which will imitate the hearth. But the surfaces that can be viewed from the outside can be decorated with self-adhesive. Here is one of the design options for a decorative plywood fireplace.

And here is the view of the seat. In order to hide the wall, you can paste over the inside of the same film.

The advantage of the design is that it is easy to remove, since at this stage it is not fixed to the surface. This allows access to the battery. And for the best effect, you can install stones, pebbles or firewood on the radiator by installing a metal mesh on it.

And as a final nuance, you can make a fireplace grate. Then your design will practically not differ from a natural hearth. You can make it yourself or buy it in the store. The basis is copper or aluminum wire. It is easy to bend and shape. In advance, you can draw a lattice on paper or print it out as a guide.

To the most decorative fireplace, you need to fix the wire in four places. And to hide the pipe that goes to the radiator, continue the podium of the fireplace, as shown in the photo.

This is such an original, beautiful, noble and almost natural miracle that can be obtained if you make some effort, ingenuity and allocate time. At home, you can hide any other defect or simply install such a false fireplace.

Note! Exactly according to the same principle, a drywall fireplace is made. Only here it is necessary to sheathe everything with this material. There is nothing complicated, the result is also excellent.

DIY decorative fireplace from furniture

This option can be called the most budgetary, because you already have almost all the materials for work. It remains only to transform it all into an artificial fireplace. Ideally, an old sideboard or wardrobe will do. In addition, stock up on such tools and materials:

sheets of plywood;
acrylic paint;
putty;
flight LED;
stucco molding, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
screwdriver;
grinding machine;
jigsaw.

We begin to transform a sideboard or wardrobe into a false fireplace.

More effort can be made to complete the design of the fireplace and make it indistinguishable from the real thing. You can stick an LED strip around the perimeter of the firebox inside. Ideally yellow or red, as this is an imitation of a burning flame. At the bottom of the decorative firebox, you can pour shells, sand or pebbles.

That's all, as a result, you have a decorative fireplace that no one else has. It is no worse than a natural fireplace, only there is no fire. Other than that, it's just a perfect decorative element. And the realization that you made it with your own hands will warm you better than any fire.

Do-it-yourself rustic house interior design

The desire for comfort and coziness is inherent in each of us. The warmth of the hearth is not empty words. What could be better than spending evenings by the fireplace watching the flames? Owners of private houses can afford a real fireplace, but for residents of city apartments, this, unfortunately, is an unaffordable luxury. But for real masters, nothing is impossible, and today we will tell you how to make a false fireplace in an apartment.

What is a fake fireplace and why is it needed

In a city apartment, conditions will not allow you to install an ordinary fireplace. The absence of chimneys, ceilings that are not designed for such loads are the main obstacles to obtaining permission to build such a structure. False fireplaces come to the rescue, which you can easily assemble on your own, without having special skills in construction work.

Of course, you can buy an electric fireplace - such devices are now common, and their installation will not take much time and effort. But creating a fireplace with your own hands is a very exciting activity, it gives vent to imagination, allows you to make an exclusive thing. In addition, an open fire in an apartment is optional (and it is unlikely that you will be allowed to do this), and a false fireplace will serve you as a multifunctional decoration.

Note! Although you will not light a fire in a false fireplace, still do not put flammable things below. Especially if the building covers heating batteries or you plan to put electrical appliances in the furnace.

The fake fireplace looks like the real one

Artificial fireplaces have the following advantages:

cheapness - you only need money for materials;
availability of materials necessary for the manufacture of the structure;
the ability to change the decor at any time according to your mood;
use in decorating inexpensive, but original and beautiful materials.

False fireplaces are divided into 3 groups:

Reliable artificial fireplaces completely imitate the real ones, respecting both the dimensions and design principles. Inside the firebox, you can install a bio-fireplace burner, which will provide an almost exact effect of a burning hearth. Quite an expensive option, but it looks the most believable.
Conditional false fireplaces have a portal protruding from the wall. They can be decorated according to your taste and desire. The furnace hole is usually filled with firewood or candles are placed there.
Symbolic can be made from any materials. Their peculiarity is that they are not at all like an ordinary fireplace. It can even be a picture made on the wall with some decorative elements.

