Imitation of fire in a fireplace with your own hands: fake and artificial fire, decorative firewood, how to make a flame

Creating a fireplace

A dummy fireplace is not intended to heat a room. For this function, there are special electronic hearths of various sizes, shapes, and materials. For those who need a fireplace as a design solution, decide on the type of fireplace and consider fire imitations. Let's start with the simplest ones.

Fairy lights

You will need the garland itself, a source of energy and decorative decorations for it in the form of logs. It is better for the lamps to flicker in yellow, orange and red colors.

We wrap the branches with foil without gaps, and glue lace on top of the foil. Let it dry for about a day. Afterwards, we cut and carefully remove the tree branches. We form a circle from the stones (if desired, the stones can be painted any color), lay out a garland in the middle, and form the resulting lacy branches like a bonfire. Turn on the garland and the logs will sparkle with glimmers of fire colors. This is an amazingly simple and effective way to create a dummy fire in a fireplace.

Candles

You can use candlesticks, candelabra, or simply arrange large candles according to your design. We emphasize that this option is not suitable for every light fireplace, because the flames can leave a black mark.

There is an interesting way to effectively present candles in the fireplace. To do this you will need several medium, neat logs. In each we cut out 2-3 recesses the size of a small candle in a metal stand. The result will be a sophisticated imitation of a fireplace fire with minimal investment of money and time.

Salt lamps

Special lamps made of salt crystals look great in a false fireplace. A salt lamp will be an interesting embodiment of a real fire in a fireplace. The main “disadvantage” of this design solution is the high cost. But there is a big “plus” - salt crystals will benefit the health of the whole family.

LCD screen

Putting a screen in a fireplace is a rather expensive solution. The main difficulty with this replacement for a real fire is installing the screen. The image of the flame will dance elegantly and crackle soothingly in the fireplace portal.

Several mirrors placed in the fireplace at different distances and at different angles will help increase the effect of the fire burning on the screen. The screen image will perfectly imitate fire, and the mirrors will create an illusory effect of a three-dimensional image.

If you prefer more interesting solutions to your interior design, then you will have to make some efforts. Let's look at how to make fire more realistic and fascinating with your own hands.

Woodpile made of cardboard or real wood with LED lamp and fabric fire

To make your own logs you will need cardboard, glue, scissors, paint, and a brush. We form logs from cardboard, paint them in the color you like, lay them out in the form of a well and glue them together. A well made from real wood is created a little easier: we take prepared logs and glue them together with construction glue.

For the fire you will need an LED lamp socket, randomly flickering in different colors (it would be ideal to combine red and yellow colors), a lampshade, a light, uniform lightweight fabric that transmits light, four strong wires from 15 to 30 cm long.

We insert the lampshade and fix the woodpile on top, fasten the wire to the logs, and attach the other ends to each other. We fasten the fabric over the wire. Turn on the LED and enjoy the resulting small fake fire

Theater fire

A very impressive type of artificial flame. For it you will need the following elements: a silent small fan, diodes of different colors (ideally red, yellow and blue), a reflective surface (this can be fragments of a mirror, foil, etc.), scraps of silk of different sizes and shapes, a small box for everything and place it.

The box should be decorated, then:

• install a fan in it;
• place the diodes next to each other;
• attach the finished scraps next to the fan

The fire will turn out to be alive. All that remains is to place the box in the portal and enjoy the beautiful view with a cup of aromatic tea in your hands and in good company.

Aquarium as an imitation of fire

The play of water and light is always fascinating. You can use this successful ensemble in the fireplace instead of a fire. Prepare the following equipment: an aquarium of any shape and size (the main thing is that it fits into the fireplace), a fiery LED strip, water. Place a tape on the bottom of the aquarium and pour water into the aquarium. Decorate the structure at your discretion with shells, tree branches, pebbles, glass, pebbles, etc.

Types of fireplace imitation

The fireplace structure is made:

• reliable;
• conditional;
• symbolic.

All three types differ in appearance, internal filling, and dimensions.

Reliable

This hearth is as close as possible to the real one, but it does not have a chimney. An electric or bio-fireplace is installed inside to heat the room. On the outside, the product is decorated with imitation brickwork, ceramic tiles, and artificial stone.

A properly made fireplace can completely change the appearance of a room and complement the interior of the living room.

Conditional

The portal is made shallow - 15-25 cm; often a niche in the wall is used for its construction. There is a mantelpiece here that allows you to beautifully place family photos, candles in candelabra, and small souvenirs. There is usually firewood or dummies of it inside.

With this imitation of a hearth, an artificial portal protrudes directly from the room partition, so its depth is significantly less than that of a reliable one.

Symbolic (drawn)

If desired, the hearth can simply be drawn with paints or pencils. Volume and depth are not needed here - the boundaries of the structure are marked with polyurethane skirting boards and a wooden console shelf mounted on the wall. It is permissible to insert a slate board in the middle, on which to depict a flame with colored chalk.

As the name of this type of decorative hearth suggests, it performs exclusively the role of decor, complementing the overall style concept of the room.

