False fireplace from an old sideboard. How to make a decorative fireplace from an old cabinet with your own hands Fireplace from an old cabinet

Oddly enough, but having 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, also known as a home. How nice 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 this possibility is quite real, but making a fireplace in an apartment with a live fire will not work. If you are a resident multi-storey building, don't be upset, 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 a so-called false fireplace, which is visually identical to a regular one, only it can be used in an apartment. You will see not only photos, but also instructions for making a fireplace with your own hands. This is an indispensable 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 cannot do without an ash pan and a chimney, which solve all problems. In addition, this design has an impressive weight, which does not allow installing such a fireplace in an apartment. The floor slab may not be able to withstand it. So it turns out that decorative fireplace is an ideal alternative for those who, no matter what, want to have this element in their home. Even without special skills in construction, you can make it yourself.

Pay attention! There are so-called biofireplaces that are used for apartments. Alcohol or other biological fuel is burned inside as a raw material. In this case, no smoke, dirt, ash, etc. is formed. Only the process of combustion and heat generation occurs. However, the products are quite expensive. But, if you don't mind the money, you can use this alternative option.

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 your own hands will be much more original. You will put your whole soul into it, so it will be valued differently. Here your imagination can run wild. With such a decorative element, your neighbors will simply be jealous.

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

1. Low cost, since you only need to spend money on materials.
2. Simplicity of materials and their availability. Anyone can work with them, without professional skills.
3. It is possible to change the decor at will at any time. It's all up to you.
4. The decoration uses inexpensive, but quite original and beautiful materials.
5. You will receive a full-fledged fireplace, which, while not replacing the original, will be a worthy alternative.
6. Your room will be transformed and become original.

In the end, we would like 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 peas in a pod and look like the real thing. We are talking about size, design and design principle. Inside such a fireplace there may even be a bio-fireplace burner or other options for simulating fire. This option is expensive, but looks ideal.

The second group is conventional fireplaces. They have a protruding portal from the wall. You can decorate this design however you like, bringing to life the most extravagant and unusual ideas. The hole for the firebox is often filled with candles or firewood.

But the third group is symbolic fireplaces, which are made from the most different materials. They vaguely resemble a real hearth. More often than not, they bear almost no resemblance to him. It's getting to the point where it's simple wallpaper or an image with decor, just like Papa Carlo’s.

What can you use to make a decorative false fireplace?

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

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

Pay attention! If you have old furniture, then you can use it. After all, it would be a shame to throw it away, but as a fireplace it will be transformed and will last for several 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 are looking for the lightest and most quick method creating a fireplace, we hit the nail on the head. All you need is to purchase a polyurethane fireplace portal. All that remains is 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 does not take much time. The photo shows what results can be obtained.

What will you need for the job?

That's it. All that's left is step by step instructions, which will help you cope with the task. In fact, you don’t need to build anything, since you purchased a ready-made portal, which just needs to be fixed in place to the wall. Dust-free work:

You can make a fireplace out of wood using exactly the same principle. But it should be noted that the wooden portals that are on sale have a high cost. However, outwardly everything looks much more noble. Look at the photo to see what effect you can achieve if you put in the effort.

Plywood fireplace

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

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

Dimensions, design, appearance - you can customize all this to suit yourself. Next comes a hammer, saw, screwdriver and tape measure. The first step is to create the frame of your fireplace. Slats or wooden blocks are suitable for this purpose.

You can connect elements to each other in any way. It is more reliable if they are self-tapping screws. Although nails will also work. After that, all that remains is 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, make a podium to the portal. Look at the photo to see how the frame of the decorative fireplace has been transformed and has become similar to the finished version.

You can attach a firebox to a block along the back wall, which will imitate a hearth. But surfaces that can be viewed from the outside can be decorated with self-adhesive. Here is one of the design options for a decorative fireplace made of plywood.

And here is the view of the abrasion. In order to hide the wall, you can paste over inner part 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 you to have access to the battery. And for a better effect, you can install stones, pebbles or firewood on the radiator by placing metal mesh.

And as a final touch, you can make a fireplace grate. Then your design will be practically no different from a natural hearth. You can make it yourself or buy it in a store. The basis is copper or aluminum wire. It is easy to bend and shape. You can draw a grid on paper in advance or print it out as a guide.

The wire needs to be fixed to the decorative fireplace itself in four places. And to hide the pipe that goes to the radiator, continue the fireplace podium, as shown in the photo.