Manufacturing options

For the manufacture of artificial fireplaces, the simplest materials are used, which can always be found not only in the store, but also at home:

drywall;
plywood;
Styrofoam;
cardboard;
wood;
brick;
polyurethane.

You can make such a structure even from old furniture that has already served its purpose, but it’s a pity to throw it away.

This is the easiest and fastest way. You only need to buy a polyurethane portal for the fireplace. The most difficult part of this task will be the choice of style and size suitable for the room, and everything else will take you a minimum of time and effort.

If you want to insert an electric fireplace, consider its installation and overall dimensions, the method of connecting to the mains and the quality of ventilation.

The lightweight polyurethane frame of the raised fireplace saves you a lot of installation hassle.

You will need:

polyurethane portal for a fireplace;
contact adhesive;
putty;
materials for finishing the firebox (for example, decorative bricks).

And now we will tell you step by step how to install such a fireplace.

The best place to install such a fireplace is one of the side walls of the room. The structure should not clutter up the room and interfere with the passage.
If you decide to place an electric fireplace or decorative electric lighting inside the portal, first take care of the wiring and socket.
Make the frame of the furnace from a profile or wooden blocks, and the walls from plywood or drywall.
Install the portal, carefully fix it on the contact adhesive. Carefully fill the gaps between the portal and the firebox with finishing putty.
Finish the firebox in the style you have chosen, or install an electric fireplace. If desired, you can install a mantel made of artificial stone or wood.

Such portals are made not only from polyurethane, but also from wood. They are much more expensive, but among them you can find real masterpieces, additionally equipped with, for example, a built-in bar.

plywood construction

This idea comes in handy if you need to hide some flaw in the room, such as an old heating radiator, which will cost a lot to replace. A false fireplace will come in handy here.

The need to cover the old heating radiator is a great opportunity to install a false fireplace

Carry out calculations and make a drawing of the future structure. This will help you not to waste extra money and time.

Drawing of a standard fireplace

Note! When you develop a drawing, refer to ready-made options for fireplaces made of stone. Based on them, you can easily design your false fireplace.

First of all, install the frame right in place. Wooden blocks are suitable for it.

Frame made of bars for a raised fireplace

Next, sheathe the frame with plywood. The design of the fireplace and its appearance can be adjusted during operation. For example, you can add a podium to the portal. A heating battery is located inside the structure, so it is better to assemble the frame with screws: nails at high temperatures do not guarantee a snug fit of plywood to the bars in the future.

Frame covered with drywall

On the back wall, fix a firebox on the bar that imitates a fireplace. Cover all exposed surfaces with self-adhesive tape.

Install the firebox and cover it with foil

Close the corners of the portal with a wooden layout, also paste over it with a film of the same color.

The corners of the portal must be closed and also pasted over with a film

This design turns out to be easily removable (it is not attached to the wall at this stage), and you will easily get access to the radiator. The fireplace insert needs to be decorated with something, so you can put a metal mesh tray on the battery.

A metal mesh tray that will become the bottom of the firebox

You will fill it with pebbles, firewood or other decorative elements.

Pour pebbles or other filler into the metal mesh

You can order a fireplace grate or make it yourself. To do this, you will need a copper profile. If it is not available, aluminum wire inserted into a PVC tube and painted with gold paint will do. Such a grate is attached to the fireplace body with copper wire in 4 places.

Scheme of a metal grate

Pipes that fit the battery can be closed with a continuation of the podium.

Close the heating pipes with a podium

So that useful space is not wasted, make a bar under the mantelpiece.

Use of additional space

As a result, you will get such a fireplace, almost indistinguishable from the real one.

