Style directions in design
Modern electric fireplaces are not limited in design. There are a lot of beautiful models, made in classic or modern styles. Both simple models of floor fireplaces and complex architectural designs of side fireplaces are presented on the market. The design of side fireplaces can be completely taken under your control. You can choose the facing stone, the color and material of the shelf, all the accessories yourself.
In addition, in all electric fireplaces, the hearth itself may have its own design. Here you can choose from almost any material, from wood to marble.
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How to build an electric fireplace into a wall
- The type of wall is taken into account.
- Thinking over the future cladding.
- Electrical safety requirements are taken into account.
What types of walls can a fireplace be built into?
Fireplaces with air heating function have some limitations related to fire safety. During work, the installation depth and other characteristics are taken into account.
The work is performed in accordance with the following recommendations:
- Electric fireplaces are produced with a minimum thickness of 15 cm. The body should not be close to the contour of the niche. The minimum wall thickness for installation must be more than 20 cm.
- Fire safety requirements - the rules allow you to install an electric fireplace with a heater function in drywall, gypsum, brick and other non-combustible material. A fireplace built into a wooden niche can easily cause a fire when heated.
- Removable portal, fixed to the wall with anchors, covering all irregularities. Fasteners are hidden by a special front panel.
How can a built-in electric fireplace be coated
ceramic tiles corner fireplaces
The cladding is not purchased separately and, as a rule, is included in the price of the electric fireplace. So, a portal with an imitation of an artificial stone made of MDF will cost 20-25 thousand rubles. The cost for a model with natural cladding rises to 50-60 thousand rubles.
Electrical safety requirements
Thanks to modern technologies, it has become even easier to create comfort in an apartment or house. Several decades ago it was difficult to imagine and even more difficult to equip a fireplace in your home. Today it is affordable and feasible even in a small space.
Fireplace in the interior of the room
Design of a room with a fireplace
Interior room with fireplace
Electric fireplaces are becoming more popular every year, because they have a number of advantages over their wood-burning counterpart:
- a huge selection of models - from small to wide wall-mounted, with and without remote control, with heating, sound and other construction and design solutions;
- simplicity of operation and ease of installation - it is enough to determine the place and purchase the device itself in order to please the eye with a cozy hearth;
- care - to maintain cleanliness, it is enough to wipe the dust and, if necessary, the display;
- safety - there is no risk of ignition of interior items, since the fire is artificial, this is just a picture on the screen;
- cost - electrical appliances are much cheaper than classical ones.
Fireplace in the interior of the room
Design of a room with a fireplace
The basic principle of the electric fireplace is an imitation of a real fire.
It is based on a dummy of logs or coals and fire. The imitation of firewood is very simple, it is more difficult with imitation of fire. For this, reflectors and projectors, additional LEDs and other design solutions are used. Sound effects are transmitted through speakers, but not available on all models.
Heating elements, if provided by the manufacturer, are located at the bottom or top. Heat is released gradually and evenly, which resembles the operation of a heater.
Interior room with fireplace
Fireplace in the interior of the room
In some models, infrared heating is provided - it heats not air, but objects. As a result, less oxygen is consumed and the heat effect is achieved faster.
Another functional feature is low power consumption. Most models have a power of 2 kW, which is comparable to an electric kettle.
Design of a room with a fireplace
Fireplace in the interior of the room
How do they work?
A quality electric fireplace with an elegant design will create a realistic fire flame that radiates pleasant warmth. This touch will brighten any living room.
Modern electrical models use heating coils and silent fans that are capable of producing real heat. They are equipped with a reflector that reflects the light from the LED lamps, creating a realistic flicker of the fire and the flame itself. LED lights replace real fire, but the flames look really realistic. Some electric models even have a special device that makes a crackling sound, which also enhances the effect.
When comparing traditional gas fireplaces to electric options, it may seem like the running costs are not worth it. But here it is necessary to consider the cost not only of installation, but also of maintenance. In this fight, the electric model also wins, as significant maintenance costs are not required.
Features of built-in electric fireplaces
How do these heating devices differ from their counterparts? To understand, you need to understand what types of electric fireplaces are, what are their features and functions.
Wall mounted fireplaces
They represent an electric hearth, enclosed in a case, which is embedded in the wall at any convenient place. Depending on the model, they can be classic or large-format, decorative or combined, combining the heating function with the visualization of the flame.
The disadvantage of such fireplaces is the insufficient depth of the firebox, which does not allow creating the effect of a natural wood-burning hearth.