Such an original, beautiful, noble and almost natural miracle can be obtained if you put in some effort, ingenuity and time. You can hide any other defect in your home or simply install such a false fireplace.

Pay attention! A fireplace is made from plasterboard using exactly the same principle. Only now everything needs to be sheathed with this particular material. There is nothing complicated, the result is also excellent.

DIY decorative fireplace from furniture

This option can be called the most budget-friendly, because you already have almost all the materials for the work. All that remains is to transform it all into an artificial fireplace. An old sideboard or cabinet would be ideal. In addition, stock up on the following tools and materials:

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

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

You can put more effort into finishing the design of the fireplace and making 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. You can add shells, sand or pebbles to the bottom of the decorative firebox.

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. Otherwise, it's just an ideal decorative element. And the knowledge that you made it with your own hands will warm you better than any fire.

Interior design village house with your own hands

Owners of city apartments can only dream of a real fireplace with cozy crackling wood - the ceilings of typical houses may not withstand such a load, and chimneys in high-rise buildings are almost always absent.

But this is not a reason to abandon the design in the style of a classic living room! Decorative false fireplaces create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth, especially if you equip them with an electric firebox with imitation flame.

Building a false fireplace with your own hands is quite simple, just find or draw a sketch, choose the frame material and finishing. A variety of building materials are suitable for making a false fireplace: plasterboard on wooden or metal frame, polyurethane decorative elements, tiles and porcelain stoneware, MDF and chipboard, plywood, polystyrene foam and even ordinary cardboard. The shape of a decorative fireplace can be completely different, from an imitation of a classic hearth to an original design, complemented by other decorative elements.

In this article we will try to describe in as much detail as possible the process of creating a false fireplace with our own hands, we will provide all the drawings, photos from different angles and videos from finished product, good luck with the construction!

Most quick way to do is to buy ready-made polyurethane. The range of portals is quite wide and you can certainly choose the style and size that suits your room. An electric fireplace can be built into a ready-made portal made of polyurethane; for this you need to know its dimensions and dimensions. installation dimensions, as well as requirements for ventilation and electrical connection. If you want to do everything yourself as much as possible, you can go shopping and take measurements from ready-made portals; by purchasing a piece of polyurethane, you can make a similar model much cheaper than its ready-made counterpart!

To create such a fireplace, you need purchased polyurethane, contact adhesive, putty and finishing materials for the firebox, for example, decorative brick.

Step-by-step process for installing a false fireplace

Ready-made portals can be made not only of polyurethane, but also of wood. Their price is much higher, but among them there are real masterpieces, for example, with a bar inside.

False fireplace made of plasterboard, simple and fast

To reduce the cost of your fireplace fireplace budget as much as possible, use the remaining plasterboard and profile from the renovation. Such a decorative fireplace will easily fit into any niche or corner, and can also be an element of an entire composition of shelves.

False fireplace made of plasterboard - photo

To create a false fireplace from plasterboard you will need: a galvanized profile for plasterboard or wooden blocks, sheets or scraps of plasterboard or plywood, a screwdriver and a jigsaw, metal scissors, putty and acrylic paint, decorative stone or brick.

Technology for making a false fireplace from plasterboard

• The main key to success is a well-thought-out sketch of the future, indicating all the dimensions and joints of the frame. Measure the room and decide where to install the fireplace. Calculate required quantity material, and feel free to get down to business.
• A frame is made from a galvanized profile, connecting its elements using metal screws and a screwdriver. Cut the profile using a hacksaw or metal scissors. For stability, the frame elements are connected by transverse jumpers. The frame must be attached to the walls and floor if the structure turns out to be bulky, heavy or too narrow - i.e. if there is a risk of instability of the structure.
• Drywall sheets are cut out according to the sketch and tried on. Trim and fasten with hardened black self-tapping screws to the profile. The screw caps are slightly recessed so that they can be puttied later. Drywall can be easily cut with a knife.
• Joints and fastening points are puttied and leveled with putty for interior work in two layers, the corners are additionally reinforced with painting mesh.
• Level the surface of the sheets, if necessary, using putty.
• The resulting structure is painted or finished with other materials: artificial stone, tiles or stucco. They are glued to glue intended for this material, diluted according to the instructions on the package.
• The firebox is decorated using materials that imitate brickwork; a mirror can be installed on the back wall of the firebox.
• Candles or an imitation of a hearth with lighting are placed inside the firebox.