Finished fake fireplace

New life for old furniture

This is the most budget option. You probably have an old wardrobe or sideboard. Do not rush to throw away this piece of furniture: based on it, you can easily make a wonderful imitation of a backlit fireplace.

you will need:

plywood sheets;
wood grinder;
jigsaw;
screwdriver;
acrylic paint;
putty;
LED Strip Light;
stucco molding, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
surfaces.

Remove the doors from the old sideboard, remove the lower cabinet. The top section will remain, put it on its side.
Preparing an old sideboard for work
Screw two beams in front.
Screw 2 beams
Top and bottom, fasten two sheets of plywood to the bars. Thus, the required thickness will be given to the fireplace.
Fix plywood sheets
Cut a hole in the door of the side cabinet (which is now at the bottom) for the “blower”. Here you can store firewood, as in a real fireplace.
Cut a hole for the "blower"
Your fake fireplace will need a plinth and a mantelpiece. Two backs from the old bed can act as them. Don't forget to unscrew their legs.
The headboards will serve as a pedestal and a mantelpiece
The design is ready, now you need to start finishing work. Roughen polished surfaces with a grinder to make them rough. Prime the walls; after they dry - putty and level the surface. Dry the putty, sand the bumps. Paint the body with acrylic paint, finish the corners with brick or artificial stone. Stick decorative elements, install a mantelpiece.
Finishing a fake fireplace from old furniture
Set up a firebox. Glue the LED strip around the perimeter. Suitable red or yellow - they perfectly imitate a smoldering fire. Fill the bottom with shells, pebbles or sand.
Decorate the firebox: glue the LED strip, put pebbles, shells or sand on the bottom

As a result, you will get such a magnificent fireplace in vintage style.

Ready-made false fireplace from an old sideboard

Imitation of a plasterboard fireplace

This time we will consider the option of a corner false fireplace made of drywall. This task will be more difficult than the previous ones. Why a corner fireplace? Because in a small apartment, the corner is the freest place, which is ideal for installing such a structure.

Corner false fireplace made of drywall

So, you will need the following materials:

metal profile - 13 pcs;
moisture resistant drywall 9.5 mm - 3 sheets;
tiles - 5 m;
self-tapping screws - 200 pcs;
grout for tiles;
LED Strip Light;
decorative grille.

Calculate the dimensions. In this case, please note: if you need to close the battery, you need to do it so that it can be easily reached. For possible emergencies, it is better to let the battery through the bottom opening.
Approximate diagram of a corner fireplace
After the calculations are made, and the fireplace diagram is drawn up, begin to mount the frame. A ceiling profile will do for him, besides, it is cheaper.
Immediately make the wiring for the backlight. As you can see in the first photo, in our case there are three output points: two on the facade and one above the shelf. An LED strip is used as a backlight.
The furnace hole can be made with double walls. A non-combustible insulation will be laid between them.
Finishing a false fireplace with decorative tiles
For decorative finishes, you can use stone tiles. It is made of plaster, so it is not suitable for work surfaces.

This fireplace covers approximately 1.6 square meters. A small electric fireplace or a small alcohol burner can be placed inside the firebox.

Finishing

It is very important that the fireplace harmoniously fit into the interior of the room. You should carefully choose the style, color. But in addition, decorative trim should please the eye and create comfort.

How to achieve imitation of fire in a fireplace? Above, we offered options with LED strip, which provides lighting with a burning effect. But progress does not stand still, and an electronic photo frame can serve you well. It is a liquid crystal display, which is adapted to display pictures. You need a model capable of playing animated files such as GIFs. Upload an image of a burning fire to the photo frame and enjoy!