Wall mounted fireplace
Wall and corner built-in fireplaces
This type of fireplaces is made in a metal case and is designed to be installed anywhere in the room, depending on the shape. They can also combine a decorative function with a heating one, while the depth of the firebox can be any, and as the price rises, the realism of the hearth also increases: some models are equipped not only with an imitation of a flame, but also with sound, a smoke generator, decorative logs and coals. The only drawback of this series of models is that the design of the fireplace cannot be changed or adapted to the overall design of the room.
Cast iron wall mounted fireplace
Built-in fireplaces
Perhaps the most versatile type of electric fireplaces, because it combines all the advantages of the above-mentioned hearths with the ability to install it in any portal, niche and even build it directly into the wall. At the same time, the realism of the firebox will allow you to forget that in front of you is not a real wood-burning fireplace, but an electrical appliance, for which it is enough to press a button on the remote control.
Built-in fireplace with a portal made of wood
Beautiful examples in the interior
Using the edge of the wall of the bay window ledge under the TV, a fireplace is placed next to it, recessed into the wall. The close proximity looks harmonious.
A complex but successful example of combining two accents: the placement of a TV with a shelf above the fireplace with doors, combined with the masonry of the lower part of the fireplace ledge.
A clear demonstration of the dominance of the TV: a ledge with a niche under the TV panel sets off the place for the fireplace. The contrast in size of the two accents creates the desired effect.
An interesting solution to the guest area with the use of a ledge and niches: the TV area is accented with a dark color to match the details of the furniture. The place for the fireplace is limited, the model is recessed into a niche and does not have a catchy design.
Forced reception in conditions of lack of space: plasma and a small decorative fireplace with legs were chosen. For the entourage, a stand was selected that imitates a fireplace ledge.
The use of shelving. A large shelf is set aside for the TV, the fireplace is built into the wall and is shaded with a beige tint. Due to the furniture, the composition looks appropriate and harmonious.
The use of small accents on the ledge in a spacious living room looks beautiful, and the accents do not compete with each other.
Nice welcome with shelf and masonry fireplace, contrast of shades. The TV is angled.
You can watch an example of an interesting design of a fireplace with a home theater in this video.
The role of the fireplace in our life: the process of operating the device
Today, traditional bulky fireplaces, consisting of a firebox and a chimney, have already become a thing of the past, and their construction is extremely rare and requires significant costs. And far from all premises are suitable for their construction, which also contributed to their partial oblivion. However, such difficulties do not mean that the fireplace should not be used at all.
Electric fireplaces are a kind of example of modern technologies that have made it possible to enclose the energy of the fireplace in a small box and curb it.
A modern version of an electric fireplace. The facing of the portal is made of wood
By itself, a similar product is absolutely safe, since it absolutely does not heat up during operation, takes up little space and makes it possible to admire a full-fledged hearth. However, the main advantage of the product is the absence of combustion products, which allows it to be placed in any room, despite its size and stylistic focus. At the same time, the appearance of the electric analogue resembles a small rectangular box, which, when turned off, does not at all look like a traditional fireplace. The construction of a portal, which is a distinctive feature of any fireplace system or even its business card, will help to give it a classic appearance.
Portals for electric fireplaces are purely decorative structures designed to structurally highlight the hearth against the background of the entire interior, separating it and visually delimiting the room. They can be made of absolutely any materials, without fear of fire or damage, since the body of the product practically does not heat up during operation, projecting an image only on the screen. Based on this, we can conclude that the portals are used only to create an accent on the fireplace and should not violate the integrity of the existing design.
Features of choice
In fact, the choice of such a device is quite an interesting and non-trivial task that people do not encounter so often. The following recommendations will allow you to make the choice of an electric fireplace more consciously:
Choosing device placement and style
It is very important to choose the right place on the wall where your machine will hang. Usually the central wall of the room is freed up for him, and the place is chosen at eye level.
The dimensions of the electric fireplace are correlated with the size of the room, so for large rooms massive systems of a rectangular format are appropriate, and for small ones they are flat and neat, often round devices. A wall-mounted electric fireplace should suit the room in style, for example, rectangular appliances with a metal or glass finish are appropriate for simple minimalist directions, and square appliances decorated with wood and metal forging are perfect for classic interiors.
Selection of the required functionality. You should immediately define the tasks of the device. Will the electric fireplace be an exclusively decorative accessory, or will you need its help in heating the room, or maybe it will illuminate the room like an original night light or play music like a music center.For example, infrared electric fireplaces do an excellent job of heating in apartments and houses, their efficiency can reach 100%. Determination of the primary functionality will allow you to correctly select the power of the device.