  This false fireplace is absolutely safe, it can even be installed in a child’s room. The mantel will serve as a stand for photographs, toys and trinkets, and the softly flickering hearth will create a cozy atmosphere.

Corner decorative fireplace made of plasterboard (video)

Most budget option, allowing you to make a false fireplace with lighting from an old unnecessary sideboard or cabinet. To work you will need:

• jigsaw;
• wood sander;
• screwdriver;
• plywood sheets;
• putty;
• acrylic paint;
• finishing materials: stucco and finishing stone from plaster, decorative elements.

Technology for making a false fireplace from an old sideboard:

• The doors of an old-style sideboard are removed and the lower cabinet is removed, leaving only the upper section. She is placed on her side.
• The façade is covered with plywood to create a firebox and firewood. The plywood is attached to self-tapping screws using a screwdriver.
• Polished surfaces are processed with a wood sander to make them rough. The walls are primed with an adhesive-based primer, and after the primer dries, the surface is puttied and leveled. Dry the putty, sand down any uneven surfaces and paint it with acrylic paint, finishing the corners with artificial stone or brick. Decorative elements are glued - stucco molding, and a fireplace mantel made of MDF is installed.
• They decorate the firebox: glue a red or red LED strip around the perimeter yellow, and the bottom is decorated with pebbles, colored sand or shells. You can also install candles inside the firebox.

  

Once upon a time there was a polished sideboard. He faithfully served his masters since the 70s of the last century - he stored sets and crystal. The owner carefully wiped the dust off it, trying not to scratch it. But as the years went by, she appeared in the house new furniture and the sideboard was no longer needed.

But it’s not our rule to throw anything away! We decided to make a fireplace out of the sideboard!
They took the top, mirror part, took out the glass and the glass shelf, and put it on its side.

Screwed two bars...

And two pieces of plywood on top and bottom, strengthening them with bars too, so that the fireplace has “thickness”

They cut out a “blower” in the door with a jigsaw - here, as in a real fireplace, firewood will be stored.

The fireplace also needs a mantelpiece and a pedestal on which it will stand. Here we have fitted two headboards from the bed. All that remains is to unscrew the legs.

In fact, the body of the fireplace is ready - all that remains is to decorate

We bought polystyrene “stucco” - cornice, plinth. Bought plastic panels under the brick. We bought lighting for the fireplace - an LED strip. It all took about a thousand rubles. We lightly sanded and scratched the polish, puttyed it where necessary, and painted it with white acrylic paint. They glued “bricks” and “stucco”.

Designed a portal

We did the electrical work.

They poured shells into the fireplace that had once been brought from the sea.

We put up Ikea candles. The fireplace is ready!

Without a doubt, a beautifully designed fireplace portal fits perfectly into any living room interior. And it doesn’t matter that this is a hoax, because not every owner of a private house, not to mention apartment residents, is able to build a real wood-burning fireplace with a chimney. But anyone can make a false fireplace with their own hands, and how to do it correctly - read in our material.

What to make an artificial fireplace from

The first thing that comes to mind is to put together a fake portal and a brick firebox to achieve maximum similarity to the original. The idea is not very good, because such a building will cost a pretty penny and, in addition, will load the ceiling. Imitation brickwork can be implemented in other, cheaper ways, for example, by assembling wooden frame, sheathe and then cover with tiles under any artificial stone. But first things first.

The production of a pseudo-focus occurs in 2 stages - assembly of the main structure and lining. To make a portal, home craftsmen most often use the following materials:

• plasterboard sheets on a metal or wood frame;
• Laminated and regular chipboard;
• plywood, fiberboard;
• polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam.

Reference. A fake hearth for a while New Year's holidays You can even build it out of cardboard. How to make a similar fireplace from cardboard boxes, is told in.

Foam false fireplace with decor made of polyurethane elements

A fireplace portal assembled from plasterboard is the most popular design. It allows the use of various types of cladding - wallpaper, polyurethane stucco, tiles And decorative plaster. There are quite a lot of design options for such homemade products. It is much more difficult to cover a false fireplace made of plywood or chipboard with tiles, but polymer materials afraid mechanical damage(for example, from cat claws).

Selecting a design and creating a drawing

If you decide to make an imitation of a classic English or other fireplace yourself, then first determine its place. The choice of one of two existing designs depends on this:

• wall;
• corner

The first type of artificial portal is placed near a free section of the wall, usually in the living room. Often it is placed in the middle of the room, and a suspended plasma is mounted on top. If the mantelpiece rests on a metal frame, then desktop TV models can be placed on it, as shown in the photo.