Materials for making portals for electric fireplaces with the effect of live fire

As a rule, more massive models of electric fireplaces with the effect of a living fire are made together with a portal framing the firebox. Among the ready-made solutions for fireplace groups, we should highlight portals that are made of natural, artificial stones and MDF.

wall-mounted with wooden portal

Stone and artificial stone

An electric fireplace with a flame effect in a classic style goes best with light-colored marble. The top shelf of such a portal is smoothly polished. The vertical bases of the shelf that frame the fireplace hearth are carved with classic fireplace patterns, applied by machine or by hand. A significant drawback of a marble portal is its fragility at a high price.

stone 3D electric fireplaces

Wall corner with brick portal

Making portals from artificial stone using the injection molding method allows you to obtain a variety of shapes and minimizes the need for manual finishing. The texture of artificial stone is indistinguishable from natural stone. Such a portal is cheaper and at the same time as durable as metal.

Wall mounted, decorated for the New Year

Built into a stone wall. Country style

MDF and veneer

The most common material for electric fireplaces with a portal is MDF. It is applicable for many types of finishing - painting, veneering, pasting with decorative film. An MDF portal can be made with internal shelves and drawers. Veneering MDF with materials made from valuable wood species gives it a sophisticated look.

Freestanding with the effect of a living fire in the living room

Choosing fireplace material

You may ask - why candle? It so happened that in the absence of a real flame, people got used to decorating an imitation fireplace in the form of a false portal with burning candles. This looks especially impressive when a mirror is installed on the back wall of the niche simulating a firebox.

And in general, as for the design of the fireplace, everything depends entirely on your imagination. But to implement them, you need to make a candle fireplace itself, and for this purpose you can use:

• different types of decorative bricks;
• wood-based materials such as MDF or solid wood;
• plasterboard systems.

Of course, a brick or wooden candle fireplace in the interior looks amazing. But you need to keep in mind that the materials will not cost you cheap, even if you do all the work yourself. In addition, a brick structure requires a reliable foundation, which is not always the case in apartments. Again, laying decorative bricks requires some experience in this matter.

You can make a candle fireplace from MDF panels; you don’t need any special skills, as long as your hands are in the right place. But compared to plasterboard systems, it will be more expensive, and in terms of processing the material it will be more difficult. Drywall sheets mounted on galvanized profiles are the optimal solution. Thanks to this technology, you can assemble any design of a candle fireplace and cover it at your discretion. So it makes sense to consider making a fireplace portal from gypsum plasterboard.

By the presence of a heating element

Electric fireplaces with a live fire effect are fundamentally distinguished by the presence or absence of a heating function. The manufacturer provides heating of the room with an electric fireplace in two ways - a device based on a fan heater and without it.

Thanks to this, with such a fireplace you will be comfortable both in winter and in summer.

With fan heater

The advantage of electric fireplaces with a fan heater is complete heating of the room. They use a built-in spiral-type heater module. Its power varies from 1.5 kW to 2.0 kW. Together with a device for simulating live fire and a steam generator, the total power of the electric fireplace can be 2.5 kW. At maximum power, it is capable of heating a room up to 30 m2.

3D electric fireplaces with fan heater

Corner with wooden portal

The process of heating a room through air occurs due to a phenomenon called convection. During it, the air masses heated by the electric fireplace rise upward, mixing with the cold masses. This way the heat spreads around the room faster. In the design itself, convection is provided by a fan heater.

Built into the wall with a tile portal

Electric fireplaces for the home with a fan heater are classified as a separate series. Special air purification filters are additionally installed in their air channels. The fan heater operates in three speed modes. It can be controlled both from the command panel of the electric fireplace and from the remote control.

There are also disadvantages to such fireplaces:

Important: When purchasing, you need to select the power of the heating element according to the parameters of the room - at the rate of 1 kW of power per 10 m2 of room area.

Decorative, built-in chest of drawers

Decorative under the TV in the chest of drawers

Without fan heater

To reduce weight and dimensions, developers use the reflex principle of heat transfer. The reflector is made of metal plates installed at an angle to the heater. They provide directed heat transfer and protect the electric fireplace from overheating. The absence of overheating allows the installation of a liquid crystal screen, which best recreates the effect of a burning fire.

3D electric fireplaces

Electric fireplace in the living room interior - photo of room design

Electric fireplaces without a fan heater usually use a built-in infrared emitter of solar spectrum energy. Its light weight and compactness set the tone for the development of designs for portable, tabletop and wall-mounted electric fireplaces. Their only drawback is poor heating of the room, so we recommend placing them in rooms that have an additional heating source.

There are devices on the market without a fan heater based on a built-in spiral-type heater module. They have mirror reflectors in the hearth.

Without fan heater, built into the wall

Without fan heater with wooden portal

Decorative, built into the wall. High-tech style

Design options

A decorative fireplace made of plasterboard requires compliance with fire safety standards, since this design is not designed for real fire. In addition, the apartment completely lacks the possibility of assembling a real fireplace.

