How to make a decorative false fireplace with your own hands

A false fireplace is a distinctive and very original decor in the interior

The fireplace has long been a symbol of the hearth. A chimney built into the wall and a fire niche were built to heat houses both in Ancient Rome and in medieval castles. Large and small, luxuriously decorated with tiles and modestly decorated with simple plaster, they have faithfully served man for many centuries. Having entered the 21st century, we have retained our attachment to a cozy source of heat, but how to solve the problem in urban housing?

Living room in black and gold with a carved false fireplace

An interesting idea for decorating a false fireplace in a rustic style

DIY decorative fireplace in a stylish living room

False fireplace in a modern interior

A modern interior will be complemented by a fireplace in a traditional style using stucco.

Advantages of a decorative hearth

A false fireplace is sometimes distinguished from a real one only by the absence of a chimney. Otherwise, the design repeats all the external features of a fireplace for firewood. The body contains a firebox, and the portal itself is covered with a natural mantelpiece. The dimensions of the fuel chamber vary significantly. Usually the decoration does not exceed 20 cm in depth. And additional volume is created with the help of mirrors glued inside.

Creating volume using a mirror in a fake fireplace insert Source rerooms.ru

The imitation was invented for city apartments, in which the installation of a real fireplace is prohibited due to the difficulty of ensuring safety. Mainly due to the fact that it is impossible to install a proper chimney. Well, maybe on the very top floors. But there, as elsewhere, it is prohibited by law to light an open fire.

Since the need for additional heating of the room, as a rule, disappears, it became possible to use only aesthetic components. Such decor can decorate a room decorated in any style. By purchasing a decorative fireplace in your area, the living room benefits significantly in many respects.

Fake fireplace with the illusion of fire Source yandex.ru

The advantages of a fake hearth include the following:

• The construction of the decoration does not require significant expenses. Except for the moments when it is necessary to create a copy of a luxurious design for an elite design style.
• For the rest, you can even get by with used materials. For example, partitions from an old sideboard. Or even cardboard packages from purchased equipment.
• Wide selection of decorative elements. Because, in addition to store-bought parts, there is the possibility of making them yourself. It is enough to use your imagination and use available materials.
• Imitation allows you to hide utility lines. Such as various wires and unsightly elements of the heating system.
• Design functionality. If desired, the decoration can be used for purposes other than its intended purpose. Organize a bookcase or storage for unnecessary things in the portal.
• With the installation of decorations, the interior acquires a share of originality and additional pieces of home comfort.

To implement the last point, a reliable illusion of living fire is created in the hearth of a decorative fireplace. After all, it is the opportunity to admire open flames that adds comfort to the room. There are several methods for convincing imitation, which will be discussed in detail below.

Interior fireplaces with imitation flame Source evrookna-mos.ru

Fireplace in the interior of the apartment

Modern high-rise buildings do not include chimneys in their design to accommodate working fireplaces that would serve as a source of heat. If the goal is to heat your home and replace heating radiators, then it is quite possible to achieve this task with the help of an electric fireplace - a device that runs on environmentally friendly fuel. This “toy” produces a real flame without smoke and is very popular among overseas designers. An electric fireplace is often built into a specially equipped portal, creating the effect of a real hearth.

But for a decorative effect, they often install a fireplace portal or a false fireplace - a structure that looks similar to a real fireplace, but without a chimney and the ability to start a fire. A niche can be decorated in different ways: put candles or vases with flowers, cover it with mirror tiles, or lay out a stack of real logs - it all depends on the designer’s imagination and budget limitations.

Types of false fireplaces

But sometimes, to create the necessary atmosphere, it is enough to simply outline the design. It happens that there is no need to build anything. Both the mood and the feeling of comfort comes only from the very sight of the fireplace.

