Do-it-yourself false fireplace from scrap materials: 140 interior photos, assembly video + step-by-step instructions

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Svetlana Shevtsova 03/17/2020

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Owners of country houses can please themselves with a warm and cozy fireplace right in the living room. It is not possible to have a real working fireplace in a city apartment. As an alternative, you can install a DIY false fireplace.

Not a single housing inspection will give permission to install a real fireplace, because the apartment does not have a chimney, and in general, lighting an open fire is prohibited. In addition, the floors of high-rise buildings are not designed for such a load. You can buy a ready-made electric fireplace - but such a pleasure is very expensive.

Advantages of a false fireplace

Simple idea and effective execution

Why not try to make an imitation of a real fireplace, especially since the process is simple and the result is amazing. All family members can participate in the assembly, which is great for uniting and uniting. Moreover, an artificial fireplace does not require a significant investment, so the budget will not suffer much.

Painting a plywood frame

An artificial hearth is a win-win solution for a living room decorated in any style. The structure itself is decorated at the request of the owners, adjusting the design to the interior of the apartment.

If you have long dreamed of an open decorative stove, make up your mind today, because the device has many advantages:

1. The fascinating assembly process allows you to use your imagination and create an exclusive item
2. The structure helps to hide the unpresentable appearance of heating devices and defects in the wall
3. A fake fireplace does not require large financial costs, since available materials are involved in its creation
4. All items and tools are easy to find at any hardware store. In some cases, it is enough to break down an old sideboard or unnecessary cabinet
5. The device can be effectively decorated and given a modern and natural look.

Freedom for creativity

The most interesting way is painting and finishing with decorative elements. The paint color is chosen depending on your interior and taste preferences. It is better to use water-based paint, acrylic or water-based, as it is odorless and dries quickly. In addition, such paint costs much less than enamel or oil paint, and it is much easier to work with. By the way, work with this paint can also be done in the cold season, when the product can be left to dry at home. The product must be coated with paint in two or three layers in order to completely paint all the elements. If desired, you can experiment with the color scheme, making smooth transitions from dark to light shades.

Since all parts of the fireplace are wooden, it must be sanded after painting. The fact is that when using water-based paint, the wood becomes rough, which can prevent further decoration of the product.

Anything can be used as a decorative finish: gypsum stucco, foam decorative elements, artificial stone. And if you are passionate about creativity, you can create a relief yourself using special stencils and putty.

The most budget option is the use of foam decorative elements

However, they must be used with extreme caution, since under the influence of chemicals contained in paints and adhesives, the foam can simply dissolve

It is not at all necessary to decorate all visible parts of your product with artificial stone. You can cover only a small part of the fireplace with it, giving it originality. Artificial stone goes well with other types of decor.

Gypsum stucco is sold in hardware stores. It is quite expensive, but the result is worth it. These decorative elements will not dissolve under the influence of chemicals. Their disadvantage is that they are quite heavy, and therefore the glue should be of very high quality and quick-drying.

Types of installations

Artificial fireplace

All decorative stoves can be divided into three categories, depending on the degree of their naturalism. The solidity of the structure varies; it can be permanent or temporary. For example, fake paper fireplaces are made to decorate a New Year's interior or for Halloween.

Full imitation

Biofireplace

A solid fireplace, made with maximum authenticity. Its appearance, size and decor naturally imitate the real thing. The interior of the firebox is equipped with an electric fireplace or biofireplace.

The advantages of these devices are the heating function and aesthetic appearance. The biofireplace burns with a real flame, running on ethanol, which does not produce smoke or soot during the combustion process. The burner is protected by tempered glass, so the design is safe.

Electric fireplace

An electric fireplace is a device that simulates the visual image of fire. Sold without a portal (or decorative casing), so it can be conveniently placed inside a hand-built fireplace. Both devices are quite expensive - for the smallest copy you will have to pay at least 6 thousand rubles.

It is necessary to distinguish between the concepts of a portal and a firebox device in order to order the correct dimensions of an electric fireplace. When we determine the parameters of the fireplace, we measure the entire structure along with the frame. The device must only fit the size of the combustion space.

Conditional

Decorative option

Conditionally natural design. The portal of such a fireplace only slightly recedes from the wall, and candles, mirror frames, and other small elements are placed in the shallow firebox. Such a hearth is decorated to resemble a real one, finished with tiles, and plaster stucco is added.

