How to make a hanging fireplace with your own hands?

Very often, objects that are already familiar to many no longer evoke strong positive emotions. So, for example, ordinary fireplaces will forever remain just fireplaces. They are no longer perceived as a highlight of the interior. Made of brick, decorated with decorative trim, they have become more practical and do not carry an aesthetic load.

Another thing is a hanging fireplace. This is something new, although the design is by no means new. His device was invented 50 years ago. These products are not yet very common, but are gradually gaining popularity

A little history

The history of the creation of the very first pendant models is similar to the heroic epics of antiquity.

So, in the late 60s of the last century, traveler, philosopher, graduate of a famous educational institution, Dominique Imbert, decided to engage in creativity and created a small workshop in the southern part of France, in the small town of Viol-le-Forte.

There were no special conditions in this room, even the roof had large holes in places, and there were no windows. In winter, snow fell on the floor of the room. In order not to freeze while carrying out creative experiments, the designer made the first hanging fireplace with his own hands and attached it to the wall.

Numerous guests who constantly visited this workshop were surprised by this product - everyone wanted to have the same one.

Conservatives did not accept Imber's innovations for a very long time. At first, his business relied on orders from professional architects, artists and bohemians. Then the situation gradually changed, and after a year, hanging models became the property of museums of modern art in France. Then some exhibits settled in museums in Germany and the USA.

Hanging fireplace on Russian markets

Today, these “floating” interior items no longer cause such heated debate as before. People were shocked. Hanging products entered the market of our country in the late 90s.

Since then they have been gaining popularity, although many are faithful to the classics.

The buyer of this fireplace is a connoisseur of original appearance, innovation, and modern design.

Boiler for building a fireplace

To simplify the task of making a hearth box, you can use a cast iron or steel boiler, which is used for cooking over a fire:

The hanging fireplace will look beautiful and finished, you just need to attach the bottom for the boiler.
The location of the boiler is inverted, a chimney pipe is welded to the bottom and connected to the chimney opening.
The window opening for subsequent installation of glass is cut using a grinder.
Placing grates in the internal space of the boiler is also necessary.
The device is suspended in the same way as in the previous version.
Manipulations in the case of attaching such equipment to the wall are also similar to the previous option.

Special philosophy of suspended solutions

A hanging fireplace is perhaps the most striking manifestation of the theory of deconstructivism in the modern interior of apartments. These products look at the idea of a cozy home in a new way. In general, this is due to the unusual method of fastening. This equipment is attached not to the floor, but to the ceiling. There are also models for wall mounting.

The massiveness and brutality so respected by many today are moving aside and giving way to lightness, irony and free flight of imagination. These products with their entire appearance emphasize a certain independence; they seem to declare that they have nothing to do with this world. See how a hanging fireplace transforms a space. The photo in this article cannot convey all the sensations, but you can see what it looks like.

Beautiful hanging bio fireplace

A hanging bio-fireplace is a more “advanced” modern model of a mobile design in a country house; it is not only beautiful in the interior, but also highly efficient in heating. The biofireplace continues the line of modern mobile models. The peculiarity of its functioning is the use of special fuel, usually wood, treated with a special solution.

A biofireplace is a device designed for heating rooms.

Due to the special fuel, it leaves almost no smoke and therefore does not need a chimney.

One of the simplest structures is considered to be a suspended structure. Simply put, a bio-fireplace is a dish suspended on a chain with a lit fire, but it is necessary to remember that ordinary ventilation must still exist, since, albeit in a moderate amount, when this fuel is burned, carbon monoxide is released and oxygen is absorbed. A biofireplace with such fuel is an effective source of heat; most of it burns in the fire, turning into heat.

Fireplaces on the floor or table:

Dangerous;
They can be accidentally knocked over;
Fire safety at a minimum level.

Biofireplaces vary in shape and size, but the most popular are the so-called hanging fireplaces, attached to the ceiling or wall. Such fireplaces in a country house not only save space in your home, but are also the most comfortable from a fire safety point of view.