Drawing of a fireplace with fire on the wall Source truck-sodruzhestvo.rf

Therefore, fake fireplaces are divided into three types:

• Full imitation. It exactly replicates one of the existing design options, but without a functioning chimney. And to achieve all the natural effects, either an electric heater or a biofuel combustion module is placed inside the fireplace. In the second case, there is a real live fire (completely safe), and heat even enters the room. When using an electric heater, you have to be content with just the image of a flame.
• Conditional imitation. It just looks like a real fireplace. This can even be determined visually, since the depth of the firebox is reduced to 20 cm. But this is enough to also use an electric heater. But most often candles are installed in a false hearth. Or they simply decorate it with firewood.
• Symbolic imitation. Mostly this is just a hint of design. This role is played by the image of a fireplace on the wall. Sometimes a simple reproduction of a fire is enough. A person’s imagination will fill in the rest and this will help increase the feeling of comfort.

From here it becomes clear that false fireplaces can be divided into full-fledged heaters and simply decorative structures. The latter often do not carry any functional load. They act as a stand for a TV panel, shelves for a collection, or simply as a beautiful decor.

TV stand with fireplace Source estanocheyoinvitro.com

Methods of placing decorations divide decorative fireplaces into:

• wall;
• corner;
• hanging.

The latter are more like paintings in a beautiful frame depicting a fire. But such symbolic imitation shares a useful detail with other conventional constructions. They can be made portable. And when you get tired of admiring the fireplace in the living room, it is moved to the bedroom. Or to the office.

What is a false fireplace

This is a decorative element of the interior that imitates a working hearth.

Designed to create a feeling of comfort in a house or apartment, but is not suitable for full heating.

Classification

All types of such foci are divided into groups according to different criteria.

Based on functionality and practicality, there are:

Decorative
designs Their role is reduced to decorating the room, giving comfort to the interior. These models do not heat the room and do not have additional functions. They are made from inexpensive materials - cardboard or foam.

Semi-functional

At the same time they serve as decoration and a shelf for storing small items, a secret cabinet or a bar. Made from plasterboard or MDF.

Functional

Can be used to heat a room. You cannot burn wood in them, but you can place a heating radiator. They are built from the most durable materials that are resistant to high temperatures: stone, brick, etc.

From the point of view of realism, there are 3 types of false fireplaces:

Conditional

The outline of the fireplace is drawn on the wall or indicated with decorative trims.

Standard

In this case, all parts of the hearth are simulated: a recess for firewood, a shelf, protruding walls. This model is installed most often.

Maximum realistic

Lined with natural stone, brick, wood.

Standard and realistic models can carry a functional load.

All false fireplaces are divided according to shape and size into:

Miniature

Used as part of a decorative composition;

Corner

Take up little space indoors, suitable for apartments with a small area;

Direct

They are close in size to active hearths, occupying up to 1/3 of the width of the wall.

Corner false fireplaces are attached to 2 walls simultaneously. This makes the structure strong and stable.

Straight models have the most picturesque appearance and are well suited for photo shoots.

Depending on durability and transportability, false fireplaces are:

Disposable

They are made to decorate a home for a holiday (New Year, Christmas, anniversary, etc.), using inexpensive materials at hand: cardboard boxes, polystyrene foam. After the celebration is over, the structure is removed.

Folding (mobile)

They are made from more durable materials: wood, MDF, plasterboard. If necessary, such a fireplace can be easily folded and moved to another room. Can be used many times.

Permanent (stationary)

They are rigidly fixed to the walls and floor and remain in the room for a long time or forever. The model has a rigid frame made of timber, metal structures or other materials. The floor is reinforced with a layer of plasterboard, a concrete podium or plywood. External cladding is made of stone, mosaic tiles, and brick. The most realistic models are backlit.

Styles

The style of the hearth should correspond to the design of the entire interior.

It could be:

1. The classic version is an imitation hearth made of natural stone or wood. The models are distinguished by a laconic design without frills. Above the shelf you can hang a picture, a mirror, a clock. The surrounding walls are decorated with marble, mosaic tiles, and decorative plaster. It is appropriate to lay parquet with a suitable pattern on the floor in front of the portal.