Symbolic

New Year's decoration

A symbolic fireplace is often a simple picture pasted on the wall. These can be spectacular photo wallpapers. Or a cardboard copy, decorated to look like a real stove.

False fireplace: what is it, why is it needed, what materials can it be made from?

The fireplace has always been a symbol of comfort and home warmth. How great it is to gather with the whole family in cold rainy or winter weather by a crackling fireplace, drink hot tea and chat on various topics. Owners of private houses can afford such a pleasure as a fireplace. Those who live in apartment buildings, alas, can only dream of a fireplace or make an artificial fireplace.

Important: A false fireplace is a decorative fireplace without a chimney. Performs a purely aesthetic role.

You can make a false fireplace with your own hands without construction skills. Creating a decorative fireplace is an interesting and exciting activity in which you can involve all family members. This is a good reason to demonstrate your creative abilities.

Advantages of decorative fireplaces:

1. Cheap materials . Below we will tell you what materials false fireplaces can be made from.
2. Possibility to make a fireplace of the desired configuration and with any parameters. This is very convenient, because the dimensions of everyone’s rooms are different. Perhaps a corner fireplace, or a very small one, is suitable for you.
3. Original decor . To decorate your fireplace, you can choose inexpensive but beautiful finishing materials that will fit perfectly into the tone of your interior.
4. Possibility to change the decor . Depending on your mood, you can change the decor. And that's great. For example, decorate the fireplace for Christmas or choose completely different decorations for Easter.

Decorative fireplaces come in different types. Let's divide them into groups:

1. Artificial fireplaces . They are very similar to the real ones, completely imitating genuine fireplaces. Such fireplaces are made of brick, and this option, it must be said, is quite expensive. Also, such fireplaces are not the best solution for small apartments. A bio-fireplace burner is installed inside such fireplaces, which allows you to create a real fire.
2. Conditional fireplace . This fireplace is represented by a portal protruding from the wall. Candles are usually placed inside and the fireplace is decorated to taste.
3. Symbolic fireplace . These fireplaces look very vaguely like real ones. They can be made from scrap materials. A symbolic fireplace includes a fireplace painted on the wall.

You can make a decorative fireplace from different materials. Typically, the most commonly used materials are:

• Tree
• Brick
• Drywall
• Styrofoam
• Polyurethane
• Plywood

Important: To make an artificial fireplace, you can also use old furniture that you are planning to throw away. Read on to find out how to make such a fireplace.

What is a false fireplace

Where to place the structure

Corner option

False fireplaces are also distinguished by their shape, which determines their location:

• Rectangular wall
• Angular
• Ostrovny

A wall-mounted specimen is placed in the middle of the wall, in a free area. It is placed permanently or built into furniture walls. The top edge is strengthened so that it can be used as a shelf.

The durable design with a metal frame can serve as a stand for a large TV. The device can also be placed in place of the radiator to aesthetically disguise it. They are placed in niches, between columns, in any room.

A corner hearth requires more careful measurements so that in the end the structure does not seem bulky. The depth of the firebox should appear proportional to the height and width of both sides of the triangle. The dimensions can be chosen arbitrarily, but it is advisable to first draw a sketch on paper.

An island fireplace requires a lot of space in the room. It helps to zone the room. Looks good in an apartment with a modern interior, in which there are no partitions and an abundance of furniture.

Decorative fireplace from a Soviet nightstand

I hasten to share my long-time dream, which has finally become a reality! I dreamed of making a pseudo fireplace. Its implementation progressed “slowly and painfully” and resulted in a small MK. So, my dear colleagues, there lived an old bedside table...

This is what it was like, an ordinary stamped TV stand.

To begin with, I changed and strengthened the wheels.

Then I cut out strips of the required length from ceiling foam baguettes (fortunately, there are plenty of them in stores these days).

I pasted the baguettes where I thought they were most interesting.

Then, I painted it with acrylic paint and “rubbed” it slightly, although the abrasions were easily done by myself)))) without painting the depth of the patterns. I covered it all with varnish in 6 layers.

I took out the pseudo-candles waiting for their “house”, arranged the trinkets and…. oh yeah I forgot I forgot! I pasted a printout of the fire onto the back wall of the nightstand. I didn’t even cover it with varnish.

My pseudo fireplace is ready! I like it, but you be the judge! Instead of candles, you can put a bunch of logs inside))))

Author of the master class: Natalya Prok.