The danger increases if there are children in the room. A toppled fireplace could cause a fire, which is unlikely with a hanging fireplace.

Aesthetic practicality

Although these products are rather a protest against the theories of functionalism and rationalism, they are quite practical. Such “floating” structures can be installed in almost any part of the room, if the room has suitable load-bearing characteristics. Since the weight of these designer fireplaces is relatively small, these models are well suited for objects where it is not recommended to create a large load on the roofing or ceiling elements. Another practical advantage is saving space. But chimneys can be quite long.

These products look especially harmonious in a two-color design. They play the role of a vertical dominant, visually increasing the height of the room. Such a hearth can give any type of room a special atmosphere.

Varieties

Since the hearth is, first of all, a fire, it must burn inside the structure. This means that the fire will require fuel, which will be the determining factor in choosing the type of device that suits you. There are only two main types of such ovens:

Wood burning
Biofuel

The first will require the mandatory presence of a chimney to which the chimney will be connected. The composition turns out to be quite massive, although there are many models of such stoves and among them there are quite compact ones.

Biofuel stoves do not require combustion products to be removed and they do not need a chimney. Due to this, you can find models that are very small in size and weight. This can be decisive in cases where the hanging fireplace is attached to not very strong floors. Special fuel burns inside them, which does not emit substances harmful to humans when burned. However, you should not think that such devices will not be able to warm you up - the heat generated when burning such fuel is very high.

What to make it from?

Often, a hanging fireplace is made primarily of metal. Therefore, their weight is quite moderate.

Due to the high fire resistance characteristics of cast iron or stainless steel, such products show excellent performance capabilities.

In most cases, fireplaces have a modular design, and assembling them is not difficult. Installing them also does not require a lot of effort and time. The appearance of such models is ultra-modern, it fits perfectly into high-tech interiors and the like.

The metal was not chosen in vain - it is extremely ductile. Designers, exploiting this property, give their products sometimes impossible shapes. There are plenty of opportunities for the manifestation of even the most daring creative ideas. Among the products you can see strict geometric lines and angles, and almost metal sculptures.

Designers regularly come up with new options, as a result of which a hanging fireplace can be created in the form of fancy plants, UFO plates, submarine periscopes, and magic crystals.

This is a huge freedom for the flight of creative thought. And modern metal processing technologies make it possible to obtain very precise products.

General information

Types of devices

When selecting a particular method for attaching a fireplace, you will definitely need to take into account its size, configuration, the required type of fuel in which it will stand, as well as the overall interior. The most important difference between this type of fireplace and other devices is its location, because it does not touch the floor surface and is located on the chimney pipe. Although its weight is usually no more than 160 kg, the ceilings in the house must be strong, because the entire mass of the fireplace structure will be loaded on them.

Taking into account the installation methods for a hanging fireplace, we can divide them:

Wall. The name itself suggests exactly where the device will be placed. But the most important thing is that the surface of the wall on which the entire load will rest must be strong, perfectly flat and vertical. This option for hanging a fireplace is ideal for a room that does not have a very large area and will significantly save space for the owner. Moreover, such a device does not require a vertical pipe. The cost of producing a wall-mounted fireplace is much less, and therefore it is one of the cheapest. You can use a wide variety of fuels for it.
Central. It is also sometimes called island. Typically, such a fireplace is placed on the chimney, without completely touching any wall. For such a design, it would not be superfluous to use a special screen made of fire-resistant glass, which will protect the room from ash and fire.
Rotating. This is an analogue of the fireplace described above, which is equipped with an additional mechanism that allows the structure to rotate around its axis as needed. The use of this installation method may require the installation of a space under the fireplace with a radius of at least 2 meters using heat-insulating material.
Transformable. Here it will be enough to lift the enclosing screen, and the fireplace will become open.

Before installing a hanging fireplace in your own home

You will need to decide on its shape and decide what type of fuel will be used.

