Fireplace grate: do-it-yourself, ventilation photo, decorative wire. DIY decorative fireplace: design stages Ideas for installing a stove

The desire for comfort and coziness is inherent in each of us. The warmth of a home is not an empty word. What could be better than spending evenings by the fireplace watching the flames? Owners of private houses can afford a real fireplace, but for residents of city apartments this, unfortunately, is an unaffordable luxury. But for real masters nothing is impossible, and today we will tell you how to make a false fireplace in an apartment.

What is a false fireplace and why is it needed?

In a city apartment, conditions will not allow you to install a regular fireplace. The lack of chimneys and floors not designed for such loads are the main obstacles to obtaining permission to build such a structure.

False fireplaces come to the rescue, which you can easily assemble yourself without having any special skills in construction work.

Of course, you can buy an electric fireplace - such devices are now common, and their installation will not take much time and effort. But creating a fireplace with your own hands is a very exciting activity; it gives free rein to your imagination and allows you to create an exclusive thing. In addition, an open fire in an apartment is not necessary (and you are unlikely to be allowed to do so), and a false fireplace will serve as a multifunctional decoration.

Note! Although you won't light a fire in a false fireplace, still don't put flammable things underneath. Especially if the structure covers heating radiators or you plan to place electrical appliances in the firebox.

False fireplace looks like a real one

• Artificial fireplaces have the following advantages:
• cheap - you only need money for materials;
• availability of materials necessary for the manufacture of the structure;
• the ability to change the decor at any time according to your mood;

use of inexpensive, but original and beautiful materials in decoration.

1. False fireplaces are divided into 3 groups:
2. Conventional false fireplaces have a portal protruding from the wall. They can be decorated according to your taste and desire. The combustion hole is usually filled with firewood or candles are placed there.
3. Symbolic ones can be made from any materials. Their peculiarity is that they are not at all like an ordinary fireplace. It could even be a drawing made on the wall with some decorative elements.

Manufacturing options

To make artificial fireplaces, the simplest materials are used, which can always be found not only in the store, but also at home:

• drywall;
• plywood;
• Styrofoam;
• cardboard;
• tree;
• brick;
• polyurethane.

You can make such a structure even from old furniture that has already served its purpose, but it would be a shame to throw it away.

This is the easiest and fastest way. You only need to buy a polyurethane portal for the fireplace. The most difficult thing in this task will be choosing the style and size suitable for the room, and everything else will take you a minimum of time and effort.

If you want to install an electric fireplace, consider its installation and overall dimensions, the method of connection to the electrical network and the quality of ventilation.

The lightweight body of the false fireplace made of polyurethane will save you from many installation hassles

You will need:

• polyurethane portal for the fireplace;
• contact glue;
• putty;
• materials for finishing the firebox (for example, decorative brick).

Now we’ll tell you step by step how to install such a fireplace.

1. The best place to install such a fireplace is one of the side walls of the room. The structure should not clutter the room or interfere with passage.
2. If you decide to place an electric fireplace or decorative electric lighting inside the portal, take care of the wiring and socket first.
3. Make the firebox frame from profiles or wooden blocks, and the walls from plywood or plasterboard.
4. Install the portal, carefully secure it with contact glue. Carefully fill the gaps between the portal and the firebox with finishing putty.
5. Finish the firebox in the style you choose, or install an electric fireplace. If desired, you can install a mantel made of artificial stone or wood.

Such portals are made not only from polyurethane, but also from wood. They are much more expensive, but among them you can find real masterpieces, additionally equipped, for example, with a built-in bar.

Plywood construction

This idea is useful if you need to hide some defect in the room, for example, an old heating radiator, the replacement of which will not be cheap. A false fireplace will come in handy here.

The need to cover up an old heating radiator is an excellent opportunity to install a false fireplace

Carry out calculations and make a drawing of the future structure. This will help you avoid wasting extra money and time.

Drawing of a standard fireplace

Note! When you develop a drawing, refer to ready-made options for stone fireplaces. Based on them, you can easily design your false fireplace.