Many owners of false fireplaces are very fond of decorating niches with spaced candles of different heights. It looks beautiful, stylish, and gives a real live fire.
An excellent choice would be to install a mirror in the depth of the furnace niche, on the wall. A mirror will multiply the reflections from candles or electric lighting and add mystery to the fireplace.
Artificial stone will help you to provide the effect of an expensive finish. It comes in a variety of colors and textures. Tiles, bas-reliefs and decorative tiles will give expressive individuality to the building. But do not overdo it: excessive pomposity may be out of place in your interior.
Doors for false fireplaces will probably be superfluous, but if you decide to install them, make them from plexiglass. They can be transparent or tinted, but the light and glare of the "fire" are simply required to pass through.
It is better to arrange a fireplace imitation firebox with a forged metal grate. It can be bought or ordered from the workshop.

Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces

An original and concise version - a simple niche with candles

Video: how to make a fake drywall fireplace with your own hands

As you can see, building a fireplace at home on your own is not at all difficult, and also cheap, especially if it is only an imitation. Accuracy, attention, the desire to do something original and creative imagination - that's all you need in order to enjoy the comfort, like the heroes of classic films. Share with us your experience in implementing such ideas, or ask any questions you have about this topic. Easy work for you and comfort for your home!

Share with friends!

For a long time there were no detailed step-by-step technologies from me, but I decided to correct myself and talk about how to make a beautiful decorative fireplace from an old closet and decorate it in a cool way. It will be a great decoration for your home!

DIY decorative fireplace - side view

It was decided to use boards that remained after the dismantling of the old cabinet as the starting material for the construction of the fireplace. The second alternative to chipboard boards was drywall sheets, but I decided to abandon this idea, because. then I would have to build a frame from a metal profile, but due to the lack of skills in working with a metal profile, I decided to do without it. You could also try to make a decorative fireplace out of boxes, but then it would not turn out so strong and durable.

By the way, the site portal already has a step-by-step guide on how to make a beautiful one using a metal profile. In addition, the same article talks about fireplace decor options, so read a very interesting material!

Drawing of the future fireplace

So, with the source material, we decided it will be a chipboard board from the cabinet. Now let's talk about the dimensions of the boards that will need to be cut. In order not to fully describe the sawing process and dimensions, I am attaching a photograph with a drawing of the future fireplace.

Drawing description:

Tabletop width - 100 cm.
The length of the tabletop is 25 cm.
The height of the side, rear and front boards is 115 cm.
The width of the fireplace is 95 cm.
The length of the fireplace on the side is 22 cm.
The width of the front boards located on the sides is 30 cm.
The width of the front middle - from above - 35 cm, height 45 cm.
The width of the front middle - from below - 35 cm, height 30 cm.
Dimensions of the "furnace" - width 35 cm, height 45 cm.
Inner wall 1 - width 15 cm, height 40 cm.
Inner wall 2 - width 15 cm, length 35 cm.

In the next photo you can see a cabinet that was dismantled and taken to the garage where my husband cut the boards into its constituent structural elements.

An old cabinet is a great material for a fireplace

You can file the elements that will make up the future fireplace using an electric jigsaw, but please note that all elements must be clearly marked with a pencil and a ruler (you do not need to rely on the eye). By the way, if it is difficult for you to cut the boards yourself, then you can order the elements at the furniture factory, having previously provided the dimensions. If you bring your own boards, it will come out cheaper, about 200 rubles for 1 element.

Do-it-yourself decorative New Year's fireplace: step by step instructions

After all the constituent elements are ready, the most intriguing part of the work comes. The intrigue lies in the fact that if miscalculations were made at the previous step, then at the assembly stage, the structure will not assemble into a single component and some elements will have to be cut out again.

Assembling the back wall

The back wall in my case consists of 2 elements, it so happened that we failed to cut out a single component 95 cm wide and 115 cm high. But this is not a problem, because. you can fasten 2 boards with a bar, and putty the joints between the boards with decorative plaster, which remained in our house after the repair.