The main accent of the spacious living room
A wide assortment of mounted electric fireplaces is presented in various stores, on Internet sites. Having made a calm and deliberate choice, you will certainly move on to the exciting stage of installing the equipment.
In the interior of the living room
A wall mounted electric fireplace is a simple and affordable way to add warmth and coziness to your living room. The installation will not require any significant changes, and besides, most people can do the installation on their own, because all you need to do is hang it on the wall and connect it.
Below are some interesting and unusual ideas for installing an electric fireplace in the living room.
Wall mounted electric fireplace above the sofa
One of the most popular ideas for creating a modern interior in the living room is the installation of a wall-mounted electric fireplace in the room above the sofa. A fireplace hanging in such a place will become the center of attention and create a comfortable warm atmosphere in the recreation area. Hosts and guests will be able to feel cozy and comfortable even on cold days.
Instead of a TV
Nowadays, more and more people turn off cable TV, and some do not want a TV in their home at all. For such a category of citizens, a wall-mounted electric fireplace can be a good substitute for a TV. This will create a beautiful focus and welcoming atmosphere.
Electric fireplace under the TV
If you need both a TV and a fireplace, then you can install the device directly under the TV, because the electric model of the fireplace is safe to install under it, provided that the owners observe the minimum recommended distance (30-60 cm).
Small size electric fireplace in the living room
Wall mounted electric fireplaces are great for placing on a small living room wall, which is either painted a different color or structurally stands out from the rest.
The fireplace serves as the centerpiece of any home or room, uniting its design and adding coziness and hospitality. For centuries, the hearth has symbolized the closeness of the family and the greeting of strangers and neighbors. Models come in different shapes and styles, so these modifications are also great for apartments, because they bring warmth and comfort to the house, they are an excellent addition to the home.
While traditional fireplaces can sometimes be difficult to maintain and expensive to maintain, modern electric fireplaces are the ideal solution for heating any room.
Installed in pieces of furniture
Advanced technologies make it possible to harmoniously fit fireplace inserts into finished cabinets. This original solution is a decoration not only for the room, but also for the furniture set. The hearth is framed and mounted in a prepared niche. The idea of mortise household appliances has long been practiced in kitchen sets.
MDF or plastic, from which the elements of furniture are made, cannot but impose restrictions on the fireplaces built into them. This is due to the sensitivity of surfaces to temperature changes.
The built-in hearth should only have the function of the illusion of fire. The most neutral and most successful option would be an electric fireplace without a heating function. Another alternative solution can be a built-in bio fireplace, the heat from which is also minimal.
Non-trivial design solution
Summing up the classification topic, it should be noted that built-in fireplaces have characteristic advantages and disadvantages. The positive properties include ease of installation, the possibility of two-sided heating, stylish design, space saving. The disadvantages are the need for a chimney and the impossibility of using the heating function of the fireplace built into the furniture.
What kind of electric fireplaces can be built in (type of installation)
Decorative electric built-in fireplaces, with live fire effect, are a complete imitation of a natural hearth. Some models, during operation, in addition to visual images, recreate the noise of a flame and the crackle of firewood when burning.
If there is a need for additional heating of an apartment or a private house, they purchase a modern electric fireplace built into the wall with a heating function. To increase productivity and heat transfer, fans are installed inside the device, increasing the intensity of circulation of convection flows.
Front mounting
The difference between the internal embedding of the electric fireplace and the frontal one lies in the location and installation of the structure. In the first case, only a portal protrudes from the wall, all the filling is in a specially made niche in the wall. Heating efficiency for built-in electric fireplaces is greater. Frontal models are mainly used as one of the decorative elements.
Indoor installation
Distribution of heated air: intake and return, is carried out through convection channels. Heating is done by convection. Cold air is taken from the floor level, after heating, it rises to the ceiling. The heating elements are hidden in a heat-insulating casing, therefore the body of the electrical appliance heats up slightly.
Electric fireplaces are used as an additional source of heat and effectively maintain the required temperature in the room. But, it is economically impractical to heat the room exclusively with an electric type fireplace.
How to choose?
In order to choose the right flame effect heater, there are some important aspects to consider.
- Style. Flame effect heaters come in a wide variety of shapes, including sleek modern metal drawers, old stove-style models, and even full fireplaces with faux logs, stone or wood framing, and fireplaces.
