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 on a stud wall or hang from it using brackets.
Some media wall electric fires are smartly integrated that lets you manage the output of heat, flame effects and lighting from your tablet or smartphone. Some have scheduling capabilities.
Easy to install
There are a few aspects to consider when building media walls for your home. First, you must determine the best location for the wall in your living space. It should be in a spot where you can feel comfortable sitting and watching television or enjoying the warmth of your fireplace. The location should also allow for the best viewing angles for the room. Once you've decided on the location, you'll be able taking measurements and build the frame. Then, you'll need to decide on the finishing details. Some people include skirting boards to their media walls to match the decor of the room. Some people prefer to leave it off, allowing the media wall to stand out on its own.
The media wall might require some extra work based on the type of electric fireplace you're planning to install. For instance, inset wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) must be installed in the wall or hollowed out of it, which requires more extensive building skills and tools. However, media fireplace does not mean they can't be installed by a DIYer.
When installing a media-wall, it's important to consider where you will place your electrical components. You will need to ensure your media wall has at least two sockets for plugs - one for the fire and the other for the TV. So you'll need to decide where they will be prior to the installation. Some people prefer to put sockets inside the wall frame's studs, while others prefer keeping the sockets near the fireplace and TV.
Once you have constructed your media wall, it's important to skim over the plasterboard. This will conceal the screws that were used to keep it in place, and will create a smooth painting surface. If you're not confident in making this yourself it's always a good idea to get a plasterer on the job to assist.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall is an elegant design that is perfect for small living spaces. By combining a television with an electric fire, a storage unit and a fireplace set-up into one installation, you can make the most of the space in your living space. There's no need for an additional fireplace or a bulky surround. You can even pick a custom design that's specific to your home and incorporates the latest technology such as multi-room audio or intelligent lighting.
You can also build an individual media wall to surround your electric fire, which will add an individual touch to your living space. With a wide range of sizes and styles to choose from, you'll be able to find the right fire for your media wall installation. If you want a minimalistic design, choose a recessed electric fireplace, such as the Elfa. If you are looking to create a cozy corner wall for your TV, a corner wall with a 3-sided fire such as the Gazco 150RW, is ideal.
Wall-hung fireplaces like the DRU Virtuo 180/3 Evolve Electric Fire offer a more modern design, perfect for contemporary living spaces. They feature realistic log effects and provide a genuine wood-crackling sound effect. You can pick a model with back heating to distribute warmth more evenly.
The ease of maintenance is another advantage of installing an electric wall fire for your media walls. Wall-mounted fires are more convenient than traditional fireplaces since they don't require chimneys and can be placed anywhere. Since they don't emit the ash or create real flames they are safe for homes that have children or pets. Since they're electrical there's no chance of a rogue flame spreading out of the wall or of smoke accumulating on your furniture.
While a media wall could be constructed in a simple method by mounting your TV on a flat wall, many homeowners take the design concept to the next level. They create custom stud frameworks in which to conceal cables, house integrated storage solutions, and incorporate appliances such as a TV, soundbar and electric fire. These types of structures are usually designed to divide large open spaces or to create a a dramatic focal to the room. They can be decorated with beautiful wallpapers or mirrored panels that serve as mirrors when the TV is off. This will lighten your space and make it feel more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
In contrast to traditional fireplaces, which are usually restricted to living rooms, media wall fires can be installed in any room and are great for those who wish to add an elegant feature that is a perfect match to their décor. The latest electric media wall fires use LED lights to create an amazing realistic flame effect. They come with various settings, allowing you to change the intensity of the lighting from a warm and inviting glow to a vibrant and roaring fire. Some have 'flame only settings that let you take in the stunning images without cranking up the temperature, making them eco-friendly and affordable.
Media walls are modern in feel and are designed to complement your interior décor and create an element that draws attention. Media walls are often used in modern homes to complement any style. They can be modern and minimalist or a rustic, earthy look. A geometric wood-panelled design is a striking illustration that can be enhanced by an electric media wall fireplace, such as the Gazco eReflex The 195RW. This will add warmth and charm to your living space.
Many electric media walls are slimmer and more compact, allowing you to maximize the space available in your home. They are perfect for people who wish to install a media wall in a smaller space since they can be concealed behind the TV for an elegant, discrete and modern look. The majority of models have less than 2kW of power which makes them more energy efficient than traditional gas fireplaces.
Consider the overall design of your media wall and consider how your electric fireplace will work with your television, as well as any other bespoke features that you may think of. To achieve a balanced look, your electric fireplace should not be more than one-third the height of the wall where it is placed. Make sure that you have adequate clearance between the wall and your electric fire. This will differ depending the model you select.
Media wall fire installation is a job that is achievable by homeowners with basic carpentry skills and a desire to learn. However, it is advisable to select an experienced HETAS approved installer like Something Different, who will ensure that all safety precautions are followed and the proper clearance from the flammable materials is maintained.
Multi-faceted
A media wall can be an ideal option for any living room, lounge, study or bedroom, and it's not just about creating a stunning focal point. A well-designed wall for media can help create a relaxing space where you and your family can relax and enjoy a moment of relaxation. It also provides a perfect space for your television and audio equipment as well as gaming consoles.
Include a fireplace to a media wall to take it to the next level and make your home a new place. A lot of the top electric fires are specifically designed to be used in media walls. They offer a perfect balance between warmth and ambiance. They also come with some fantastic features that make them stand out from the crowd, including customisable visuals and authentic crackling sound.
There are models that have smart integration that allow you to control your fireplace from your smartphone or tablet via an app. This can be useful if you are out of the home or simply want to control your fire remotely. Some advanced models have scheduling options that allow you to set the fire to begin when you get home and switch it off when you go to bed.
Another benefit of a wall electric fire is that it can be put inside a fake chimney breast without the necessity of the chimney or flue. This is a cost-effective solution to incorporate a modern heating system into your home.
Inset and wall-mounted electric fires are the two primary designs that can be installed on a media wall. Inset electric fireplaces such as the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed in the wall. This creates a sleek and modern appearance. They are an excellent choice for rooms with a limited floor space or if you wish to go for a more minimalist design.
If you're considering a media wall for your home the first step is to measure up the area to ensure it's big enough for the size of the electric fire you're looking to accommodate. Masking is a great way to outline the dimensions of the wall. Then, compare your measurements with the specifications to find the perfect fit.