2. 
   The style of the fireplace should match the interior.

   Sublime classic - the design is complicated by plaster stucco, stone carving or Venetian plaster. The side projections are decorated with semi-columns. Such models are made in light colors.

3. Baroque - a false fireplace is distinguished by some pretentiousness, a wealth of details and elements. Decorated with mosaics or carvings in the form of flowers, leaves, birds. The optimal material for the facade is tiles that imitate white marble. The room should be bright and spacious.
4. Modern - designs are distinguished by their whimsical lines. Models are made to order. Colored stained glass windows are used as decoration.
5. Laconism – characterized by a minimalist design and unusual materials. An interesting solution is a combination of stone with metal and heat-resistant glass.
6. Country - models with a deliberately primitive and rough design. The fireplace area is decorated with forged elements, hunting trophies, and weapons. Instead of a shelf, you can use a wide wooden beam. The portal is decorated with natural rough-hewn stone.

Advantages

It is possible to set up a burning hearth in spacious country mansions. Apartments in big cities and cottages with small living rooms do not provide this opportunity, and therefore imitation fireplaces are of increasing interest to designers and property owners.

The advantages of such solutions include:

• Ease of construction. It is better to install a working fireplace when building a house, since installation in a finished building will require a lot of time and money. It is easy to assemble the simulation at any time.
• Versatility - a false fireplace can be installed in any room - living room, bedroom, library, etc. This decorative element will be appropriate not only at home, but also in entertainment venues, hotels and even offices.
• Cost-effective – installing a false fireplace will cost much less than building an existing fireplace. In addition, owners of the “fake” version will not have to purchase fuel and spend money on maintenance.
• Originality - every home owner can order or make their own model with a unique design.
• Realism - LED or halogen lighting elements create the visual effect of flames.
• The ability to find a model that suits the owner in style and financial capabilities.

False fireplaces are original and realistic.

Design features

An important feature of a high-quality false fireplace is its architectural elements. The classic model should have an imitation of an air duct. For this purpose, a special ledge is formed on the wall - rhizolite.

This element gives the interior of the apartment a formal look. It acts as the compositional center not only of the fireplace area, but of the entire room. Rhizolit can be decorated with a painting, a shelf with books or a wall mirror in a beautiful frame.

To make a false fireplace look natural, it is important to arrange a niche for the firebox. The back wall of the hearth should not be at the same level with the side protrusions. You can place candles inside the recess. Without such a niche, the fireplace will look more like a console.

The floor in front of the “classic” fireplace is designed as if it has protection from falling embers and sparks.

This makes the structure more natural and convincing.

Materials for creating a decorative fireplace

Literally any raw material is suitable for props. But the financing of the project will depend on the immediate choice. After all, a dummy can be made temporary. For example, making decorations for Christmas. And at the end of the holiday, send the craft for scrap. For such purposes, the cheapest material is used - paper or cardboard.

False fireplace made just for Christmas Source ww79.elgolfantasma.com

You can create portable structures that are used according to your mood. And when not needed, they are stored in the utility room. In this case, the choice of raw materials is much wider. From cardboard boxes to wooden panels.

But when decor is integrated into the interior on a permanent basis, more serious materials are used. From brick to metal profile for frame. Let's look at how to make a decorative fireplace using various raw materials.

Imitation of a fireplace made of decorative tiles Source laminatepol.ru

What to put in the fireplace niche

The most exciting issue in decorating a false fireplace is the niche (the place where the firebox should be). If the hearth is not operational and there is no firewood in the firebox, then what to put or put in its place? And the design of the back wall of the firebox also matters. It can be formatted in different ways:

• Cover with mirrors to visually expand the boundaries of the fireplace portal;
• Paint it black, which will also visually deepen the niche;
• Cover with photo wallpaper depicting a real flame, brick or firewood;
• Paint to match the wall on which the fireplace is located;
• Lay out contrasting ceramic tiles or tiles with patterns.