- Control. These heaters are usually manufactured with a fairly simple control: standard two heating modes and with the ability to control the flame effect without heating. Some models have a remote control.
- Thermostat. Some models also have a thermostat that turns the heating elements on and off to maintain a set room temperature.
- Cord length. Make sure that the heater's electrical cord is sufficient for plugging into the wall outlet, as the use of an extension cord is not recommended for such devices.
- Security. An electric fireplace should have the standard safety features that any electric heater has. None of the outer surfaces should be hot to touch. Portable models should have a tilt switch that turns off the heater when it overturns, as well as a safety mechanism designed to turn off the fireplace when it overheats.
- Replacing bulbs. Most flame effect heaters use standard transparent candle-type bulbs to create a flame effect, so make sure you can replace them at any time before purchasing an electric fireplace. If the light goes out, the model should continue to operate as a conventional convection heater.
- Efficiency and running costs. Heaters such as an electric fireplace are similar in many ways to typical electric convection heaters in terms of efficiency and running costs. In other words, they are not as efficient as a reverse cycle air conditioner, but can still be a good option for heating a small room.
Which type to give preference
To install a built-in fireplace at home, it is not enough to have finances. It is necessary to consider all the parameters and determine the type of device suitable for installation. When calculating power, you can use a simple rule: 1 kW of power should fall on 10 m2 of area. The power of the fireplace is indicated in its passport, and the area of the room is easy to measure.
If a fireplace with a double-sided firebox has a depth greater than the thickness of the wall, then do not rush to abandon the idea with this model. Many craftsmen allow the door of the hearth to protrude from the wall at a certain distance.
A hearth with a flame simulation system can work according to different principles. Check with your retailer which technology is implemented in your chosen model. The highest quality imitation, which is difficult to distinguish from a real fire, is possessed by a steamed fireplace with an ultrasonic steam generator.
In conclusion, we note that such products fit perfectly into a modern interior, the distinctive feature of which is maximum simplicity and functionality.
Portal decor for electric fireplace
The decorative design of the portal of the electric fireplace can be anything. However, it should be remembered that in no case should he violate the integrity of the composition of the room, but only slightly shift the emphasis to the side. A good solution for decorating an object is the laying of ceramic tiles, which immediately makes it elegant and natural. Moreover, it is quite simple to install the material on a flat plasterboard base.
In addition, you can cover the building with structural plaster, wallpaper or paint, as long as it is combined with other coatings and objects located in the room.
To achieve the desired effect, the decoration of the finished object is carried out based on the stylistic orientation of the entire room and only in accordance with it. This is the only way to be sure of obtaining a positive result, which will not only laconically fit into the design of the room, but also significantly embellish it.
At the end of the article, check out the video: Modern electric fireplaces in the interior.Perhaps after that you will like the electric fireplace even more.
Creative electric fireplace in the interior
With a large selection, there is always difficulty in making one. Let's try to discuss the main characteristics and properties of electric fireplaces, as well as understand what place an electric fireplace can take in the interior of an apartment. Indoor fireplaces instantly transform the design. There is an immediate feeling of relaxation and understanding that this is a zone of relaxation and comfort. But, the electric fireplace decides not only the zoning of the resting place in the apartments, but also participates in the solution of the design project of the entire room and directly in the heating of the room.
When choosing an electric fireplace, you should take into account the design of the room and its area.
Electric fireplaces can be conditionally divided:
- At the place of installation and fastening;
- By interior design;
- For additional features.
At the place of installation, electric fireplaces are free-standing, they do not require special installation, floor-standing, usually installed near the wall. Wall-mounted options are those that are installed in the appropriate niche, and mobile ones that can be moved to any place if desired.
They are built-in, for example, in a niche or false wall, and corner, installed directly into the corner. In terms of interior solutions, fireplaces can be chosen in completely different style solutions, suitable specifically for the developed design of the room. As an additional feature of the electric fireplace, there may be a solution to combine it with a piece of furniture that is suitable in style.
Expenses
The operation of an electric fireplace in heating mode will cost up to 20 rubles per hour.
Equipment running costs may vary depending on the type of model installed and the frequency of use.
One of the most popular options for electric fireplaces, both in terms of affordability and energy consumption, are infrared electric fireplaces.These models are quite efficient and can cut operating costs by a few rubles. For example, one hour of operation of an infrared electric model can cost from 7 to 9 rubles. They are easy to use and maintain, so there will be no problem with them.