But a fireplace, even if it is decorative, requires an imitation of real fire. There are several options for doing this yourself. The most commonly used simulation in this situation is:

• ferry;
• creation of “theater fire”;
• use of salt lamps;
• imitation of fire using a Christmas tree garland;
• installation of a TV in the hearth;
• use of candles.

Let's take a closer look at each of these options.

Candles and romance

The simplest, but also the most dangerous, way to create the illusion of fire in a decorative fireplace is to use ordinary lit candles.

Candles in the fireplace

But here it should be remembered that the fireplace should be sheathed with plasterboard sheets with fire-resistant properties. This will minimize the risk of fire. Among other things, the candles will smoke, which makes this method less popular than all of the above. This method is considered one of the design solutions to make the room romantic and fabulous. In this situation, candles can be placed individually around the perimeter of the hearth, or installed on a low candelabra. As you can see, simulating a flame in a decorative fireplace with your own hands is possible in a variety of ways. All you have to do is choose the most suitable option for yourself, implement it correctly (if it is complex in execution) and enjoy the decorative fireplace even in your apartment.

Instructions for making beautiful portals for electric fireplaces

The process of making a false fireplace from plasterboard

Real warmth from a cold fire

In conclusion of the article, I would like to doubt the reality of a fireplace without the enveloping flows of heat emanating from it. The simplest solution would be an air conditioner suspended above the fireplace, but the characteristic sound of its operation will most likely ruin the whole picture. Small, silent air heaters installed in the very firebox of a false fireplace will allow you not only to enjoy the realism of the illusion, but also to warm your chilled hands over the cold flames.

To learn how to make a decorative fireplace with your own hands, watch the video below.

3d image

A fire in a fireplace can be created very realistically using holography. For this, a flat image is used, which with the help of special technologies acquires three-dimensionality. If you add an optical system and LED lights, you can achieve a very realistic image of a flame in a small space. In this case, the depth of the picture will exceed the actual depth of the fireplace.

TV as a fireplace

TV in the fireplace
Another simple method for creating artificial fire in the fireplace is to use a flat-panel LCD TV. But this method will be very expensive, since such equipment is not cheap. There are special TVs designed to be built into decorative fireplaces. They contain a recording of fire, which is played in the hearth of the fireplace.

Sometimes the TV can be supplemented with a special optical system, which consists of light filters. With its help, the image of the flame will become more expressive and voluminous. In addition to this optical system, a system of mirrors can be used. They are located in the corners of the hearth, thereby making the image more voluminous. In rare cases, you can also use holographic installations. But this is a very unprofitable method.

What can you make a fake fireplace from with your own hands?

It is possible to make a pseudo-fireplace from almost anything - the choice of material depends on the imagination of the master, the availability of space for placement, the possibility of subsequent dismantling, etc.

Drywall

A plasterboard object requires the preliminary creation of a metal or wooden frame, which must be sheathed with gypsum plasterboard sheets.

Drywall is the most popular material for creating a decorative fireplace.

Brick, stone

The construction of a fireplace made of stones and bricks requires an additional foundation (for the first floors) and strengthening of the floors (when placed on the second floor and above). The product is often lined with decorative brick.

To make a false fireplace from brick or stone, you need to ensure the high quality of the materials used.

Made from polyurethane

A polyurethane pseudo-fireplace usually consists of moldings used for ceiling decoration. Less commonly, ready-made three-dimensional portals are purchased, which are glued to the wall or decorate a niche.

Polyurethane allows you to make a very durable and fire-resistant decorative hearth.

From chipboard or fibreboard

It is also easy to imitate a fireplace using chipboard and fiberboard lumber. The material is cut using a hacksaw, jigsaw, and fastened with perforated corners and self-tapping screws.

The technology is very similar to making a decorative fireplace from plasterboard.

From cardboard boxes

From a box from a washing machine, computer, refrigerator, it is also easy to create some kind of fireplace. The required part is cut off from the box and a hole is cut. The portal is decorated with plastic stucco, photo wallpaper, colored paper, and self-adhesive films.

A decorative fireplace cut out of a cardboard box is so easy to make that even children can help you.

Made of wood or plywood

The wooden fireplace is decorated with voluminous carvings and overhead perforated elements. Additionally, iron grilles and textile curtains with tiebacks are installed inside the portal. The product is varnished or painted so that the carved parts appear even more voluminous. A false fireplace made of plywood is also covered with wooden parts; the upper shelf is decorated with a wooden plinth with a beautiful profile.

When creating a fake fireplace, plywood, chipboard, timber and other materials can be used as wood materials.

From old furniture

An old bedside table, the remnants of grandma's bookcase, will find new life, becoming a modern fireplace. Excess shelves are removed from the object, the top is decorated with a board, the walls inside and outside are sanded, puttied, painted or lined with stone or foam stucco.

Decoration methods vary depending on the type of fireplace, its size, purpose and style of the room.