Reference. Sometimes, with the help of false fireplaces, it is possible to solve 2 issues at once - decorate the room and hide the old, terrible-looking heating radiator, which is what was done in the photo:

Corner versions save space and fit well into various rooms - a living room, a bedroom and even a nursery. Building such a layout is somewhat more difficult, but the result is impressive.

After choosing a location and design, decide on the size of the portal and its niche, simulating a firebox. The width and height of the recess for the hearth should look proportional to the external dimensions of the product, which you assign arbitrarily. As an example, we suggest taking a drawing of a decorative fireplace with an arched vault; you can use it to create your own sketch.

Dimensions corner design are also accepted arbitrarily, excluding situations where it is necessary to build an electric fireplace with an imitation flame inside the portal. Then design the size of the firebox according to its dimensions, as is done below in the drawing. Also take care of connecting electricity to the future false fireplace and install an outlet.

How to make a false fireplace from plasterboard

To make a simple fireplace portal from gypsum plasterboard you will need the following materials:

• galvanized UD and CD profiles or wooden beams;
• plasterboard sheets;
• countertop plate;
• fasteners - dowel-nails and self-tapping screws 16 mm long.

Installation steel profiles according to markings

Advice. When installing an electric fireplace, it is better to cover the opening simulating a firebox with plasterboard of the GKLO brand (fire-resistant, painted pink).

Assembling a frame from profiles

First, mark the wall and cut the materials into blanks. To do this, draw the outline of the future portal on the wall with a pencil, using a building level to determine the vertical and horizontal. Then work according to the following step-by-step instructions:

1. Cut the UD profiles to size and attach them to the wall with dowels, as shown in the photo. Install the racks and horizontal jumpers, fastening them together with self-tapping screws.
2. Assemble a frame with a step from CD profiles and screw it to the floor. The arched arch of the hearth is formed from a lath, which must be trimmed and carefully bent, and then secured to the frame.
3. Sheathe the frame with gypsum plasterboard sheets on self-tapping screws, the heads of which should be recessed into the drywall. For an electric fireplace, provide air openings on the sides and a hole for wiring.
4. Install the tabletop and screw it to the frame.

Covering the frame with plasterboard sheets

Note. The inner lining of the arched vault is made in segments from strips of plasterboard. Their ends should be hidden behind the front panel.

After assembly, all that remains is to veneer your decorative fireplace, made by yourself. The most popular finishing option is imitation natural stone and brick with tiles. If you don’t want to buy it, then cut some foam bricks and cover the portal, and paint the top acrylic composition. Another common method is pasting fake columns and polyurethane stucco. Detailed Description The installation of a plasterboard false fireplace is shown in the video:

The procedure for assembling a corner structure does not differ from the wall structure, only the frame is formed differently - the joining of the profiles is carried out under acute angle, as can be seen in the photo. The second point is the triangular shape of the top shelf, otherwise there is no difference.

Corner pseudo-fireplace frame

Fireplace from an old chest of drawers

A false fireplace can also be made from old furniture made from chipboard. Let's look at an example of a sideboard with a built-in mirror that will serve as a decorative element. The height of the structure is not a hindrance; after modification, it will resemble an outdoor stove with a shelf for storing firewood located at the bottom of the firebox.

We turn an old sideboard into a large pseudo-fireplace

Now about the work order step by step:

1. Remove the doors and other hardware from the dresser. If it is equipped with additional side sections, then simply cut them to the desired size.
2. Form the fireplace opening from boards, chipboard sheets or plywood, screwing them to the sideboard walls with screws. Make the bottom shelf in the same way.
3. Pin a tabletop on top that protrudes 3-5 cm beyond the dimensions of the cabinet. If desired, make a pedestal for the false fireplace.
4. Fill all the cracks with wood putty, and after drying, smooth it out with sandpaper. Then apply polyurethane molding to the body and paint.

Note. To finish the portal, you can use any materials that are bonded to glue - plastic, polystyrene foam, various decorative panels.

Decorating an artificial fireplace

One of the common options is a false candle fireplace with a mirror on the back wall of the opening. It’s simple to implement: candles are placed in front of the glass, on the top shelf and pedestal, and lit in holidays. The decoration can be supplemented with replicas of firewood and an iron fireplace grate. The latter is bent according to a drawn template made of thick aluminum wire inserted into a vinyl chloride tube. Finally, the grille is painted with bronze paint.