Material of manufacture

Decorative fireplace made of polyurethane foam

Let's consider the materials from which you can make a false fireplace with your own hands

1. Drywall is the most common raw material on which any finishing finish fits perfectly. It is easy to assemble, it is easy to cut out any shapes, even complex and ornate ones. The main advantage of drywall is its low cost
2. Plywood is an accessible and inexpensive material that is very pleasant to work with
3. Cardboard – you can use it to make a temporary fireplace for a specific event. Regular boxes from large household appliances will do.
4. Brick – a stove can be made of real stone only if it is small. The stone is very heavy in weight; the volumetric structure can put too much pressure on the load-bearing floors. It is best to make a frame from lightweight raw materials and stick decorative tiles imitating brickwork on it
5. Wood - such a fireplace will be durable and beautiful. Natural wood boards are quite expensive. You can choose different natural shades or combine different colors
6. Chipboard - instead of new sheets, you can disassemble an unnecessary sideboard. The finishing will still cover the frame, so if you have an old cabinet, give it a second life
7. Foam plastic - layers are inexpensive. There are curly baseboards and corners on sale that can be used to decorate the product. You can use a cardboard box as a frame for the structure.
8. Polyurethane is a building material from the subgroup of gas-filled plastics. The raw materials are very strong, shock-resistant, not afraid of humidity, high temperatures, fireproof (does not burn, but melts).

DIY decorative New Year's fireplace: step-by-step instructions

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

DIY false fireplace: materials

Assembling the back wall

The back wall in my case consists of 2 elements; it so happened that we were unable to cut out a part 95 cm wide and 115 cm high into a single component. But this is not a problem, because... you can fasten 2 boards together using a block, and fill the joints between the boards with decorative plaster, which was left in our house after the renovation.

The process of assembling the back wall for the fireplace

Sequence of work:

1. We saw the bars to attach the back walls to them;
2. We fasten the rear walls with self-tapping screws;

The back wall is ready

Attach the side ribs to the back wall

We've sorted out the back wall, pay attention to the previous photo, I deliberately left a few centimeters on the sides in order to attach the side ribs to the back wall end-to-end. The operation sequence is also quite simple:

1. We screw the side ribs to the bars using self-tapping screws.
2. We screw additional bars to the side ribs to secure the front wall and lid.

The back wall and side ribs are screwed

Assembling the front (front) side of the fireplace

The front side consists of 4 components, including:

• Front upper beam;
• Two sides;
• Bottom beam;

The width of the “firebox” opening is 35 cm wide and 40 cm high. Please note that later I slightly regretted the small dimensions of the hole in the fireplace, so I suggest you increase the firebox hole to 40 by 40 cm or 40 by 50 cm. This will give a more aesthetic appearance to your fireplace.

Prices for decorative fireplace

decorative fireplace

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

The process of assembling the front side of the fireplace

Go ahead. The front side is almost ready, the next step is to attach the front side to the side wall.

Attaching the front side of the fireplace to the frame

Attach the top cover to the fireplace frame

Well, the frame is almost ready with the exception of some details. What is missing? Right! The top cover is missing. This 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 fireplace frame has been successfully assembled

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

Find out how to make a decorative portal for a fireplace yourself in an article on our portal.

How to make a drawing and choose the right parameters

Simple design drawing

The drawing makes it easier to cut materials and helps to keep the dimensions correctly. It is best to find a ready-made drawing on the Internet and, after making your measurements, adjust it as required.

• First of all, decide on the location of the stove
• Select material for production
• Confirm the size of the portal and niche for the firebox
• Draw a detailed diagram, all figured components are transferred to paper in expanded form
• Don’t forget that for a bio-fireplace you need to leave space inside the niche for the fuel tank, and for an electric fireplace or 3D frame, provide an outlet

If you plan to purchase a bio or electric fireplace, the portal parameters are adjusted to the device.

Homemade false fireplace for home bookmarks 16

Cozy living room in gray

The presence of a fireplace gives the interior a coziness and a feeling of warmth of a home, 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 any special skills in construction. Take the necessary measurements and explore 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

Installation of a polyurethane product

Polyurethane hearth

We offer step-by-step instructions for creating a pseudo-focus from polyurethane:

1In a store that sells finishing materials, you need to buy a ready-made portal made of polyurethane. Choose an example with stucco, patterns or any other in accordance with the chosen style

2Prepare contact glue, putty, finishing materials

3Build a rectangular firebox from plywood, chipboard or plasterboard (its dimensions must match the niche in the frame)

4Choose a location for the fireplace. Apply glue to the inside surface of the frame and press it firmly against the wall

5Insert a firebox or pre-purchased electric fireplace inside

6The gaps between the frame and the firebox are carefully filled and covered with putty

7Perform finishing

If desired, you can install a mantelpiece made of wood or plastic, stylized as natural stone, on top

A fireplace decorated with decorative stone-like tiles, which can be glued with universal ceramic adhesive, looks cozy.