Sequence of work:

We file the bars for attaching the rear walls to them;
We fix the back walls with self-tapping screws;

We fasten the side ribs to the back wall

We figured out the back wall, pay attention to the previous photo, I deliberately left a few centimeters from the sides in order to attach the side ribs to the back wall “butt”. The sequence of operation is also quite simple:

We fasten the side ribs to the bars with self-tapping screws.
We fasten additional bars to the side ribs for attaching the front wall and cover.

We assemble the front (front) side of the fireplace

The front side consists of 4 components, including:

Front top beam;
two sides;
Bottom beam;

The width of the “firebox” hole is 35 cm wide and 40 cm high. I draw your attention to the fact that later I regretted a little about the small dimensions of the hole in the fireplace, so I suggest you increase the furnace hole to 40 by 40 cm or 40 by 50 cm. This will give a more aesthetic look to your fireplace.

Decorative fireplace prices

decorative fireplace

Please note that in order to fix our hole with the “firebox”, we will have to fix 4 bars on the back cover, and attach the inner walls to them.

Fasten the top cover to the frame of the fireplace

Well, the frame is almost ready with the exception of some details. What is missing? Correctly! The top cover is missing. That is what needs to be attached. The dimensions of the top cover differ from the dimensions of the fireplace, because it should protrude 5-10 cm from all sides. Its size is 100 cm wide and 25 cm high. Next, consider an example of its attachment to the frame in the photo below.

The frame of our decorative fireplace is assembled. The next step is its decoration. In fact, the decorative design of the fireplace is the topic of a separate article in which you need to describe all the points, but for your convenience I will try to reflect in this material all the main points on the decoration of the fireplace.

Find out how to do it yourself in an article on our portal.

Finishing a decorative fireplace with your own hands

When the fireplace is ready, it's time for creativity, here everyone can try themselves as a designer. I really liked the role of the designer, I decided to decorate the fireplace with the help of decorative stucco molding, which I myself decided to paint.

So, here is a list of steps I want to take to make my fireplace look like in the picture:

Plastering the fireplace at the joints of the boards and at the places where self-tapping screws are screwed in.
Painting the fireplace with white water-based paint.
Sticking moldings to the fireplace.
Decorating the "firebox" with mirrors and LED strip.

Fireplace plaster

When the fireplace is plastered, there is a waiting time. The plaster needs to be given time - 2-3 hours to dry, and then we will need to sand the fireplace with fine sandpaper.

After painting the fireplace, you need to give the fireplace 10-12 hours to dry. At this time, you can do the decoration of stucco.

For painting the fireplace, I recommend using water-based paint, because. It is this type of paint that has such qualities as: cheapness, lack of smell. It is the second argument that is decisive in this choice of the type of paint, because. if you are doing repairs in the apartment during the cold season, then leaving the fireplace to dry on the balcony will not work, and the smell of paint in the apartment may make you dizzy.

Please note that it will be necessary to paint the fireplace with water-based paint in two layers. This is done in order to completely paint over all the elements.

Fireplace decor

As I noted above, I decided to choose plaster moldings as decorative elements. It is sold in hardware stores and has long earned respect from people in creative professions. I would like to note right away that if your main task is to make an economical version of a decorative fireplace, then foam plastic decor elements will be a good alternative to stucco molding.

I did not use them, because. It seemed to me that the stucco molding looks somewhat more expressive when painted. In addition, if you paint the foam with ordinary paint, then it is likely that it will dissolve under the influence of chemistry.

The next material that I used to finish the fireplace is a ceiling plinth (not made of foam), but made of the same material as the stucco (most likely it is a hard mounting foam). The plinth is useful for decorating the firebox of our fireplace; the photo below will show a sample design of the firebox.

In addition, decorative brick was used to decorate the firebox, the cost of decorative brick (decorative stone) is about 600 rubles per box, but I left it after (my husband wrote about this technology).

