How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A fire media wall can be a great way to add warmth to your home. They can be built in to the wall using studs or brackets.
Some wall electric fireplaces with media come with smart integration. This lets you control the output of heat, flame effects, and lighting from your smartphone or tablet. Some come with scheduling features.
Easy to install
There are a few things to think about when designing media walls for your home. First, you need to decide on where the wall will be placed in your home. It should be in a spot that you feel at ease watching television or enjoying the warmth of a fire. fireplacesandstoves should also allow for the most optimal viewing angles for the room. After you have chosen a location, you can start to make the necessary measurements and build the frame. You will then need to decide on what finishing touches you would like. For instance, some prefer to include a skirting board on their media walls, to ensure they blend in with the room's decor. Some people choose to not add it and allow the wall to stand apart on its own.
Depending on the type of electric fire you're planning to install the wall you're planning to install, it may require a bit more effort than other fireplaces. For instance, inset media wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) need to be built into the wall or hollowed out of it, which requires more extensive building skills and tools. However, this doesn't mean that they cannot be installed by DIYers.
When building a media wall it is essential to think about where you will place your electrical components. You'll need to ensure that your wall has at least two sockets for plugs - one for the fire and the other for the TV - so you'll need to determine where they will be prior to the installation. Some people choose to install sockets inside the wall frame's studs while others prefer to keep the sockets close to the fireplace and TV.
Once you've built your media wall, it's important to smooth the plasterboard on top of it. This will hide the screws used to fix it in place and create a smooth surface for painting. It is possible to hire an expert plasterer if not confident.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall offers an elegant design that is ideal for smaller living spaces. By combining a TV, an electric fire, a storage unit and a fireplace suite into one set-up it is possible to make the most of the space in your room. You don't need an additional fireplace or a bulky surround. You can also choose a bespoke design that's completely tailored to your home and incorporates the latest technology like multi-room audio and smart lighting.
A custom-designed media wall could be constructed around the fire you choose and adds a unique design element to your room. With a range of sizes and styles to choose from, you'll choose the perfect fire for your media wall installation. For a minimalistic look, you can select an inset electric fire that is recessed like the Elfa or if you're seeking to create a cozy corner with a corner wall with a 3 sided fire such as the Gazco eReflex 150RW is ideal.
The DRU Virtuo180/3 Evolve Electric Fire, for example, offers a modern aesthetic that is ideal for contemporary living rooms. They make a wood-cracking sound and offer a realistic log appearance. You can select a model with back heating to give warmth a more even distribution.
Another benefit of using a wall-hung electric fire for your media wall is its low maintenance. Contrary to traditional fireplaces wall-hung fires don't need chimneys and can be placed almost anywhere. They're also safer for homes with pets or children since they don't create real flames, and they don't emit an ash. And because they're electric, there's no risk of a rogue flame leaking through the wall or of smoke accumulating on furniture.
Many homeowners go beyond the basic concept of mounting your TV on a flat surface. They build bespoke stud frameworks in which to hide cables, house integrated storage solutions, and incorporate appliances such as a TV, soundbar and electric fire. These installations are often created to divide open spaces or to create a an impressive focal point to the space. They can be decorated with beautiful wallpapers or mirrored panels that serve as mirrors when the TV is turned off. This can brighten up your space and make it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Media wall fires can be a fantastic alternative to traditional fireplaces, that are usually installed in living areas. They are also ideal for those who want to add a stylish feature to their home. The latest electric media wall fires use LED lights to create an amazing realistic flame effect and have various settings, allowing you to alter the intensity of the lighting from a warm and inviting glow to a vibrant and burning fire. Some have 'flame only settings that allow you to enjoy the dazzling visuals without turning up the heat, making them planet-friendly and economical.
Media walls have a contemporary design and are made to match your interior design, creating a focal point that draws attention. Media walls are commonly used in modern homes to enhance any style. They can have modern and minimalist or a rustic, earthy look. A bold geometric wood-panelled wall is a perfect example of a striking design that can be accentuated with an electric media wall fire like the Gazco eReflex with 195RW, which can add warmth and a sense of style to the room.
Many electric media walls are smaller and slimmer and allow you to maximize the space available in your home. They are perfect for those who want to build a media wall in a small space, as they can be concealed behind the television. This gives them a modern, minimal and discreet aesthetic. They are also more energy efficient than traditional gas fireplaces, with most models producing less than 2kW of heat.
Consider the overall design of your media wall and how your electric fireplace can complement your television, as well with any other custom features you have in mind. To achieve a balanced look your fireplace must not be more than one-third the height of the wall on which it is positioned. Make sure you have enough clearance above and beneath the electric fire. This will differ depending on the model you choose.
The majority of homeowners with basic carpentry skills and are willing to learn can install a wall-mounted fire in the media. However, it is recommended to select an experienced HETAS approved installer, such as Something Different, who will ensure all safety measures are taken and that the correct clearance from fire-prone materials is maintained.
Versatile
A media wall can be a great feature for any living room, bedroom, study, or lounge. It's not only about creating an area of focus. A well-designed wall can create a tranquil environment for you and your loved ones to relax in. It's also a great place to put your TV, audio system and gaming consoles.
A fire in your wall of media can bring it to a new level and really transform your home. Many of the leading electric fires are specifically designed to be used in media walls, and they provide the perfect balance of warmth and ambience. They also come with some unique features, such as customisable visuals or authentic crackling sound.
There are models with smart integration, allowing you to control your fire via your tablet or smartphone through an app. This can be useful in situations where you are not in the house or want to control your fire from afar. Certain models are even equipped with scheduling options that allow you to schedule your fire to turn on when you return home and switch off at bedtime.
A wall-mounted electric fireplace can also be installed as a false chimney, without the need for a chimney or flue. This is a cost-effective approach to incorporating a modern heating system into your home.
There are two primary styles of electric fires that can install in the media wall: wall-mounted and inset. Inset electric fireplaces like the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed in the wall. This creates a sleek and streamlined appearance. They are an excellent choice for rooms with a limited floor space or for those who want to achieve a more minimalist style.
If you are thinking of installing the installation of a media wall in your home, it is recommended to first take measurements of the area to ensure it's large enough to accommodate the electric fireplace you're planning to install. Masking can be used to outline the dimensions of the wall. Then, you can compare your measurements with the product specifications to find the perfect fit.