In the very niche of the fireplace you can place:

• A set of candles of different shapes and sizes (but suitable in style);
• Books or magazines;
• Flowers in pots and flowerpots;
• Firewood and logs - this will create the impression that the hearth is working;
• A stack of pillows;
• Antique effect suitcases;
• Thematic or seasonal decorative elements: pumpkins for Halloween, a tree for New Year, angels for Christmas, fresh flowers for March 8, etc.
• Figures and figurines.

By the way, those elements that you place in the fireplace niche should stylistically overlap with the objects placed on the shelf itself or above the hearth.

If you are still wondering how to decorate a fireplace in your apartment, photos of ready-made solutions will help you decide. Just look at our selection of ready-made false fireplaces.

Carton boxes

The work will take no more than one day, and in addition to packaging you will need PVA glue and a tool for cutting cardboard. The whole process boils down to this:

• A drawing is drawn up indicating the dimensions.
• The side columns are made first. They are glued from tall boxes and, if necessary, reinforced with wooden slats.
• Build a flat base. In this case, the box can be replaced with a piece of polystyrene foam 10 cm thick. Sometimes the base is weighted with any weight for stability.
• The side columns are glued to the sole and the connection is additionally secured with wide tape.
• The back wall is mounted from a sheet of cardboard.
• Using a large cardboard sheet, form the facade. If desired, make it in the form of an arch and glue it to the columns.
• For the fireplace cover, choose a long and narrow box. It is strengthened from the inside with stiffening ribs and glued to the top of the columns.

For decoration, use wallpaper, light moldings or foam bricks. You can simply paint the entire structure in different colors.

Styrofoam

The process completely repeats the previous one. There are nuances when working with material. It is better to take dense transport foam and cut it only with a hacksaw. Regular PVA glue will not provide reliable connections, so a special composition is needed.

Glued foam fireplace Source pechiexpert.ru

Like the previous paper construction, the dummy is afraid of fire. Therefore, lighting candles in the fireplace is strictly prohibited. Foam false fireplaces can only perform a decorative function. But it is not recommended to place heavy objects on the shelf.

Drywall

Working with the material requires a certain skill. You will have to assemble a frame from an aluminum profile, and then sheathe it with plasterboard. Moreover, it is necessary to decide on the finishing in advance. If the surface will be covered with light materials (wallpaper, foam brick), then gray sheets will also be suitable.

Niche for a bio-fireplace made of plasterboard Source sdelai-lestnicu.ru

When you plan to decorate the structure with tiles, you will need green (moisture-resistant) sheets, which are much more expensive. The material allows you to build a stationary decorative structure in which you can install an electric heater. But a more common solution is a fake fireplace with a false chimney, in the niche of which a television panel is installed.

Plates from old furniture

You can build a reliable structure from plywood and chipboard that will fit well into any room design. In terms of work, the material is similar to the previous one, only for cutting you will need a jigsaw. And the best solution would be to order cutting according to prepared drawings. The cutting will be perfect and this will help during assembly.

Wooden false fireplace frame Source pechiexpert.ru

Decorative fireplaces can be made in two versions. The first involves fastening chipboard sheets at the joint, without a frame. In the second, a frame is assembled from bars and then sheathed with plywood. The corners are leveled, then the surface is puttied for further finishing. If you have little experience working with wood, then it is better not to take on complex structures, but to focus on projects with straight lines.

Polyurethane

Sheets of this material are not yet as popular as polystyrene foam or plywood. Polyurethane panels are lightweight, durable and come in a wide variety of sizes. Therefore, it will be easy to select the necessary ones, according to the drawn up drawing.

Imitation fireplace made of polyurethane with decorative moldings Source yandex.by

To assemble a fake fireplace, you must do the following:

• Cut the material with a hacksaw.
• During assembly, the parts are connected with self-tapping screws.
• You can additionally glue the elements, but you will need two types of glue. One for connecting polyurethane to each other. The other is for attaching the dummy to the wall.
• Decorating the structure is easy, since there are a large number of different moldings made from native raw materials on sale.