Unusual hearth made from books

You can also make a dummy fireplace using books. Thick, hardcovers are usually used. Side racks are made from them - books are simply placed on top of each other, with a narrow board becoming the top shelf. The interior is decorated with a drawing of a fire and a large photograph of it. Printed publications are also stored in the portal itself.

You can use lit candles for decoration.

From stucco (gypsum)

For a stucco structure, a base made of plywood, chipboard, and plasterboard is pre-installed. It is covered with a layer of gypsum, after which elements pre-cast in molds are installed on the tile adhesive. The finished structure is painted manually - with a brush or using a spray gun.

An artificial fireplace, unlike a real one, can be installed not only in the living room, but also in any other room.

Styrofoam

It is permissible to sheathe a wooden or plasterboard frame with polystyrene foam. Less often, the item is made entirely from it. To do this, the material, which is sufficiently thick, is cut to the shape of the bricks from which the masonry is made. The parts are held together with glue and painted by hand with water-based paints.

Such an imitation of a hearth will delight not only the owners, but also the guests of the apartment.

Electric fireplaces with a living flame effect - distinctive design features

Electric fireplaces with a living flame effect, unlike solid fuel designs, do not require preparation before starting. Press the start button and you're done.

Rectangular under the TV in the living room

3D electric fireplaces

These designs have main undeniable advantages over traditional models:.

• To use, you do not need a project and its approval, obtaining a technical opinion and permission from the inspectorate for the supervision of the reconstruction of residential premises.
• You don't need to clean the chimney because there is no chimney. It is enough to change the water for the steam generator when there is a signal on the display panel.
• A working electric fireplace does not emit harmful combustion products (carbon monoxide and soot), which makes it as environmentally friendly as possible.
• Electric fireplaces with a live fire effect can also be used in hot weather. Just turn off the heating function and you will continue to enjoy the effect of flames and smoke. You can control any of the functions thanks to controls for heating temperature, air flow speed, steam generator operating intensity, and backlight brightness.

Decorative, built into the wall

Important: Designs with smoke imitation also humidify the air in the room.

Candle fireplace without harm to health

When choosing candles, you need to forget about products that contain paraffin. Yes, such candles are used almost everywhere due to the fact that they are inexpensive, but doctors say that this saves on your health.

Scientists have long found out that paraffin candles emit carcinogenic vapors during combustion, as well as toluene and benzene.

Among the advantages of a fireplace made from candles, it is worth noting environmental friendliness and attractive appearance

For people suffering from asthma, such candles are especially harmful. By releasing benzene and toluene, they can cause an immediate exacerbation of the disease.

But what to do if you are still planning to organize a fireplace with candles? In this case, we recommend using candles made from natural beeswax. They are environmentally friendly and safe. In addition, the fire of such a candle can restore and harmonize the human biofield. Such interior portals with wax candles can replace electrical structures. Therefore, if you are going to create a home fireplace, there is no better option than these candles.

Imitation of fire in a fireplace: design options

Decorative home hearths made of gypsum plasterboard require compliance with fire safety standards, since such a design is designed exclusively for artificial fire.

There are several ways to create an artificial imitation of fire

Most often, craftsmen use the following types of fire imitation:

1. Use of steam.
2. Creation of "theater fire".
3. Use of salt lamps.
4. Installation in the TV hearth.

The most difficult way to create a decorative flame is with steam. Not everyone can create such an imitation, because it will require a specific set of components and special equipment, as well as skills in working with electronics.

To make a fire of this kind, you need to prepare:

1. DMX controller.
2. Fan with a diameter of 9 cm.
3. LED RGB lamp.
4. DMX decoder.
5. 3 ultrasonic fog generators.

These devices must be selected according to the parameters of the built fireplace, the layout, as well as the manufacturer and characteristics. It all depends on what initial result the master wants to get. All these devices are included in steam electric fireplaces, as well as concert electrical devices that create the effect of steam.

If the master wants to use exactly this method of simulating a flame, it is important to provide the necessary parameters for the components and mount the fireplace of the required size. The operating principle of such an electric fireplace looks like this:

The operating principle of such an electric fireplace looks like this:

1. A fog generator should be placed at the bottom of the container into which water is previously poured.
2. The generator has a membrane that creates vibrations at a specific ultrasonic frequency, providing reduced pressure. Therefore, it turns out, one might say, a vacuum and the water evaporates at room temperature.
3. Thanks to this, the steam rises.
4. The top is illuminated by an LED lamp.
5. A diaphragm is installed above the structure.

Assembly using technology will make it possible to create a more natural imitation of flame yourself in a false fireplace. The second way is the theatrical option. As is already clear, this method is used in theatrical circles for various kinds of productions. However, it is also suitable for making a dummy, imitation of fire.

To make such an imitation yourself, you need to prepare the following items:

1. A piece of light white silk fabric.
2. 3 halogen lamps with reflectors.
3. Silent, powerful fan.
4. 3 filters: red, orange and blue.
5. A box or a special bowl for assembling a false structure.