Finishing features

One of the most important requirements for finishing a real fireplace is the fire resistance of the facing material.
The structure consists of a hearth (the place where the fire burns) and a portal (the decorative outer part) with a chimney. The item is most often made from clinker - a special heat-resistant stove brick. The color of the finish also matters. When the fireplace is intended primarily to heat the room, and not to decorate it, the darkest matte tones are preferable. The more textured and embossed the surface is, the stronger the heat transfer, which means the higher the temperature in the room with such a stove.

How to make a false fireplace from plywood

Frame made of wooden slats

In this case, it will not be possible to purchase a ready-made portal. You will need to build it yourself.

1Make calculations and create a drawing. Take any diagram from the Internet as a basis.

3Install the frame using wooden slats. Fasten them with nails

4 Cover it with plywood sheets. If desired, add decorative elements: podium, crossbars, columns

5 Attach the firebox to the rear wall at the required height

6 Cover the entire structure with self-adhesive film. It is better to choose a wooden or stone print

7Attach the structure to the wall

8Pour pebbles, firewood, sand or other decorative composition into the “oven”

9Order the fireplace grate in advance. At the last stage, it is attached to the firebox window with metal wire

This fireplace is easy to move from place to place, since the structure is solid and removable.

How does a fireplace work?

For heating a house, a fireplace is ineffective, since the efficiency is not much than 25%.

The heat quickly warms the rooms while the fire burns. Once the fire goes out, the fireplace cools down after two to three hours.

Despite the low heat output, fireplaces still remain popular, as they create an indescribable atmosphere of home comfort.

A classic English fireplace consists of the following elements:

• Foundation.
• The base of the fireplace, consisting of two or three rows of bricks.
• Pre-combustion part
• Under the combustion part
• Portal.
• Smoke collector.
• Chimney.
• Gate valve for regulating traction force.

The photo shows one of the options for a fireplace made by yourself.

Imitation from old furniture

Stages of rebirth of a mirror sideboard

Let's look at the stages of the most budget-friendly method for assembling a false fireplace using the example of an open glass sideboard with a mirrored back wall:

• The cabinet has drawers at the bottom of the body. We remove the containers, along with the glass partitions
• We cover the front with a sheet of plywood and cut out a rectangular hole in it for the future firebox. The height of its location is determined arbitrarily, at will
• In the lower part of the front we cut out a semicircular hole for the blower. You can neatly place logs there
• For the pedestal and mantelpiece, find old headboards. On such a podium the structure will stand stably and reliably
• The portal is ready, now we need to start finishing it
• Using a sander, go over the polished walls to make them rough. This way the putty will fit better on them
• Apply a layer of primer, and after drying, carefully fill the fireplace
• When the plaster has dried, sand down any uneven areas.
• Apply acrylic paint
• Finish with brick, stone, glue gypsum elements
• Cover the bottom of the firebox with LED strip around the perimeter
• Place stones, shells, firewood inside
• If you turn on the backlight, the contents of the firebox will be displayed in the red-yellow flames in the rear wall mirror

Choose warm colors, maybe even red. She perfectly imitates fire

Materials and tools

Creating a decorative fireplace with your own hands is not very difficult, but you still need to have at least a little experience working with carpentry tools. If you decide to diversify your interior, then before you start work, you will have to stock up on tools and materials. To create a fireplace you will need:

• old wardrobe;
• sanding machine or sandpaper;
• jigsaw or hacksaw;
• screwdriver or hand drill and a set of screwdrivers;
• plywood sheet;
• dye;
• putty;
• self-tapping screws;
• decorative elements;
• glue.

Plasterboard construction

The metal frame is covered with plasterboard

Let's try to make a fireplace from plasterboard. Buy a moisture-resistant one, as it is considered more durable. You will also need rack and guide profiles for the frame.

To attach the parts and the entire structure to the wall, prepare self-tapping screws and dowel nails. Buy everything you need for finishing: wallpaper, tiles, film, shaped elements. The tools you will need are a screwdriver, an electric drill, a level, a tape measure, a knife, and a hacksaw.