Brick

An imitation of a brick fireplace is considered complete. It’s difficult to call it a dummy, since the material allows you to create a structure that can last for decades. The work requires not just skill, but exclusive craftsmanship. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to build a decorative stone fireplace yourself. And it's better to hire a specialist.

Imitation of a fireplace made of stone and brick Source yandex.ru

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.

Ways to create fire

It is believed that false fireplaces cannot perform the main function of a real stove. Since they are only decoration, they cannot be melted. In fact, this opinion is not entirely correct. True, it all depends on the materials and design of the shell.

The problem is not that you can't start a fire in a cardboard or wooden dummy. Even if you assemble a metal body, operating the fireplace is still impossible without installing a chimney. And with it we are already talking about a full-fledged stove, which is equipped only in a private house.

Imitation fireplace made of brick Source dekoriko.ru

But the fact is that even in country mansions, real fireplaces are increasingly being replaced with fake decorations. This is due to the fact that the room does not require additional heating, since modern heating boilers cope with their tasks perfectly.

Therefore, the fireplace has only one important function - demonstrating a live fire. And a decorative fireplace can cope with this. True, you can’t light a full-fledged fire in it, but that’s what’s required. Sometimes it’s enough just to light a candle in a niche.

It is better to install several pieces in the alcove, and they will significantly enhance the visual effect. But if you place candles between beautifully laid logs, you can create a complete imitation of a burning fireplace. The fire will appear to be coming straight from the wood.

And if you decorate the back wall of the fake firebox with mirrors, the illusion will intensify several times. You just need to make sure that the flame does not come into contact with the wood under any circumstances. Otherwise, it's not far from a fire. Therefore, it is recommended to treat logs with an anti-inflammatory compound.

A completely safe method involves purchasing an electronic photo frame of a suitable size. Many models support animated GIF files, so the imitation of live fire will be almost natural. A Chinese device with a diagonal of 17 inches will not hit the family budget. And since the frame is installed in the depths of the niche, the image of fire is quite misleading to an ignorant person.

Image of fire in a false fireplace Source kampecher.ru

But there is a method that is both 100% safe and ensures that the fire is completely natural. The method is expensive because high-tech equipment is used. It does not create an illusion, but runs on biofuel, which is converted into a real flame.

Frontal biofireplace in the interior Source bioplamya.ru

The device burns bioethanol vapors, which are harmless to others and do not emit unpleasant odors. The biofireplace is equipped with automation, and it completely controls the process. Sensors ensure complete safety. Deviation from operating parameters immediately leads to an emergency stop of the device and extinguishing the flame.

Bio-fireplace built into the wall Source dizainexpert.ru

The module with a fuel tank and its own combustion chamber is placed in a false fireplace. Directly into the hearth itself, albeit decorative. Therefore, the fake fireplace turns into a real one. It even gives off heat that can warm your hands.

By choosing an option according to your financial situation, you can enjoy a real live fire or its imitation.

Automatic bio-fireplace in the interior Source bioplamya.ru

Product style: DIY fireplace made of brick, natural stone and wood

For lovers of antiquity, this can be a stylization of medieval models using artificial or natural stone. In the spacious living room, a voluminous false fireplace with a wide mantelpiece and a deep “firebox” niche, which is actively used for decorative details, looks great. These could be candlesticks, a stack of firewood, family photographs, and flower arrangements.

A creative idea for placing a false fireplace in a dark living room

Brickwork in the fireplace area

Beautiful romantic design of the fireplace opening in Provence style

What else can you fill the firebox with?

But if you don’t want to constantly admire the dancing flames, then you can leave only decorative functions to the fireplace. Or use it for other practical purposes. At first glance, the fireplace has only two uses. In fact, everything is limited only by the riot of imagination.