When everything is prepared, you can begin assembly according to the following scheme. A fan should be installed at the bottom of the box or bowl. The cord must be routed out. Next, you need to attach halogen lamps to one axis so that the light is directed upward. Then, at a distance of 20 mm above the lamps, you need to install light filters.

The next step is to attach the flaps to the box, bowl along the edges of the fan. When you turn on the fan in the power supply, not a real fire will appear in the fireplace, but very similar to a natural one. This method is quite simple and makes it possible to create an almost real, mesmerizing flame in the fireplace.

General description of popular methods

One of the most difficult methods is to create artificial fire using generated water vapor, so we’ll start with this method.

Steam

To create a steam unit inside your raised fireplace, you will need certain components and electrical skills. You can look for a ready-made solution, but finding it will be difficult.

To build a steam generator we will need the following components:

• small quiet fan;
• DMX controller and DMX decoder are devices that allow you to transmit digital data and balance the operation of all generator systems;
• light-emitting diode (LED);
• ultrasonic fog generators;
• pure water;
• suitable box, boxing.

Installation diagram for creating an imitation of fire from steam

The principle of operation of the steam system is very simple. Fog generators are installed in a suitable box or box. Pure, distilled water is poured into them, which, under the influence of a fan and an ultrasonic vibration generator, begins to gradually evaporate. Note that the evaporation of water occurs at room temperature, and the steam itself is cold. The rising steam from the evaporation of water is illuminated by an LED lamp, which creates the effect of a real flame in the fireplace.

To make the fire look more realistic, a diaphragm should be installed over the entire structure. A diaphragm with holes of different diameters will allow you to vary the speed of the air around you, and therefore create more realistic flames.

If we take a deeper look at the processes taking place, we should remember Bernoulli’s law, which tells us that the smaller the hole, the higher the speed of air flow.

Good to know: How to decorate a homemade plasterboard fireplace, suitable materials

The components are selected according to the main characteristics of the fireplace, while at the same time, at the assembly stage, we plan the final result. You can buy such elements in stores that sell electric steam fireplaces, or in companies that sell equipment for concerts; there are also steam engines here. The design diagram can be easily found on the Internet.

Professional steam installation

After assembling the elements together, we need to get a machine that works on the principle of cold glow discussed above. This imitation of fire will be very impressive, very similar to real flames. Pay attention to the dimensions of the system and the fireplace insert; they must match each other.

It is worth noting that Real Fire professional technologies are based precisely on this principle. The main device in such devices is an ultrasonic steam generator, designed specifically for use in a fireplace. It is this that creates the steam that is illuminated properly. The vapor density at the bottom is greater, which means it glows brighter, reminiscent of a real flame. Higher up the color becomes duller, which allows you to create a smoke effect.

Textile

Imitation of fire through fabric is actively used in theatrical productions, so this option can be proudly called “theatrical”. This method is also great for home use, so we will consider it.

To make an imitation of fire in a false fireplace with our own hands, we will need:

• a certain amount of white silk fabric;
• halogen lamps with reflectors;
• small but powerful fan, preferably quiet;
• several color filters with the main colors of fire - red, orange, blue;
• container or box for assembling all the elements together.

Using fabric to create artificial fire

Assembling the system is simple, the following step-by-step instructions will help you with this:

1. We select a box that is suitable in size and decorate it properly on the outside.
2. We place a fan or cooler in the box, which can be taken from the computer.
3. We attach halogen lamps with colored filters above the fan and point them upward. The distance from the filters to the lamps should be a couple of centimeters.
4. When placing color filters, we adhere to the following sequence - blue in the middle, and red and orange at the edges. With this arrangement, the fireplace fire will be bright, rich and natural.
5. We cut the silk fabric into various pieces, which we attach to the box on different sides of the fan. To achieve a high level of realism, cut the silk into triangles.

Good to know: Imitation of a fireplace in the interior of a living room, original design

That's all, the homemade imitation of fire in the fireplace is ready, all that remains is to launch it by connecting the lamps and fan to the network, test it, and then modify it. Pieces of fabric imitating flames look very natural, but the main thing is that they are of the required length to fit into the firebox of a false fireplace.

TV

One of the simplest and most popular ways to make a fire in a fireplace almost real is to use a TV, tablet, photo frame or LCD display. The only thing that immediately puts you off the method using a liquid crystal screen is the price, because such equipment costs a certain amount of money

You can save money by purchasing a display specially designed for this purpose. It is sold in the same place where decorative fireplaces with electric filling are sold. The display already contains a recording of real fire, you just have to install it and turn it on.

For greater realism, you can use optical systems made of light filters. They will help make the imitation more lively, rich in volume. It will be a pleasure to admire such fire.

Decorative system for installation in an apartment

Another option for improving the fireplace lighting with your own hands is to use mirrors. It's called Pepper's ghost, and is used by many theaters and magicians. By placing mirrors on the walls of the firebox and its bottom at different angles, you can give the artificial flame some volume. In this form, your hearth will look like a real one.