Firewood. This type of heating material is considered the most popular and classic, especially for a hanging wood-burning fireplace. There will be no imitation here - the fire and crackling of the logs will be real. It is better to use firewood in fireplaces that are installed in a private house or country house, since normal operation of the device requires a vertical chimney with a clearly defined pipe diameter. When using this type of fuel, the fire is usually open, and in order to avoid troubles, when installing the fireplace, all requirements must be met, from which it is strictly forbidden to deviate. To prevent the air in a room with a wood-burning fireplace from becoming dry, the space with the fire should not be covered with fireproof glass.
Biofuel. This is ethanol, which contains alcohol. its use makes it possible to install fireplaces in an apartment in a multi-storey building, because there is no likelihood of soot, soot, smoke appearing, there is no need to install a chimney (its elements can be used as decoration), and no additional cleaning is required. The design of the suspension device when using ethanol is simple, and installing it is not difficult. The hearth can have one or several burners that will produce a real flame, and its intensity can be adjusted.

Fireplaces that run on biofuel have special tanks for it. There is also a small nuance when using this fuel in a fireplace. An additional ventilation system will be required in the room, because a lot of oxygen will be wasted due to fuel combustion, and natural ventilation will not reliably provide the required level of air exchange.

There are hanging fireplace models that run on electrical energy. Since this type of device is a screen on which there is a realistically depicted flame, in this case the fire will definitely not please the owner. There is naturalness in the device, and this is achieved thanks to modern technologies, for example, the 3D and 5D effect. Such a device looks better when closed, because when open, the imitation of fire will be clearly visible. Often everything is made in the form of a box or glass ball.

Next, let's look at the installation in more detail.

Deciding on the type of construction

The design differs from the one that is classical and accepted in society. The firebox is attached to the chimney, which goes vertically upward and is fixed to the ceiling. This gives greater freedom of choice in terms of where this home will be located. Also, this design makes it possible to install this equipment where it is impossible to install a conventional fireplace. Can be installed in multi-storey buildings or cottages. This is how a hanging fireplace is installed in an ordinary city apartment. Photos are presented in the review - carefully consider all the nuances.

The firebox has a weight that is significantly lower than that of traditional models. It is often made of metal and not trimmed with stone or ceramics. In general, the weight of the entire structure, depending on the model, can be up to 50 kg. During installation, no foundation is needed, and there is no need to insulate the wall. In addition, you can make a hanging fireplace with your own hands even at home if you have the equipment and drawings.

Installation of a suspended heating device

The installation of this element is fraught with many features. Unlike the structure, the main load of which falls on the floor, here there is no need to thermally insulate the foundation and walls. This makes it possible to significantly reduce both labor and financial costs of work.

Beautiful hanging options are the only ones possible for installation in apartments due to their low weight. It should be taken into account that it is necessary to ensure the possibility of ventilation of the room with a fireplace, since a lot of oxygen is wasted when burning wood. The room should be on the top floor of the house - this is required by the features of the chimney. If these conditions cannot be met, try an option such as an imitation fireplace.

When operating heating devices, you must pay close attention to safety precautions. Use protective screens, and do not forget to remove ashes and ash after the fuel burns. We must remember that in homes with small children and pets, keeping such a device is simply dangerous. In this case, an imitation of a fireplace can be an excellent solution - the interior of the room will turn out exactly as you wanted.

A wood-burning hanging fireplace is a creative solution for the design of a country house.

Hanging fireplace of rotating type.

The light weight of a hanging fireplace makes its installation possible in any living space.

How to do it yourself? Selecting the fuel type

Depending on the type of fuel, products for working with biofuel and wood are distinguished. Wood-look models are equipped with both open and closed fireboxes - they have a glass-ceramic protective door. Trends in recent years dictate an increased area of transparent windows for storing fuel, as well as the use of panoramic glazing.