False fireplace decorated with a mirror Source remont-samomy.ru

Here is a giant list of how you can use the firebox of a false fireplace:

• Lay out the wood as for a fire. You can add a little bit of everything to the logs.
• Figurative dry branches, candle lanterns and even indoor green plants.
• Lining the inside of a fake fireplace with ceramic tiles will increase its appeal. In addition, you don’t have to worry about ignition from a burning candle.
• But if the fear of fires remains, then burning candles can be placed in separate cases. Several lanterns of different sizes in the firebox will look very original.
• If you use low candles and place each one on its own small log, you can even create a festive atmosphere.
• During the Christmas season, it is good to complement the hearth with candles with fir branches.
• Using fireplace paraphernalia, you can further embellish the fake decor. For example, place dry ikebana in a poker bucket. Place a firewood stand inside the fireplace and place candles on it.
• If you rank items, you can get an original effect. In the hearth, candles are placed on stands, in glasses, or just like that.
• You can install a work of art in the fireplace portal - a small painting or figurine.
• A thematic poster surrounded by decorative bottles will look more than original.
• If the false fireplace turns out to be massive, then it can be used instead of a cabinet. In this case, a good solution would be to place a chest for things inside the portal.
• The bookshelves inside the fireplace look extraordinary.
• When the decoration is installed in the kitchen, it can perform practical functions. A rack is installed in the portal, and dishes or jars of spices are stored on its shelves.
• Children rarely have such decor. But if it is already there, then a dollhouse can fit inside. Or the hearth becomes a storage area for toys.
• It is symbolic to close the portal with a door. It will act as an entrance to the magical world.
• If there is a large toy animal, then the firebox can serve as a kennel.
• Both the mantelpiece and the shelving unit inside the hearth will help to display a collection of figurines or objects.
• A giant letter or a whole word will look quirky in the fireplace.
• A wicker basket works well for a rustic look. You can put anything inside. From chopped firewood to imitation of the harvest.
• The firebox filled to the top with pumpkins of various sizes looks extraordinary.
• A false fireplace in the kitchen will attract attention and fulfill a practical role if a hob with oven is installed in it.
• A large vase with dried or artificial flowers looks beautiful.
• Place a wine bar eccentrically in the firebox.
• The watering can for watering plants inside the fireplace looks unusual.
• Super original - hide the air conditioner in the fireplace niche.

And the classic option would be a hearth filled to the very top with firewood. The logs can even be painted. Moreover, you need to use colors that predominate in the interior of the room.

Artificial fire for a fireplace and imitation of a flame in a fireplace with your own hands

Some craftsmen resort to paints and paint an artificial fire inside the firebox with their own hands. With the right lighting, you get a stylish piece that resembles a burning hearth.

An effective solution would be to purchase a mobile false fireplace, which they will help you make in a furniture workshop, which will allow you not to tie the interior design to a stationary piece of decor, but to use it in different rooms.

An unusual but interesting place for a decorative fireplace is the hallway

Drawing a flame for a false fireplace using large chalk

A clear example of creating a false fireplace from scrap material

Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces

Decorative fireplace with candles

Imitation fireplace in a modern style

Classic massive false fireplace

An original and laconic option - a simple niche with candles

Candles in a false fireplace

Corner false fireplace

Home fireplace like a work of art

It is clear that installing a fireplace with a real hearth is often impossible. They can be replaced with electric models. Many designers offer completely original ideas - to install a decorative option and enjoy the beauty and comfort.

Such designs are characterized by some advantages:

• you can do it yourself, it does not require large financial investments;
• You can use available and inexpensive materials: chipboard, plasterboard, brick, cardboard or polyurethane foam;
• the place for the firebox can be constantly changed, so the interior of the living room will not be monotonous;
• For decoration you can use decorative stone, tiles, marble and many other finishing materials.

Thanks to their advantages, fireplaces fit perfectly into various interiors and the photo confirms this. The compositions can be absolutely anything. They will perfectly complement the interior decoration of the room. And creating a structure with your own hands is a creative and exciting process. You can involve your whole family in creativity.