A few words about how to simulate a flame. We have already talked about an electric fireplace, but there are other ways:

• place a red or yellow LED strip on the bottom of the firebox, strewn with pebbles;
• install a safe alcohol burner in the opening (their decorative models are commercially available);
• use electronic photo– a frame with an LCD display into which a GIF image of a flame is loaded, after which it is placed in the fireplace niche.

This is how LED strip imitates fire

How to make an artificial eco-fireplace with a real flame from an alcohol burner is clearly explained in the video:

Conclusion

Let's omit the hackneyed phrases about the ease of making a false fireplace with your own hands, and instead give little advice. When you decide to throw away pieces of furniture, an old TV or a mirror, first think about making an imitation fireplace. The plasterboard system is a beautiful and reliable option, but at the same time expensive, and unnecessary things are a free resource. By putting your hands on them, you will get a pleasant decoration for the interior of your apartment or cottage.

Design engineer with more than 8 years of experience in construction.
Graduated from the East Ukrainian National University. Vladimir Dal with a degree in Electronics Industry Equipment in 2011.

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The desire for comfort and coziness is inherent in each of us. The warmth of a home is not an empty word. 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 false fireplace and why is it needed?

In a city apartment, conditions will not allow you to install a regular fireplace. The lack of chimneys and floors 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 yourself without any special skills. 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 the creation of a fireplace with my own hands- a very exciting activity, it gives free rein to imagination, allows you to make an exclusive thing. In addition, an open fire in an apartment is not necessary (and you are unlikely to be allowed to do so), and a false fireplace will serve as a multifunctional decoration.

Pay attention! Although you won't light a fire in a false fireplace, still don't put flammable things underneath. Especially if the structure covers heating radiators or you plan to place electrical appliances in the firebox.

False fireplace looks like a real one

U artificial fireplaces there are such advantages:

• low cost - 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 of inexpensive, but original and beautiful materials in decoration.

False fireplaces are divided into 3 groups:

1. Reliable artificial fireplaces completely imitate real ones, respecting both 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 plausible.
2. Conventional false fireplaces have a portal protruding from the wall. They can be decorated according to your taste and desire. The combustion hole is usually filled with firewood or candles are placed there.
3. Symbolic ones can be made from any materials. Their peculiarity is that they are not at all like an ordinary fireplace. It could even be a drawing made on the wall with some decorative elements.

Manufacturing options

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

• drywall;
• plywood;
• foam;
• cardboard;
• tree;
• brick;
• polyurethane.

You can make such a structure even from old furniture that has already served its purpose, but it would be 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 thing in this task will be choosing the style and size suitable for the room, and everything else will take you a minimum of time and effort.

If you want to install an electric fireplace, take into account its installation and overall dimensions, method of connection to the electrical network and quality of ventilation.

The lightweight body of the false fireplace made of polyurethane will save you from many installation hassles

You will need:

• polyurethane portal for the fireplace;
• contact glue;
• putty;
• materials for finishing the firebox (for example, decorative brick).

Now we’ll tell you step by step how to install such a fireplace.

1. The best place to install such a fireplace is one of the side walls of the room. The structure should not clutter the room or interfere with passage.
2. If you decide to place an electric fireplace or decorative electric lighting inside the portal, take care of the wiring and socket first.
3. Make the firebox frame from profiles or wooden blocks, and the walls from plywood or plasterboard.
4. Install the portal, carefully secure it with contact glue. Carefully fill the gaps between the portal and the firebox with finishing putty.
5. Finish the firebox in the style you choose, or install an electric fireplace. If desired, you can install a mantelpiece 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, for example, with a built-in bar.

Plywood construction

This idea is useful if you need to hide some defect in the room, for example, an old heating radiator, the replacement of which will not be cheap. A false fireplace will come in handy here.

The need to cover up an old heating radiator is an excellent opportunity to install a false fireplace

Carry out calculations and make a drawing of the future structure. This will help you avoid wasting extra money and time.

Drawing of a standard fireplace

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

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

Frame made of bars for a false fireplace

Next, cover the frame with plywood. Fireplace design and appearance can be adjusted during operation. For example, you can add a podium to the portal. Inside the structure there is heating battery, so it is better to assemble the frame with screws: nails in conditions high temperature do not guarantee a tight fit of plywood to the bars in the future.