Open fireplaces without doors are more relevant for spacious rooms. These rooms should be ventilated as often and thoroughly as possible. For houses with double-glazed windows, it is desirable to have a forced ventilation system. Fresh air must also be supplied forcefully into the firebox. When an open fire burns, it consumes a larger volume of oxygen than if it were burning in a closed firebox.

What you need

The simplest and most suitable option for such a fireplace would be a design in which biofuel is burned instead of firewood. Therefore, it is best to collect this option. To assemble it you will need the following materials:

Stainless steel for the manufacture of the body and firebox.
Metal pipe for mounting to the ceiling
Burner (it is assumed that you will purchase a ready-made burner, but you can make it yourself in the form of a steel glass)
Fireproof mesh
Fireproof glass for making a protective screen
Wick

In addition, you will need a certain set of tools, which will include a welding device, a grinder and various tools for cutting and bending metal.

If you need to assemble a hanging wood-burning fireplace, then you need to add a chimney pipe to the specified set of materials. It is better to purchase it ready-made, since the factory products already provide thermal protection and universal fastenings to the ceiling and furnace part of the device.

Homemade metal wood burning fireplaces

Metal has significantly more advantages than brick. And in modern apartments it is unlikely that it will be possible to install a serious foundation for a classic fireplace. Naturally, metal also has disadvantages. Other advantages include price, higher efficiency, light weight, and excellent strength.

Disadvantages include limited work life, high fire hazard and short heat transfer.

Metal is much easier to process, and in terms of strength it can be compared with ceramics. Having the necessary equipment in the garage, you can use a photo of the model you like to make metal hanging fireplaces yourself. After all, what is this? This is a designer stove-stove, which is fixed on the ceiling to the chimney.

Distinctive features

Fireplaces hanging from the ceiling have a metal body, the main part is attached to the ceiling structure or the pipe runs through the wall. All models of hanging fireplaces are lightweight so that they can be installed calmly and without fear of collapse. Modern models are distinguished by an elegant and sometimes sophisticated design, but their weight is always light. Metal is a malleable material, so it can be used to create the most unimaginable designs of any shape. Therefore, hanging fireplaces are distinguished by their extraordinary beauty and grace.

For example, metal structures that resemble a flower or a fantastic animal in appearance cause delight and look very unusual.

The design of fireplaces is made of two types of materials: heat-resistant steel or fire-resistant glass. In both cases, it turns out to create beautiful structures that can make the room special. The lightweight steel used for such purposes is no more than six millimeters thick, so the fireplace itself will not be heavy. Fireproof glass, which is usually used to decorate the firebox, adds lightness and color to the design. A three-dimensional and full view of the flame is also created.

Choosing material

Stainless steel is a very popular material.

Its temperature limits are about 600 degrees for a 2-hour exposure. A sheet 4 mm thick is suitable for a fireplace. However, there is no need to talk about regular use of such metal. If you heat such a fireplace intensively, there is a risk that it will burn out.

Industrial fireplaces are made from special heat-resistant steels. Modern special steels, even with a thickness of only 1.5 mm, have a service life of more than 20 years. With low weight, excellent heat capacity and thermal conductivity, this is a guarantee of high efficiency.

The manufacture of hanging fireplaces from such steels is available only to those who have sophisticated welding technology and equipment. It makes no sense to cook such steel using artisanal technologies. Heat-resistant stainless steel will simply lose its properties after such executions, and the fireplace will crack.

In addition to steel, cast iron can also be used. Among the advantages is the low price. For fireplaces, sheets with a thickness of 6 mm or more are suitable. You cannot use sheets of smaller thickness - it will crack. The thermal conductivity of this metal is low, but it is suitable for heating small rooms.

Basic characteristics and placement rules

A hanging fireplace consists of a pipe mounted into the ceiling and a firebox located below. If the fire is heated with wood, the pipe serves as a chimney; in other cases, it has a decorative function.