First of all, install the frame directly in place. Wooden blocks are suitable for it.

Frame made of bars for a false fireplace

Next, cover the frame with plywood. The design of the fireplace and its appearance can be adjusted during operation. For example, you can add a podium to the portal. There is a heating battery inside the structure, so it is better to assemble the frame with screws: nails in high temperature conditions do not guarantee a tight fit of the plywood to the bars in the future.

Frame covered with plasterboard

Along the back wall, attach a firebox that imitates a fireplace to a block. Cover all surfaces visible from the outside with self-adhesive film.

Install the firebox and cover it with film

Cover the corners of the portal with a wooden layout, and cover it with film of the same color.

The corners of the portal need to be closed and also covered with film.

This design is easily removable (it is not attached to the wall at this stage), and you can easily access the radiator. The firebox needs to be decorated with something, so you can put a metal mesh tray on the radiator.

A metal mesh tray that will become the bottom of the firebox

You will fill it with pebbles, firewood or other decorative elements.

Fill the metal mesh with pebbles or other filler.

You can order a fireplace grate or make it yourself. For this you will need a copper profile. If this is not available, aluminum wire inserted into a vinyl chloride tube and painted with gold paint will do. This grille is attached to the fireplace body with copper wire in 4 places.

Metal grating diagram

The pipes that go to the battery can be covered with an extension of the podium.

Cover the heating pipes with a podium

So that useful space does not go to waste, create a bar under the fireplace mantel.

Using extra space

As a result, you will get a fireplace like this, almost indistinguishable from the real thing.

Ready-made false fireplace

New life for old furniture

This is the most budget option. You probably have an old wardrobe or sideboard. Don’t rush to throw away this piece of furniture: on its basis you can easily make an excellent imitation of a fireplace with lighting.

you will need:

• plywood sheets;
• wood sander;
• jigsaw;
• screwdriver;
• acrylic paint;
• putty;
• LED Strip Light;
• stucco molding, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
• surfaces.

1. Remove the doors from the old sideboard and remove the lower cabinet. The top section will remain, place it on its side.

   Preparing an old sideboard for use

2. Screw two beams in front.

   Screw 2 beams

3. Attach two sheets of plywood to the bars at the top and bottom. This will give the fireplace the required thickness.

   Secure the plywood sheets

4. Cut a hole in the door of the side cabinet (which is now located at the bottom) for the “blower”. Here you can store firewood, just like in a real fireplace.

   Cut out a hole for the “blower”

5. Your raised fireplace will need a pedestal and mantel. They can be used as two headboards from an old bed. Don't forget to unscrew their legs.

   The headboards of the bed will serve as a pedestal and mantelpiece.

6. The structure is ready, now we need to start finishing work. Sand the polished surfaces to roughen them. Prime the walls; after they dry, putty and level the surface. Dry the putty and sand down any uneven surfaces. Paint the body with acrylic paint, trim the corners with brick or artificial stone. Glue on decorative elements and install a mantelpiece.

   Finishing a false fireplace from old furniture

7. Decorate the firebox. Glue LED strip around the perimeter. Red or yellow will do - they will perfectly imitate a smoldering fire. Place shells, pebbles or sand at the bottom.

   Decorate the firebox: glue in an LED strip, add pebbles, shells or sand to the bottom

As a result, you will have this gorgeous vintage-style fireplace.

Ready-made false fireplace from an old sideboard

Imitation of a fireplace made of plasterboard

This time we will consider the option of a corner false fireplace made of plasterboard. This task will be more difficult than the previous ones. Why a corner fireplace? Because in a small apartment, the corner is the freest place, which is ideal for installing such a structure.

Corner false fireplace made of plasterboard

So, you will need the following materials:

• metal profile - 13 pcs;
• moisture-resistant plasterboard 9.5 mm - 3 sheets;
• tiles - 5 m;
• self-tapping screws - 200 pcs;
• tile grout;
• LED Strip Light;
• decorative lattice.