1First make a drawing

2Transfer the markings from it to the wall in the selected location

3Attach the frame guide profiles to the wall

4Attach them to the posts using self-tapping screws

5First, assemble the frame for the external portal. Then install the firebox frame inside

6Mark the sheets of drywall and cut out the parts. Carefully cut out all the elements

7 Cover the portal with plasterboard using screwdrivers. Do not press on the sheets as they are very fragile

8All seams, fastening points and ends are carefully puttied

9Next, finishing is carried out

10The firebox can be decorated as desired

The wall at the installation site must be perfectly flat. Before starting work, check this parameter using a level. If necessary, level the area with putty or choose another location.

How to veneer a fireplace with stone

Finishing a fireplace with stone is technologically not much different from laying tiles. The difference is in working with the material itself, but there are almost no technical features. The only thing is that when using natural flagstone, be sure to cover the fireplace with mesh. Without it it will fall off.

Finishing the fireplace with stone is one of the options

Features of working with artificial gypsum stone

This type of decorative stone is inexpensive and lightweight; it can be used to decorate fireplaces, especially without overloading the ceilings. There are only some nuances, without which you will not achieve a good result.

The technology for producing gypsum stone is such that each element has some irregularities, sagging, and protrusions. We grind them off with a knife, fortunately the plaster is cut without problems. We grind each cladding element so that at the back, around the perimeter, a frame is formed with an angle of 45° (or so).

Moreover, often the corner elements of the gypsum decorative stone are several millimeters higher than the ordinary ones from the same collection. In order for the cladding to look monolithic, this difference also has to be removed - grinded down. When all the cladding elements are adjusted, they can be glued into place. Heat-resistant glue is used for cladding fireplaces, although with the correct design it almost does not heat up.

Working with natural stone

Most often, fireplaces are faced with natural stone, sawn into plates. It is also called flagstone or stone tiles. The shape of all the fragments is different, you have to adjust it to make everything look beautiful. In this case, it is definitely better to first lay out the entire picture on some plane, select and process the elements. Only after the mosaic is complete can it be glued. The entire technology for installing a fireplace on the walls is described above and is practically no different. The whole process can be seen in the video.

Artificial fireplace decoration and decor

Artificial stone decor

Finishing plays a big role in the final appearance of a false fireplace. Make sure that it matches the interior of the room and is decorated in the same style. This way the hearth will fit harmoniously into the overall design of the room.

1. Popular cladding materials are decorative brick, imitation stone, and ceramic tiles. They are easy to glue to any tile adhesive or liquid nails.
2. False fireplaces are often covered with regular wallpaper or adhesive film with different patterns. This method is not suitable if you plan to build in devices with a heating function
3. The portal can be painted or liquid plaster applied to it. The latter looks very stylish and impressive, especially if you add glitter, textile threads, sawdust or any other decorative composition to the composition

During laying, maintain the same distance between the rows; to do this, insert temporary calibrator strips into the seams.

Finishing

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

How to simulate fire in a fireplace? Above, we offered options with LED strip, which provides illumination 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 that is designed to display pictures. You need a model that can play animated files, such as GIFs. Upload an image of a burning fire to your photo frame and enjoy!

An electronic photo frame with a picture of a burning fire will help you revive your false fireplace

• Many owners of false fireplaces love to decorate niches with candles of different heights. It looks beautiful, stylish, and gives a real live fire.
• An excellent choice would be to install a mirror deep in the combustion chamber, on the wall. The mirror will multiply the reflections from candles or electric lighting and add mystery to the fireplace.
• Artificial stone will help you achieve the effect of an expensive finish. It is available in a variety of color and texture options. Tiles, bas-reliefs and decorative tiles will add expressive individuality to the structure. But don’t overdo it: excessive pomp 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 they simply must allow light and glare of the “fire” to pass through.
• It is better to decorate the firebox of an imitation fireplace with a forged metal grate. It can be bought or ordered from the workshop.

Firebox design options

Candles and mirrors in decor

The naturalness and authenticity of your fireplace largely depends on how the firebox is designed. There are different options for serving it, both expensive and budget. Let's look at everything in order:

1Built-in electric fireplace or biofireplace. This has already been mentioned above. The devices will emit heat and visually demonstrate real fire.