Frame covered with plasterboard

Along the back wall, attach a firebox that imitates a fireplace to a block. Cover all surfaces visible from the outside with self-adhesive film.

Install the firebox and cover it with film

Cover the corners of the portal with a wooden layout, and cover it with film of the same color.

The corners of the portal need to be closed and also covered with film.

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

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

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

Fill the metal mesh with pebbles or other filler.

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

Metal grating diagram

The pipes that go to the battery can be covered with an extension of the podium.

Cover the heating pipes with a podium

So that useful space does not go to waste, create a bar under the fireplace mantel.

Using extra space

As a result, you will get a fireplace like this, almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

Ready-made false fireplace

New life for old furniture

This is the most budget option. You probably have old wardrobe or sideboard. Don’t rush to throw away this piece of furniture: on its basis you can easily make an excellent imitation of a fireplace with lighting.

you will need:

• plywood sheets;
• wood sander;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• acrylic paint;
• putty;
• LED strip;
• stucco molding, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
• surfaces.

1. Remove the doors from the old sideboard and remove the lower cabinet. The top section will remain, place it on its side.

   Preparing an old sideboard for use

2. Screw two beams in front.

   Screw 2 beams

3. Attach two sheets of plywood to the bars at the top and bottom. This will give the fireplace the required thickness.

   Secure the plywood sheets

4. Cut a hole in the door of the side cabinet (which is now located below) for the “blower”. Here you can store firewood, just like in a real fireplace.

   Cut out a hole for the “blower”

5. Your raised fireplace will need a pedestal and mantel. They can be used as two backboards from an old bed. Don't forget to unscrew their legs.

   The headboards of the bed will serve as a pedestal and mantelpiece.

6. The design is ready, now we need to start finishing works. Sand the polished surfaces to roughen them. Prime the walls; after they dry, putty and level the surface. Dry the putty and sand down any uneven surfaces. Paint the body with acrylic paint, trim the corners with brick or artificial stone. Glue on decorative elements and install a mantelpiece.

   Finishing a false fireplace from old furniture

7. Decorate the firebox. Glue LED strip around the perimeter. Red or yellow will do - they will perfectly imitate a smoldering fire. Place shells, pebbles or sand at the bottom.

   Decorate the firebox: glue in an LED strip, add pebbles, shells or sand to the bottom

As a result, you will have this magnificent fireplace in a vintage style.

Ready-made false fireplace from an old sideboard

Imitation of a fireplace made of plasterboard

This time we will consider the option of a corner false fireplace made of plasterboard. This task will be more difficult than the previous ones. Why a corner fireplace? Because in conditions small apartment the angle is the most free space, which is ideal for installing such a structure.

Corner false fireplace made of plasterboard

So, you will need the following materials:

• metal profile - 13 pcs;
• moisture-resistant plasterboard 9.5 mm - 3 sheets;
• tiles - 5 m;
• self-tapping screws - 200 pcs;
• tile grout;
• LED strip;
• decorative lattice.

1. Calculate the dimensions. Please note: if you need to close the battery, you need to do it in such a way that it can be easily reached. For possible emergency situations It is better to run the battery through the lower opening.

   Approximate diagram of a corner fireplace

2. After the calculations have been made and the fireplace diagram has been drawn up, begin installing the frame. A ceiling profile is suitable for it, and it is also cheaper.
3. Immediately make electrical wiring for the lighting. 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 illumination.
4. The combustion hole can be made with double walls. Non-flammable insulation will be laid between them.

   Finishing a false fireplace with decorative tiles

5. For decorative finishing, you can use stone-like tiles. It is made of plaster, so it is not suitable for work surfaces.

This fireplace takes up approximately 1.6 square meters. You can place a small electric fireplace or a small alcohol burner inside the firebox.

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 also 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 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 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!

• Many owners of false fireplaces love to decorate niches with candles. different heights. It looks beautiful, stylish, and gives a real live fire.
• An excellent choice would be to install a mirror deep in the furnace niche, on the wall. The mirror will multiply the reflections from the candles or electric lighting and will 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 give 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.

Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces

An original and laconic option - a simple niche with candles

Video: how to make a false fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands

As you can see, building a fireplace at home yourself 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 to enjoy comfort, like the heroes of classic films. Share with us your experience in implementing such ideas, or ask any questions you have on this topic. Easy work for you and comfort for your home!

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