1. Calculate the dimensions. Please note: if you need to close the battery, you need to do it in such a way that it can be easily reached. For possible emergency situations, it is better to run the battery through the lower opening.

   Approximate diagram of a corner fireplace

2. After the calculations have been made and the fireplace diagram has been drawn up, begin installing the frame. A ceiling profile is suitable for it, and it is also cheaper.
3. Immediately make electrical wiring for the lighting. As you can see in the first photo, in our case there are three output points: two on the facade and one above the shelf. An LED strip is used as illumination.
4. The combustion hole can be made with double walls. Non-flammable insulation will be laid between them.

   Finishing a false fireplace with decorative tiles

5. For decorative finishing, you can use stone-like tiles. It is made of plaster, so it is not suitable for work surfaces.

This fireplace occupies approximately 1.6 square meters. You can place a small electric fireplace or a small alcohol burner inside the firebox.

Finishing

It is very important that the fireplace fits harmoniously into the interior of the room. You should carefully choose the style and color. But in addition, decorative finishing should please the eye and create comfort.

How to simulate fire in a fireplace? Above, we offered options with LED strip, which provides illumination with a burning effect. But progress does not stand still, and an electronic photo frame can serve you well. It is a liquid crystal display that is designed to display pictures. You need a model that can play animated files, such as GIFs. Upload an image of a burning fire to your photo frame and enjoy!

• Many owners of false fireplaces love to decorate niches with candles of different heights. It looks beautiful, stylish, and gives a real live fire.
• An excellent choice would be to install a mirror deep in the combustion chamber, on the wall. The mirror will multiply the reflections from candles or electric lighting and add mystery to the fireplace.
• Artificial stone will help you achieve the effect of an expensive finish. It is available in a variety of color and texture options. Tiles, bas-reliefs and decorative tiles will add expressive individuality to the structure. But don’t overdo it: excessive pomp may be out of place in your interior.
• Doors for false fireplaces will probably be superfluous, but if you decide to install them, make them from plexiglass. They can be transparent or tinted, but they simply must allow light and glare of the “fire” to pass through.
• It is better to decorate the firebox of an imitation fireplace with a forged metal grate. It can be bought or ordered from the workshop.

Photo gallery of artificial fireplaces

An original and laconic option - a simple niche with candles

Video: how to make a false fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands

As you can see, building a fireplace at home yourself is not at all difficult, and it’s also cheap, especially if it’s just an imitation. Accuracy, attention, the desire to do something original and creative imagination - that’s all you need to enjoy comfort, like the heroes of classic films. Share with us your experience in implementing such ideas, or ask any questions you have on this topic. Easy work for you and comfort for your home!

Even in a private home, not everyone will decide to build a real fireplace, because it is a very expensive and troublesome pleasure.

And the owners of city apartments, it would seem, cannot even dream of a living flame! But not everything is so hopeless!

After all, today you can buy an imitation fireplace that will look gorgeous, shine and even warm! The cost of such ready-made fireplace kits varies from 20 to 40 thousand rubles.

If it is difficult to allocate such an amount in the family budget, you can make a decorative artificial fireplace with your own hands, which will be no worse than its factory-made counterpart.

Depending on how close the imitation is to a copy, fireplaces are divided into:

1. Symbolic, that is, only creating an external resemblance to a real fireplace. Usually this is just a portal made from improvised means or a factory one.
2. Conventional - these designs have an external similarity, but are also equipped with electrical appliances. Some create a burning effect (there may be artificial firewood or just lighting from light bulbs), others are equipped with a small heater and emit heat.
3. Reliable - they convey external similarity, and a bio-fireplace burner is installed in the firebox. Thus, you can get a light, inexpensive, cozy fireplace with a “living” flame, but which does not need a chimney.

Self-made interior portals can be supplemented with a set of wide candles installed inside the “firebox”. This is the easiest way to revive your brainchild.

An armful of firewood stacked in the firebox, as if prepared for starting a fire, also looks good.

What can you make an imitation fireplace from?

Factory portals are made of polyurethane. They are lightweight, easy to install and glue. Residents can only come up with the interior decoration of the firebox.