2A modern solution would be a built-in 3D photo frame. Load a GIF image of a burning fire onto her flash drive and enjoy the makeshift fireplace. There are copies for sale with sound - you can download an audio track with crackling logs. Make sure there is an outlet close to the fireplace. The size of the firebox must ideally match the parameters of the photo frame for the effect to be as reliable as possible

3LED strips in yellow, orange or red perfectly convey the desired feeling. They cover the interior of the firebox and lay out piles of firewood.

4You don’t have to try to imitate a burning fire. Place logs, chips, sand, shells, stones, pebbles, clay pot inside

5Candles of different heights and diameters look elegant when placed around the entire perimeter of the combustion chamber

6A bold and not the safest option is to install a burner or kerosene lamp inside. But such a fireplace, when turned on, cannot be left without the attention of adults.

7The back and side walls of the firebox, as well as the bottom, are finished with mirror plates. This makes the hole seem more spacious, and even minimal lighting looks much more impressive.

8Neat doors made of tempered glass look gorgeous on the pseudo-fireplace. This is an optional element, but very expressive and catchy

9The metal lattice gives the structure an additional charm and finished look. It is ordered in a special workshop or purchased at a finishing building materials store

What will you need to make an imitation fireplace from an old cabinet with your own hands?

Don’t be afraid to work with old furniture - it’s strong, reliable, it’s very difficult to break it, and you can convert it into almost anything. An old Soviet cabinet is not just an example of old furniture, it is time-tested quality. This means that converting it into an imitation fireplace will be extremely simple and there is no need to be afraid of making fatal mistakes that will lead to the destruction of the bedside table. To create an imitation fireplace you will need:

1. Old cabinet
2. Metal gratings
3. Drawing with fire
4. Various decorative elements
5. Glue

Thus, to create a high-quality imitation of a fireplace for an apartment, you will need very little, which can be purchased for literally pennies. And the process of making the imitation itself will take a couple of hours at most, but it will bring a lot of pleasure. The result will be an extremely colorfully designed imitation of a fireplace, which will delight the eye for many years. Moreover, this very imitation can be easily modernized by adding various elements.

Imitation of a hearth in an apartment interior

Artificial oven

A false fireplace can be decorated in any style, from ornate baroque to minimalist high-tech.

• Classic examples look noble and solid. They are finished with materials that look like expensive stone, such as marble. The front side is decorated with bas-reliefs and stucco
• Products in the spirit of Art Nouveau deny any pretentiousness, openwork and classics. Strict lines, straight shapes, and minimal design are welcome. It can be a simple box against the wall, with a twist in the form of a catchy color or metal tubes in the decoration
• Country style is the interior of a cozy country house. A bulky fireplace decorated with artificial brick and wood will fit perfectly here. A rough wooden beam can be installed as a mantelpiece

When taking care of decorating your stove, don’t forget to decorate the area closest to it. It makes sense if there is a recreation area in this place. There are comfortable sofas and a small table for a pleasant tea party.

Candlesticks, photographs, paintings, and figurines are placed on the mantelpiece. You can lay a long-pile carpet, a rug knitted from thick cords, or the skin of a wild animal on the floor.

Imagine how lovely your living room will be if you have a cozy, homely fireplace in it! How pleasant it will be to spend evenings next to him with your family playing an exciting board game. A device assembled with your own hands will delight not only the owners, but also guests, friends, and acquaintances.

Niche as a hearth

This is a wonderful decorative element that can play a dominant role in the interior. Or become one of its stylish attributes. This installation will never go out of fashion, so the design of your apartment will always be stylish and original.

Before you start, watch a five-minute video that shows how to independently assemble an artificial hearth from scrap materials in one day:

What can you make a New Year's fireplace from?

A decorative New Year's fireplace at home is easy to create from scrap materials. For the basis of the design you can use:

• cardboard or boxes made of it;
• Styrofoam;
• drywall;
• wood - plywood, planks, bars;
• old chest of drawers or sideboard (lower part only).

To make your DIY New Year's fireplace look as authentic as possible, it is painted or created to imitate brick or stonework. You can even do it using white or colored cardboard. Another option is wallpaper or self-adhesive film with imitation masonry.

Finish options

After the chimney box has been assembled, we proceed to finishing the fireplace. However, using ordinary materials, you can make a false fireplace that will not look different from the real one. One of the beautiful options is stone or brickwork. Its imitation is available in several versions:

Cardboard. Rectangles are cut out of cardboard to act as bricks. They paste over a box pre-painted with acrylic paint, leaving a small space between the “bricks”. In this technology, the right solution would be to use contrasting colors: brown base and white bricks.