The most subtle connoisseurs of beauty use holographic systems that create full-fledged 3D copies of fire. Modern technologies make it possible to turn a two-dimensional image into a three-dimensional one. Optical systems and LED lights, working together and properly configured, can create very realistic images in a small space. You can even make the image depth greater than the fireplace insert. This method is very impressive, but too expensive and unprofitable.

Salt lamp

Not only an effective, but also a useful method for creating an imitation fire in artificial fireplaces is the use of salt lamps. Such devices have recently appeared on the market, but are already in high demand due to their excellent characteristics and beneficial effects on the human body.

A salt lamp is made from a large piece of salt in which a lamp containing a regular light bulb is placed. During operation, the light bulb heats up and heats up the salt lamp, which begins to emit negative ions into the environment. By connecting with positive ions, which are abundant inside our homes, because... they come from working home appliances, they neutralize them. This creates an environment that is comfortable for human life, which you will certainly feel when you install a similar lamp in your home.

A good option for a salt lamp for a fireplace

Installing a salt lamp in a fireplace is not difficult, but you will need some budget to purchase it. Choose fireplace lamps with matching colors, or purchase several lamps at once to place them together to form a fire pit.

Good to know: How to make a fireplace out of wood with your own hands, a false fireplace from chipboard, plywood

Fairy lights

An interesting way to illuminate the fireplace insert is based on the use of garlands, ordinary New Year's garlands that every family has. Of course, you will have to modify the garlands a little to make them look more realistic, but there are no particular difficulties here.

Garland in the form of a fire for the fireplace insert

To assemble a suitable structure you will need the following materials:

• several small tree branches;
• food grade aluminum foil;
• a small piece of lace or soft white fabric;
• several real stones;
• glue;
• the garland itself, capable of flickering and having a suitable color background, for example, yellow or red.

Creating an imitation fire from a garland looks like this:

• Tree branches are completely wrapped in foil. The lace is glued onto the resulting silver sticks. The glue takes about a day to dry, so we wait until everything is securely connected. Now carefully cut the resulting lace case and take out the branches from it. The imitation firewood is ready.
• We place stones in a circle in the firebox of the false fireplace. We place the selected garland in the resulting circle, and on top of it we install improvised firewood made of lace. The result is a small fire.

All that remains is to plug in the garland and enjoy the pleasant flickering of the fire.

By the way, you can always use garlands with LEDs to illuminate the interior of the fireplace. Very original, cheap and simple.

This method will make it very easy to get a decent picture of the fire inside a dummy fireplace, but you can do it even easier by placing candles in the firebox.

Rules for the safe operation of electric fireplaces

This device is quite safe, but you still need to follow certain rules so as not to create a fire hazard in the house:

• install the electric fireplace at a distance of at least 1 m from flammable objects;
• It is prohibited to install installations in rooms with high humidity;
• do not install the electrical appliance on the street, balcony or loggia;
• When the fireplace is operating, do not touch its body, which may become hot;
• If you will not use the device for a long time, unplug it;
• do not block or cover the electric fireplace, especially the ventilation openings in the body;
• do not leave the device turned on unattended, especially if no one is at home;
• You cannot open the body of the electric fireplace or make repairs yourself;
• Do not allow foreign objects to get inside the housing.

Options for placing a fireplace in the interior

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0dJ1II9lY-s

Manufacturing process

The basis of the fireplace structure will be a cardboard frame. For its construction, it is best to use thick cardboard boxes. Corrugated cardboard will be the most suitable for packaging large household products. If you still have the packaging from the TV, then the ideal frame is ready.

In addition to cardboard, you need to prepare:

• Stationery and polymer glue, which will be used to attach decorative elements.
• Wide tape, better to use double-sided masking tape.
• White paint. For coloring cardboard, dispersion is the most suitable.
• The cutting tools you will need are scissors and a cutter.
• Paint brushes and foam rubber or sponge.
• Old cloth napkins or scraps of fabric.

How to decorate - making decorative firewood

The cardboard is rolled into tubes.
Creating a dummy firewood yourself is not a difficult task.

Elements are connected to each other

They can be made from materials that everyone has on hand. As an example, we will look at firewood that is made from cardboard, glue, tape and paint.

Imitated logs need to be painted

Of course, decorative firewood can also be purchased ready-made. They just aren't cheap.

First, cut out a cardboard blank for firewood. Then glue this blank so that it resembles a log. Paint the resulting firewood and place it in the fireplace.

Decorative cardboard logs placed in a simulated hearth - cheap and cheerful

Materials for production

After choosing the type and size of the structure, drawing up a drawing, determining the style direction and color scheme of the future fireplace, you can begin to determine the necessary materials.

Brick

Suitable for mounting the frame of a high-quality portal. Due to its heavy weight, use is only permissible in country houses. Even the hollow look is not suitable for an apartment. Ceilings may not be able to withstand such a large point load.

For exterior finishing, brickwork can be imitated with almost any finishing material: gypsum, plastic, foam “bricks” or even putty. You can simply paint them or cover the fireplace with vinyl 3D wallpaper with the corresponding image.