Also, false fireplaces are made with your own hands from brick. The work looks impressive and impressive. It is strong enough to serve as a shelf, and there are often places on the sides for people to sit. You just need to take into account the considerable weight of the brick structure, as well as the fact that its construction will require skill and enough time.

Simpler products are made from plasterboard. Some skills will come in handy, as you will have to work with construction tools and assemble a metal profile.

Sheets of chipboard, fiberboard, and just old furniture can also serve as an excellent base for a portal.

Imitation fireplace

The simplest and most inexpensive option is to make it from ordinary cardboard boxes. The result looks great and could easily be designed as a one-time home decoration for the holiday.

All the “salt” here is in the finishing materials. The surface is well sanded, puttied and covered with paint (water-based or acrylic). You can combine several colors, use metallic colors.

The most elegant fireplaces are made using decorative “stucco” - ready-made elements, baseboards, corners, columns, etc., which are glued to the surface of the product and tinted along with the base material.

Other decorative finishing options:

• Ceramic tiles and artificial stone.
• Pasting with self-adhesive film or washable wallpaper.
• A mirror is perfect for the back wall of the firebox - it will visually enlarge the niche, and make a weak light source brighter.

With a double fireplace you can not only decorate your home, but also play up the flaws in the interior - visually round a corner, hide a small radiator behind it, an uneven wall, a large number of sockets and wires, etc.

Stages of constructing a false fireplace made of chipboard

Old trellises and wardrobes can serve as the basis for a false fireplace. This option is good not only because the materials are cheap, but also because it provides greater freedom for imagination, since plywood bends well and allows the use of rounded shapes in modeling a fireplace.

To work, you will need a jigsaw, finishing glue, and putty.

Based on what material is available, the dimensions of the structure are selected.

Fireplace with mirror

You can assemble a frame from bars and then cover it with plywood sheets. Or you can fasten sheets of chipboard directly together, as is done in furniture production.

The back wall can be a small piece of self-adhesive film fixed to the wall (the most appropriate design is in the form of brickwork).

Turned paired wooden elements will look very impressive. For example, columns made on a lathe.

The dacha is a favorite vacation spot for many people. And to make a quiet family vacation available all year round, it wouldn’t hurt to install. Let's consider the types of models and criteria for choosing fireplaces.

Read about making tiles for the stove with your own hands.

Cast iron stoves come in heating, cooking and fireplace types. In this article we will look at each of these types, and also talk about the advantages of cast iron stoves.

Do-it-yourself false fireplace made of plasterboard (step-by-step instructions)

Let's look at how to make a decorative fireplace with your own hands. It all starts with a project. You need to decide on the appearance and size of the structure.

After this, in accordance with the scheme, everything necessary is purchased:

• Aluminum profile.
• Drywall.
• Wooden shelf.
• Accessories and decorations.
• Mirror for the back wall.
• Glue, drywall screws.
• Finishing materials – putty, paint, etc.

Tools you will need are a screwdriver, a gun with liquid nails, a knife, and brushes.

It will be easier to select the dimensions of the fireplace to match existing parts - a shelf, finishing tiles, a mirror, and not vice versa.

1. A small sketch of the dimensions of the product is made on the floor and walls.
2. A working frame is made from an aluminum profile (this can be a stationary structure mounted on the wall, or it can be a separate interior element that will be moved from place to place).
3. Markings are made on the drywall and details are cut out. The more solid parts, the better. If possible, it is better to make the front part from a single piece with a hole in the middle, rather than joining 4 separate pieces.
4. The frame is sheathed with plasterboard (the sides are sheathed last). The pitch between screws is 25-30 cm.
5. The top shelf is attached (this is done with self-tapping screws or glue). The shelf can be specially ordered from a furniture workshop, or you can use a step or a piece of chipboard (budget option).
6. The inner mirror wall of the fireplace is secured to liquid nails.
7. If you plan to use a real flame (candles or biofuel), the upper wall of the firebox should be lined with non-combustible material.
8. The fittings and stucco are glued on.
9. The entire structure is plastered and left to dry completely.
10. Finishing (varnish, paint, tiles, etc.)