If you want to give the “bricks” volume, then stick napkins or toilet paper soaked in PVA glue on them (papier-mâché technique). After drying, we get an uneven textured surface, reminiscent of aged brick or stone.

Styrofoam. Polystyrene foam allows you to create a very beautiful decor in the form of stonework. On a single piece of this airy material, the contours of stones of different sizes are cut out with a knife. Recesses are hollowed out along them, separating the stones from each other. The effect of antiquity will be achieved by using a hard iron brush, which is used to treat the surface of the product.

A few options for what else you can do:

1. DIY false fireplace made of corrugated cardboard

Since I myself am a master at building large crafts, I made the fireplace together with my husband, who, on the contrary, is a technician and understands the design of fireplaces. A false fireplace differs from a real fireplace in that it can be made from any material, including cardboard.

2. New Year's fireplace made of plasterboard

A year ago we built a country house, and we really wanted to make our old dream come true, to sit in a chair and admire the beauty of the fire. We decided to make a false fireplace with our own hands from plasterboard.

3. DIY fairy fireplace made of polystyrene foam

If you made renovations on the eve of the holiday and you still have unnecessary cardboard boxes, packaging foam, or a couple of old hanging shelves, don’t rush to get rid of them. They will serve you well as a New Year's fireplace.

4. Fireplace in Russian style. Do it yourself

If the forest beauty is already installed and dressed up, then it’s quite possible to come up with something else festive to decorate the space. For example, you can make a New Year's fireplace. Yes, yes, it’s quite simple to do. And how - watch and read in our master class.

5. Master class “New Year’s fireplace made from cardboard boxes”

In the last month of New Year's Eve, I really want a festive mood. New Year's decorations at home or in the workplace are such a pleasant reminder of the upcoming holiday. There are many decorative decorations that you can easily make yourself using improvised materials that will add a little magic to our everyday life. One such decoration is the Christmas fireplace. I would like to offer you my version of a New Year's decorative fireplace.

6. Raised fireplace made of laminate

One of the ways to create a false fireplace from leftover laminate flooring and chipboard.

7. Making a false fireplace from boxes

8. A fireplace made of corrugated cardboard and polystyrene foam is a quick and inexpensive gift for the New Year

9. DIY Christmas fireplace made from boxes and wrapping paper

To create a Christmas fireplace from boxes with your own hands, in a “wonderful” style, the main thing is to stock up on wrapping paper with bright, eye-catching designs. Then it’s a matter of technique and imagination.

10. Decorative fireplace made of papier-mâché

You can involve small children, a husband and a cat in the process. So, for 400 rubles, noisy family leisure time is organized for a week, a necessary and unique item is made, and a festive atmosphere is created.

Making a fake fireplace with your own hands

The easiest way is to purchase a ready-made portal. Thanks to the wide selection, you will be able to choose the right size. If desired, it will be possible to integrate an electric fireplace into such a design, having previously taken into account the dimensions and ventilation requirements.

Polyurethane construction

Of course, you can make a false fireplace made of polyurethane with your own hands. To do this, you will need a ready-made portal, special glue, putty and any finishing materials.

1. First you need to decide on a place. It is best to install an imitation fireplace near the side wall. If you plan to install an electric fireplace or provide lighting, you must first carry out the electrical wiring and install an outlet.
2. The frame is made from wooden beams or profiles. You should also build plasterboard walls, which are attached to the portal with special glue. All gaps are filled with finishing putty.
3. The next stage is installing an electric fireplace and finishing the firebox. If desired, instead of an electric fireplace, you can decorate the back wall with a mirror, and lay out several decorative logs at the bottom.
4. To decorate the portal, paint or gilding is suitable.

Plasterboard construction

The simplest option involves creating a false fireplace with your own hands from plasterboard . This design will be appropriate in any room.

First you need to prepare the following materials:

• galvanized profile or wooden beams;
• drywall;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• scissors intended for metal;
• acrylic paint;
• putty;
• decorative brick or stone.

When making a structure with your own hands, first of all you need to make a sketch of the fireplace , taking into account the dimensions and joints.

from a galvanized profile . In this case, all elements are connected with self-tapping screws. To make the structure stable, the parts are fixed using transverse bridges. The bulky structure is additionally attached to the floor and walls.