Laminated boards

LDSP (sanded chipboard) or MDF (medium density fiberboard) are suitable both for assembling the frame and as a finishing coating. If a frame is assembled from slabs, then the finishing can be done with an imitation of the same wood or brick.

Suitable for this:

• plasters and putties to create texture;
• paints and varnishes;
• stucco.

The purchased laminated MDF may not require additional finishing. All screw heads can be sealed with special tape, seams and joints can be covered with moldings.

Polyurethane

Ceiling cornices, small and large pseudo-stucco parts are mainly made from this material. Since it is lightweight, the frame can be made of lightweight chipboard, MDF, or plasterboard. Before gluing, the surface must be treated with a primer or PVA glue diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio.

Various elements are suitable for creating imitation fireplaces with your own hands in an apartment where there is very little space. The most important thing is to choose the glue, since fastenings with screws and nails are unacceptable.

Drywall

Used for covering the frame of a portal assembled from metal profiles or wooden blocks. It is installed in dry rooms, because when exposed to moisture it swells, deforms and delaminates, and ultimately crumbles.

It can be used for cladding curved surfaces. For example, an arched vault. It cuts effortlessly, the screws are easily screwed in, and the surface is smooth. As a finishing touch, bricks are made from gypsum plasterboard (plasterboard sheets) and painted in the desired color.

Tree

Wood is a fairly high-quality and reliable material for both frame and cladding. Various bars and planks can be used to create the base of the portal. For decorative border elements, you can use purchased blanks with wood carvings, parquet boards and their trimmings. They lend themselves well to processing when creating aging effects.

Do not forget about protective impregnations that repel all insects, as well as protect against mold and fungi. Appropriate varnishes are used to add gloss or matte finish.

Styrofoam

If large loads are not envisaged, then a frame can be mounted from foam sheets. Otherwise, this material is used in the form of elements to decorate the same cornices or rosettes for stucco molding. You can also cut out figures from it yourself.

Foam plastic is not afraid of moisture, but is unstable even to light impacts. It must be glued with a special glue; others can simply dissolve it.

Painting should be done after priming and only with acrylic paints - solvent-based enamels destroy it.

Effects

Modern artificial fireplaces not only replicate the appearance of natural options, but also have some interesting effects.

The aroma of a burning fireplace

The main task of a false fireplace is to simulate a fire in an apartment. To improve the realism of sensations when in contact with such a structure, it is necessary to provide the room with the aroma of burning wood.

To do this, you will need to purchase any suitable incense or set fire to thin splinters, having previously secured the room from ignition.

Crackling of dry logs

An indispensable attribute of the realism of a simulated fire is the characteristic sound of crackling firewood. This can be achieved by recording the sound of a fire or downloading a ready-made audio file. Having chosen a natural volume level, you need to turn on this sound on your MP3 player and install it in the overall circuit of the fireplace. When the structure is connected to the electrical network, the crackling sound will start automatically.

Real warmth from a cold fire

When installing a simulated fire in a home, most people install a fireplace without heating. However, achieving a realistic fireplace without a thermal effect is problematic. Therefore, you can install an air conditioning system above the fireplace. However, the presence of characteristic noise can worsen the atmosphere of peace.

As an alternative, a silent air heater is suitable, which will not only improve the realism of the simulation, but will also become an additional source of heat.

Additional functions and features of the package

Manufacturers of modern models of electric fireplaces with the effect of a living fire have not ignored such an important point as operating comfort for users. Ergonomic control panels allow you to:

• control the condition of the electric fireplace, including displaying a message about a malfunction of a particular unit;
• change its operating mode: adjust temperature conditions, sound volume and flame brightness, smoke saturation.

Most models of electric fireplaces are equipped with touch-sensitive panels with the ability to remotely control adjustments. The compact remote control provides the same range of controllable functions.

Important: Before starting work, you should read the operating instructions for the electric fireplace. There are control models that provide for a certain order of inclusion of certain functions.

Materials

You can choose any material for the fireplace: stone, wood, brick, and so on. However, it is always worth considering the complexity of its processing and installation, especially if the structure will be located in a city apartment, where it may be too bulky. More convenient in this regard is plasterboard, which is easy to work with and is a universal material.

If you have construction skills, the fireplace is made of decorative bricks. This material provides maximum resemblance to a real hearth. However, in a city apartment it should be compact so as not to take up too much space. You also need to know for sure whether the ceiling can support the load from the finished structure, especially if the fireplace is supposed to be large-sized. Sometimes they simply lay out a frame for the fireplace - the so-called fireplace portal.

You can make a wooden fireplace with your own hands. But if you don’t have the skills to handle wood, then it’s better to refuse this option or hire professionals. If there is an old unnecessary chest of drawers in the house, then it can be made the basis for the fireplace, to which the necessary elements are subsequently attached.

Plates with a laminated coating (chipboard) and similar materials are ideally suited for assembling a false fireplace

A more budget-friendly analogue of laminated boards is chipboard or MDF.