The process of finishing the fireplace insert with decorative stone:

From the outside, carefully apply glue (in my case, Bergauf) to the outside of the decorative stone;
We apply a decorative stone to the side wall of the fireplace;
We fix the decorative stone by pressing the hand and wait 10-20 seconds until the glue “grabs”;
Using a similar technology, we cover the second wall of the furnace and the bottom.

Making a fireplace insert with LED strip

I continue finishing the fireplace. The next material I will be using is LED strip. LED strip can be purchased at almost any electrical store. I decided to use a red LED strip, because. it is the red color that will emphasize the unforgettable atmosphere of warmth and comfort that looks like burning firewood.

I will attach the LED strip to the corners of the firebox. Before you fix the LED strip in the fireplace, of course, you need to assemble it into a circuit in the following order: socket, cable, transformer, LED strip.

LED strip prices

LED Strip Light

When connecting the LED strip, observe the polarity.

Photo - stuccoed fireplace

On this, my step-by-step photo report on how to make a decorative fireplace with your own hands has come to an end. If you like my work, then please put likes under this material.

Good luck with your work and a beautiful fireplace!

A false fireplace can be built from various improvised means, so after repair you should not throw away the remnants of drywall, plywood, foam and profile. For the manufacture of a decorative dummy, even old furniture is suitable, which, as you may think, will no longer fit for anything.

Artificial fireplaces - types of designs and decor options

Do not rush to make with your own hands exactly the same fake fireplace as your friends or neighbors. The fact is that artificial structures, in comparison with real structures, have many manufacturing options. In addition, decorative fireplaces are usually divided into three groups:

1. Reliable - completely imitate the real ones.
2. Conditional - similar to real ones, equipped with a firebox.
3. Symbolic - a dummy made of cardboard or a 3D drawing on the wall.

The first version of an artificial fireplace resembles a natural room hearth not only in shape and size, but also in the ability to equip its combustion chamber in such a way that reflections of fire are present in it. Of course, not real. The hearth is very simply imitated using an electric or biofireplace. The conditional false hearth has non-standard dimensions and is a portal protruding from the wall, equipped with a small combustion chamber. The firebox is decorated with an electric fireplace, LED lighting or decorative candles.

Fireplace dummy

Symbolic decorative constructions are a kind of "hearth of Papa Carlo". They are completely different from the first two options. Most often they are a decorative border or just an image on the wall. When constructing a dummy fireplace, you can focus on the finished drawing of a standard stone fireplace, or you can make your own based on it. Here's what a diagram of a simple, but at the same time real fireplace might look like:

The external decoration of the portal of an artificial fireplace can be made with various materials, for example, using plastic, ceramics, metal or glass. The main thing is that the chosen product harmoniously fits into the overall interior design. If we are talking about installing an electric fireplace in the combustion chamber, then for the manufacture of such a design it is recommended to use only non-combustible building materials and decorative elements.

As for decor options, you can give a false fireplace a more believable look by putting logs in the combustion chamber. A fireplace with a semicircular firebox will look especially attractive, where firewood is laid on a grate, under which a fiery backlight is built. Usually, if you need to add zest and functionality, the combustion chamber is made in the form of a mini-bar or bookshelf.

We collect a fake from an old closet

Having made a fireplace from an old sideboard or wardrobe, you will hardly disturb your budget. Consider the option of designing an artificial fireplace from a sideboard:

1. We remove the door from the upper part of the sideboard and make a blank out of it (we remove the lower cabinet, we will not need it).
2. We turn the workpiece on its side so that there is a wide compartment with a mirror at the top, and a narrow one at the bottom.
3. We cover the facade of the mirror compartment with plywood around the perimeter so that the product looks like a portal with a firebox.
4. The narrow compartment will act as a woodshed, for this purpose we cut out a semicircular window in the removed door, set it back, like plywood, using self-tapping screws.
5. Using a grinder, we process all sides of the future fireplace, especially its polished parts, which will increase their adhesive properties.
6. After the grinder, we apply an adhesive-based primer to all surfaces. As soon as the layer dries, we carry out puttying work.
7. After the putty film has dried, sand it with sandpaper. The product is almost ready for decor, it remains to paint it with acrylic paint.
8. We cover the corners of the portal with artificial tiles, decorate with stucco, and equip a wooden shelf on top of the fireplace.

