How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A wall with a fire is an ideal method to add warmth and comfort your home. They can be built in to the wall with studs or brackets.
Some media wall electric fires have smart integration, allowing you to regulate the heat output as well as flame effects and lighting from your smartphone or tablet. Some come with scheduling options.
Easy to install
There are some things to think about when designing a media wall for your home. First, you have to decide where the wall will be located in your room. It should be placed in a spot where you will be at ease watching TV or enjoying the warmth of your fire. The location should also provide the most optimal viewing angles for the room. Once you've decided on the location, you can begin to measure and create the frame. Then, you'll need to decide on the final elements. For instance, some people opt to add a skirting board to their media walls to ensure that they blend in with the decor of the room. Some people choose to remove it and allow the wall to stand alone.
Depending on what type of electric fire you're planning to install the media wall could require a bit more effort than other fireplaces. Inset media wall fireplaces (such the Vision Futura 1500 and Evonic Halo 1500XT) require more advanced construction skills and tools. However this doesn't mean they can't be installed by anyone who is a DIYer.
Another important factor to consider when building media walls is where you'll locate the electrical components. You'll require at minimum two sockets for plugs on your media wall - one for TV and one for the fire. Therefore, you'll need to think ahead. Some people prefer to place the sockets within the stud wall frame while others prefer to keep the sockets close to the fireplace and TV.
Once you've built your media wall, it's important to skim the plasterboard over it. This will hide the screws used to fix it in place and provide a smooth surface for painting. If you're unsure about making this yourself you can always call in a plasterer to assist.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall is a sleek design that is ideal for smaller living spaces. Integrating the TV, electric fireplace and storage space in one unit will maximize the space in your space without the need for a separate fireplace suite or bulky surround. You can select a style that is completely tailored to your space, and includes the latest technologies such as multi room audio and smart lighting.
You can also create an individual media wall around the electric fire, which will add a unique element to your space. With a variety of sizes and styles to pick from, you can find the right fire for your media wall installation. If you're looking for a minimalist design, choose a recessed electric fire, 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, like the Gazco 150RW, is ideal.
Wall-hung fires like the DRU Virtuo 180/3 Evolve Electric Fire provide a more contemporary design, perfect for contemporary living spaces. They have authentic log effects and provide a genuine wood-crackling sound effect. You can also pick a media wall model with an in-built heat-up feature that will distribute warmth more effectively and evenly.
Another benefit of having a wall-hung electric fire for your media wall is its low maintenance. Wall-mounted fireplaces are more efficient than traditional fireplaces since they don't need chimneys and can be put up anywhere. They're also safer for households with pets or children because they don't generate real flames, and they don't emit the ash. Because they're electric there's no chance of a rogue flame leaking through the wall or of smoke accumulating on your furniture.
While fireplace media wall could be constructed in a simple way by mounting your TV on a flat wall, homeowners often take the concept to the next level. They construct custom frame structures made of studs that hide cables, house integrated storage solutions and integrate appliances such as TV, soundbar and electric fire. These kinds of installations are typically designed to divide open-plan spaces or to provide a dramatic focal to the space. They can be decorated with stunning wallpapers, or even mirrored panels that function as a mirror when TV is off, brightening your space and making it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Contrary to traditional fireplaces that are usually restricted to living rooms, media wall fires can be positioned in any room and are great for those who wish to create a beautiful feature that matches their decor. The latest electric media wall fires use LED lights to create an amazingly realistic flame effect. They also have different settings, allowing you to change the intensity of the lighting from a warm and inviting glow to a vibrant and lively fire. Some have 'flame only' settings that let you enjoy the dazzling visuals without cranking up the temperature, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls are modern and designed to complement your home decor. They create an element of interest that draws attention. They are commonly employed in modern homes and are able to add a touch of style to any room, from a sleek minimalist look to a more rustic and earthy style. A geometric wood-panelled design is an eye-catching example that can be enhanced by an electric media wall fireplace like the Gazco eReflex 195RW. This will bring warmth and charm to your home.
Many electric media walls are slimmer and more compact, allowing you to maximize the space in your home. They are ideal for those looking to install a media-wall in a small space since they can be hidden behind the TV. This gives them modern, minimalist and subtle appearance. They also tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional gas fireplaces, with most models producing less than 2kW of heat.
It is important to consider the design of your media wall holistically. consider how your electric fireplace will compliment your television and other custom features you might be thinking of. For a balanced finish the electric fire should not be more than one-third of the height of the wall it's mounted on. Make sure that you have adequate clearance between the wall and the electric fire. This will differ depending on which model you choose.
The majority of homeowners who have basic carpentry knowledge and are willing to learn, can finish the installation of a wall-mounted fire in the media. It is best to employ an expert HETAS-certified installer like Something Different, that will ensure that all safety measures are followed, and that the correct clearance is maintained between the flammable materials.
Versatile
A media wall is a great addition to any living room, bedroom, study, or lounge. It's not just about creating an attractive focal point. A well-designed wall for media can help to create a relaxing space where you and your family can sit back and unwind. It also provides a perfect space for your TV as well as audio equipment and gaming consoles.
Adding a fire to your media wall can bring it to a new level and really transform your home. Many of the top electric fires can be used to create media walls, and provide the perfect balance of warmth, ambiance, and style. Electric fires also come with distinct features, such as customisable visuals or authentic crackling sounds.
There are models that have smart integration that lets you control your fireplace using your smartphone or tablet via an app. This is useful in situations where you are not in the house or want to control your fire from afar. Some advanced models have options for scheduling that allow you to schedule the fire to go off before you arrive home and shut it off after you go to sleep.
Another benefit of a media wall electric fireplace is that it can be incorporated inside a fake chimney breast without the need for a chimney or flue. This is an economical way to add a modern heating solution into your home.
There are two main types of electric fires that can install on the media wall: wall-mounted and inset. Inset electric fires, like the Vision Futura 1500 and the Evonic Halo 1500 XT, are designed to be recessed into walls and provide a sleek and modern appearance. These are ideal for rooms with a limited space or if you prefer an elegant design.
If you're considering installing a media wall for your home the first step is to measure up the area to ensure it's large enough to accommodate the size of electric fire you're planning to install. You can use masking tape to draw out the dimensions on the wall and then compare the measurements to product specifications to find the most suitable match.