Typically, polyurethane is used to create decorative elements and decorations. But if you really want to, various moldings, half-columns and platbands can be glued to the wall. However, such a design will still not be perceived as a full-fledged fireplace, but it is perfect for an interesting play on portals.

Most often, drywall is chosen for work. This material is characterized by ease of use and allows you to implement designs of any complexity. With all its undeniable advantages, the material is inexpensive and easily accessible to a wide range of consumers.

False fireplace in the living room interior

Due to the fact that a false fireplace is absolutely safe from a fire safety point of view, it can be placed in any room. Even in the children's room. The exception is structures equipped with candles or electrical elements. If you really want and have space, you can install a fireplace in the dining room. But many are inclined to believe that the living room is still the most appropriate room for this. Just imagine how you sit in the evening, after a hard day at work, in your favorite chair with a cup of delicious coffee or a glass of wine, and enjoy the view of a burning fire. And all this in an ordinary apartment...

water vapor

One of the most difficult ways to imitate fire is the smoke illusion. The result will delight everyone every time water vapor starts to smoke from the fireplace.

For the design you will need: three ultrasonic fog generators, a fan, a container for liquid, water purified from impurities, RGB lamps and a box in which to place it all.

A fireplace in the interior will help fill your home with comfort. Such an elegant and multifaceted design solution will never go out of style. A floor-standing fireplace will unite all family members around it every time and help create a favorable atmosphere. We wish everyone warm evenings.

Realistic simulations

One of the most realistic options for creating an imitation is the so-called fire box. To create this effect, you need to buy LED lamps, preferably red, yellow and blue. You can choose a small mirror or foil as a reflective surface. Also, for this effect you will need fabric or scraps of it (silk). The so-called fire will be placed in a box.

At the first stage, we decorate the base (box) itself, after which we proceed according to the following step-by-step guide:

• Place the fan in the box;
• LED bulbs are located and fixed next to each other;
• The space around the fan is filled with flaps.

Such a box with fire is placed inside the fireplace portal and allows you to reproduce a fairly realistic effect.

You can also simulate it using an aquarium. In more detail, you will need to prepare an aquarium of such a size that it can be installed in the fireplace. After this, a garland with LEDs is placed and secured inside the aquarium, and the container is filled with water. When you turn on the garland, the effect of blazing water will be created, which looks very original.

The interior of the aquarium can be decorated with shells, stones, algae and other elements at your discretion.

The category of the most realistic and difficult to implement variations includes creating the illusion of a flame burning in a hearth using steam. To generate steam, you will need to buy 2-3 fog generating devices (ultrasonic).

You will also need to prepare a fan, a reservoir into which water will be poured, a frame for placing the simulation and RGB lamps.

Devices that generate fog are installed in the inside of the box along with a fan, then we place lamps, and on the generators we install a prepared reservoir for filling with water. This effect is very realistic, but recreating it is quite expensive.

A fireplace in the interior of your apartment will become a real home and fill the living room and bedroom with comfort. A floor-standing fireplace can be either wall-mounted or island-mounted, corner, depending on your wishes and preferences. A false hearth is quite easy to install, it has small dimensions and optimal weight, and some models can be moved from place to place. To simulate a flame, you will need mostly inexpensive materials at hand, and the design itself does not require the construction of an additional foundation or a chimney.

Such a home will allow you to have cozy family evenings in the company of friends and family over a cup of warm tea.

Christmas garlands

All people love New Year. Therefore, every person has more than one Christmas tree garland in their home. But few people know that with its help you can easily and quickly make an artificial fire in a decorative fireplace with your own hands. Therefore, this method is considered one of the simplest and most effective. Moreover, anyone can handle it, and the cost is very low. To make the flame look like a real one, you will need the following materials:

• tree branches of various sizes;
• aluminium foil;
• lace. It can be easily cut from an old dress;
• stones (several pieces);
• glue;
• Christmas tree garland with a background color of red, orange or yellow. The best solution would be to use a flickering garland.

The simulation structure is assembled as follows:

• wrap the branches with foil without gaps;
• coat the lace with glue and attach it to the branches. Next, wait until they are completely dry;

• Next, you should carefully cut the lace case and remove the blanks from them;
• after that, in the hearth of stones, we lay out the stones in a circle;
• We place a garland in the middle of the resulting circle, and bring the cord and plug out;
• We place the resulting “lace” firewood in the manner of a fire.

Salt lamp

The use of salt lamps in decorative fireplaces to create an artificial flame is considered the most useful and effective method.

Salt lamp

A salt lamp is a special lamp whose lampshade is made of raw salt crystal. Inside such a lampshade there is a standard light bulb. When the lamp is connected, the lampshade heats up and begins to emit negative ions into the air. They bind positive ions (emanating from household appliances), which negatively affect the human body, thereby promoting better well-being for all household members. The disadvantages of this method include the fairly high cost of salt lamps, and the advantages are the ease of installation. Using lampshades of different colors, you can effectively and very easily make an artificial fire in the fireplace with your own hands. In addition, using several lamps of different sizes at once, you can create an imitation of a fire.