We organize a furnace. Along its perimeter we mount an LED strip with illumination of the color of fire, fill the bottom with pebbles. If desired, we install candles inside the firebox.

Instructions for the construction of a fireplace from GKL

It is much more difficult to build an artificial fireplace from gypsum-fiber panels than from, but the result is more reliable. The model can be placed near the wall or in the corner. It is better to initially equip the surface of the scenery in the form of a stable shelf for books or figurines. For greater realism of the project in the sketch, it is also necessary to provide a ledge under the chimney. Chimney example:

Assembly from drywall

A copy of this portal must have real dimensions, therefore, when creating a sketch, the area and interior of the room must be taken into account.

To make a fake fireplace, you need to purchase a metal profile, you can use wooden beams, drywall and decor materials. For obvious reasons, an artificial fireplace does not require a foundation, therefore, first of all, given the width of the profile, we mark the portal on the wall. Then follow the instructions below:

1. To obtain the base of the fireplace, cut the guide profile to the desired length and fix it to the floor.
2. When installing the rack profile, we control its verticality with a plumb line. We attach the profile to the supporting base with dowels every 200-300 mm.
3. The next step will help strengthen the structure, we install jumpers. Suitable wooden beam or rack profile.
4. Using a staple profile, we construct a frame of a false hearth from the base to the chimney.
5. We sheathe the structure with drywall.

First of all, we mount large segments of panels, which we cut out by marking according to the drawing. Fitting sheets to the desired parameters should be performed on a flat surface using a ruler and a knife. Drywall, in order to adapt the material to the temperature regime, must lie down for at least a day in the room in which the fireplace will be built. We apply the ruler to the cut line, then draw the tip of the knife along the top layer of drywall and break it along the line made. The sheet is cut in the same way on the reverse side. We process the cut edges with fine sandpaper. The seams formed after the installation of the sheets are closed according to the scheme: gypsum putty - sickle - putty.

Since the design of a room hearth is not complete without curly elements, you need to learn how to bend. To do this, we make holes in the material segment with an awl, in order to soak the product, pour water on its upper layer. Then we fix the element in the desired position, after drying, we attach it to the frame. If the fireplace dummy is built in a room with a high level of humidity or its decoration will be carried out with a water-based emulsion, then the drywall surface should be treated with a moisture-resistant primer.

Finishing the firebox and firewood with ceramic tiles

Finishing the combustion chamber of an artificial fireplace can be done with tiles, mirror elements, using decorative plaster or wallpaper. Consider the option with ceramic tiles. Facing products can have any shape, be plain or have a pattern. If necessary, the tile is cut into segments using a tile cutter. Before finishing work, drywall must be primed, which will increase the adhesive properties of the material.

Tiles are mounted on a drywall surface using a cement-based adhesive. The process develops as follows:

1. Glue is applied to the tile with a spatula with teeth, leveled, while the layer thickness should not exceed 5 mm.
2. The first row is laid out from one of the lower corners of the fireplace.
3. All subsequent rows are mounted using plastic crosses, which will allow you to get the same and even seams over the entire area of \u200b\u200bthe masonry. The working process is controlled by the construction level.
4. After 1-2 days (this time is quite enough for the glue to ripen), the joints are grouted.

By the same principle, they trim the firewood. The corners of the portal are decorated with wood, the rest with artificial stone, which blends perfectly with ceramics. The shelf above the fireplace can also be wooden. An artificially aged surface will look very nice. The fake fireplace is ready, it remains to supplement the firebox with artificial fire, and put a porcelain service, figurines or antique clocks on the shelf.