If the firebox runs on electricity or biomaterial, then the hanging device can be placed in the apartment. But before that, you should find out about the conditions necessary for its placement:

The ceilings should be high, otherwise the hanging fireplace will take up the entire space and will look very bulky.
This model should not be placed near a window, because the fire will not be visible. To enjoy the view of the flames, you will have to close the curtains every time.
Wood-burning and bio-fireplaces should not be hung in a draft, as a gust of wind can carry sparks throughout the room and lead to a fire.

Do not place the fireplace close to flammable objects.
Hanging fireplaces are suitable for rooms decorated in a modern design. Such a device would look most appropriate among the loft or hi-tech style.

The main advantage of hanging fireplaces is that they take up very little space and can be installed even in small rooms. At the same time, they visually increase the height of the room, giving the space a special atmosphere.

Most often, such heaters are made of metal that has high fire resistance. External finishing is not required, and variety can be achieved using different colors, chrome plating methods and the use of a glossy or matte surface.

How to make a hanging fireplace with your own hands

So, before you start assembling and manufacturing, you need to purchase some necessary materials. As mentioned earlier, this is a sheet of metal approximately 3 to 5 mm thick. It will be used to create a firebox and chimney pipe.

Naturally, it is easier and cheaper to purchase such a product directly from the designer.

It’s unlikely that you can create a similar aesthetic thing with your own hands, but if you need something practical, then it’s worth a try. In order to make a hanging fireplace with your own hands, you will certainly need drawings, but no one will give them to you. You will have to develop them yourself, using photographs. In general, you can even do without them - the design is simple.

By welding, a body, or firebox, is created from a metal sheet, then it is welded to a pipe, which, in turn, will be connected to the chimney. Modern products are equipped with electronics that forcefully blow air into the combustion zone, as well as a system for forcedly blowing out combustion products. It is necessary to install hot air restrictors in the pipe, otherwise you may encounter the problem that a hanging fireplace has. Hot air from above is a sign of an improperly designed chimney.

Which hanging models are more common?

Most of all, hanging fireplaces are combined with high-tech style. This style simultaneously combines: simplicity, uniqueness, high-tech, severity of shapes and outlines, and a restrained color palette. In addition, hanging fireplace models have a number of the following features:

Among the models with a chimney pipe, three color variations, universal design, follows o. The fireplace has a panoramic door made of transparent fireproof glass and the shape of an inverted top;
Among large-sized hanging fireplaces, “Antrax” especially stands out, which has a design that is simultaneously open on three sides. You can buy both a standard wood-burning classic fireplace and a bio-fireplace;
Among the round models that have a stationary, island arrangement in the center of the room, we recommend paying attention to the “Bubble” model. The combustion chamber of the variation is open, and firewood is required for kindling;
The hanging corner fireplace “Arion” allows you to profitably save free space in the room. The combustion chamber of the fireplace is trapezoidal, fixed to a load-bearing wall or partition capable of withstanding such a load. The design also has heat-resistant transparent glass that can withstand high temperatures well.

Features of operation

When using absolutely any type of fireplace, you should strictly follow safety rules.

This is very important for models where the firebox is open. Do not place flammable materials near fire.

Sometimes the structure may rotate. This is a technological and modern solution, for example, this is what a hanging fireplace might look like in a high-tech interior. These models give the room unprecedented dynamics. So, you can turn the hearth in the desired direction and redo the interior.

Model Gurofocus: characteristics

Gurofocus is a model that can rotate 360 degrees. This variation became the best among many models and received various thematic awards. Gurofocus design is a profitable and optimal solution for rooms with any layout and area!

This round fireplace attracted the attention of every person who ever entered Dominic’s workshop; it aroused particular delight among technicians and other specialists.

Interesting to know: despite the fact that the round Imber fireplace was popular among the people, professionals for a long time refused to accept this innovation. The first models were made to order, especially for creative bohemia, architects and artists.

Next, you will find out the differences between a round hanging fireplace, an imported fireplace hood and a smoke collector in Russia.