Next, you need to cut out the sheets of drywall and secure them to the profile with self-tapping screws. All joints are puttied, and the corners are strengthened using a painting mesh. If necessary, the surface of the false fireplace must be leveled with putty .

The finished structure is finished with tiles, artificial stone or stucco. An imitation of a hearth or candle is installed inside the firebox. This false fireplace is safe. Accordingly, it can even be placed in the room where children sleep.

Construction from old furniture

If desired, you can build an imitation fireplace from an old wardrobe or chest of drawers . This design is different in that it will allow you to avoid unnecessary costs for materials. In addition to furniture, you need to prepare several sheets of plywood, acrylic paint, various finishing materials, putty, a sander, a jigsaw and a screwdriver.

Doing the work yourself:

1. The doors are removed from the sideboard, and the lower part is also removed, leaving the upper section.
2. The facade is carefully sewn up with plywood, securing it with self-tapping screws. The result should be a firebox and a compartment for firewood.
3. The polished surface is treated with a grinding machine.
4. Then the walls are covered with a layer of primer and putty.
5. Acrylic paint is used to paint wood.
6. After this, you need to decorate the false fireplace with brick, stucco or stone.

Getting the job done

First of all, we create a sketch of the future masterpiece. At this stage, we take into account all the details: the dimensions of the structure, the presence of shelves, decorative elements, the general appearance. We initially draw the sketch on paper, and then on the wall. Then we form the frame of the structure. If the dummy is located near the wall, then we fix the frame immediately to the wall. If this is a portable structure, we build an independent base. At this stage we determine the material that will be used for decoration. If it is tile or decorative stone, the base of the structure should be further strengthened.

Next we proceed to covering the frame. We cut out parts of the required size from plywood or plasterboard. We fasten the workpieces with screws. After constructing the structure, we proceed to the most interesting stage of the work - decorative finishing. To make a fake fireplace beautiful, you can use a variety of finishing materials. In your work, you can use the following ideas:

• Covering the structure with putty and painting it with paint. Today in retail you can buy putty mixture that imitates wood, stone surfaces, and crocodile skin. By covering a dummy fireplace with this material and painting it with a suitable composition, you can create a unique, beautiful design.
• The most common self-adhesive film can turn a dummy into a real work of art.
• Not a bad choice - mosaic, decorative stone, tiles.
• For greater naturalism, do not forget to decorate the wall to which the fireplace is attached.

Create an imitation of fire

Well, what is a fireplace without fire? A do-it-yourself dummy in the photo will not look real unless it is equipped with an imitation of live fire. This issue can also be resolved using one of the following ideas. Designers recommend installing an LCD screen in the portal, which will display an image of a burning fire, an electric fireplace panel, or equipping a dummy with candles.

To make the dummy look like a real fireplace, you need to place accessories used when working with wood-burning fireplaces near it. This could be a poker, a basket with natural firewood, or a shovel for removing soot.

How to make a fake fireplace with your own hands is shown in the video.

To summarize, we note that with a strong desire and the availability of the necessary tools and materials, creating a dummy fireplace structure will not cause much difficulty. By following clear, step-by-step instructions from professionals, using personal design ideas for decorating a fireplace, you will easily cope with the task. When creating a design, be guided by the interior design of the room in which the dummy will be located. Since the design style, dimensions and color scheme of the structure must be selected in accordance with the design of the room.

Decorative fireplace duct to disguise defects

Uneven walls, protruding pipes, errors in finishing - all these defects can be hidden behind a plasterboard niche. And it, in turn, will be trimmed with decorative stone and a false fireplace installed. This way the composition will look like a real fireplace with an air duct. However, remember that such camouflage will “eat up” the area.

TIP: By the way, to make the opening look more believable, paint it black - this creates an additional illusion of depth.

False fireplace duct to disguise defects in the living room

Decorative fireplace duct to disguise defects

Features and varieties

The false fireplace is an imitation of a firebox and portal, which will become an excellent interior decoration. A similar design can be created in various styles with the addition of various decorative elements. Often, false fireplaces are used to hide interior imperfections.

In general, there are three types of imitation fireplaces:

1. Reliable. We are talking about a complete copy of the real design. In this case, the dimensions and design are respected, and burners are installed in the firebox.
2. Conditional. Such models are distinguished by the presence of a fireplace portal. Candles or firewood are placed in the opening of the firebox.
3. Symbolic. These designs differ from real fireplaces in their size and design. Essentially, we are talking about a drawing on the wall with the addition of several decorative elements.