When using tile adhesive, you need to be careful not to get it on the front side of the ceramic. It will be difficult to wipe off.

For times when the fireplace is especially needed (a romantic evening, a meeting of friends or a holiday), you can place in its “furnace room” a tablet on which a long video with a picture of a burning fire has been loaded.

DIY grille for a false fireplace

A well-chosen grate gives the fireplace a finished look and can be a work of art in itself!

In specialized stores you can buy a ready-made fireplace grate or order a forged model of the size and design you like.

If you really want to get creative, you can make the grill yourself:

• Made from thick wire, bent according to a sketch and painted.
• Made from thick cardboard using the false forging technique.
• Made from a sheet of plexiglass secured with decorative brackets for mirrors.
• Or even use a single sheet of cardboard with cut out pattern elements. It's all about the finishing here.

DIY corner fireplace made of plasterboard

The corner option is good because it takes up very little space. If it is difficult to find free territory for a front-facing model, then corner fireplaces can be located where space is wasted.

1. If an electric fireplace framed by a plasterboard portal is used, then before starting work, grooves for wiring should be made in the wall.
2. Markings are made on the wall and floor with a marker.
3. The first to be installed on the floor is a profile fragment that will serve as a guide. Stands are attached to it. And then all the other frame elements are assembled, rising from the floor to the ceiling.
4. When the frame is ready, an electric fireplace is installed in it. It is being connected.
5. Now the product is covered with plasterboard. When cutting, the cut parts are cut on both sides with a knife, or carefully cut out with a jigsaw.
6. The joints are putty, after drying they are sanded and primed.
7. The durable aluminum frame can easily withstand cladding made of gypsum elements that imitate artificial stone. It is laid on gypsum putty, and the seams are rubbed down.

Decorative elements can be gilded using acrylic paints, and the finishing coat can be done with acrylic varnish (this gives the tile shine and makes it possible to wipe it from dust).

Modern corner fireplace made of plasterboard in the living room interior

The screws need to be screwed into the drywall so that the cap does not protrude above the surface, but “sinks” a little. After work, these places are well puttied.

False fireplaces have a number of advantages over their “natural” counterparts! Besides the fact that, as we have seen, it is much easier and cheaper to make, their owners do not need to remove ash, make repairs due to soot, and prepare firewood. The double looks no worse, and is much easier to maintain!

Previous post Do-it-yourself fireplace cladding: step-by-step surface finishing techniques

Very good article, I’ve been wanting to make my own electric fireplace at home for a long time, but didn’t know where to start. Of course, now I have learned a lot about what is the best fireplace to make and where to start.

If there is a fireplace in the room, it will definitely become the main highlight of the house. It is considered the family hearth, the most favorite place where the whole family gets together, meets relatives and friends, or retires to organize their thoughts.

Why do you need fireplace grates?

When installing a fireplace indoors, you must purchase high-quality grates for it. They will help bring a certain coziness, and also make gatherings by the fire safer.

With the help of this sophistication, you can add to your hearth the effect of lightness, grace and unique elegance and will make this symbol of family comfort even more attractive, and the overall appearance of the room - harmonious and complete.

You should also remember the practical side of their use. Fireplace grates keep logs and hot coals in the hearth and ensure its safe use indoors. In addition, they will not allow small children or animals close to the fire.

Types of gratings

There are several types of fireplace grates.

1. Built-in. They are installed in the fireplace close to the fire.
2. Separate. They are placed vertically, at some distance from the fire, on a support.
3. Decorative grates for the fireplace. They are installed only when there is no fire. Made from ordinary non-fireproof metal. Such products have their own advantages - they can be decorated with almost all materials - from decorative stones and glass to gilding. And there is absolutely no risk that the flame will melt or ruin the pattern, since this is simply excluded.

Grilles do not have any restrictions in appearance and style, which is why there are a huge variety of them. But for greater chic, forged fireplace grates are installed. They come in two types:

• finished products, pre-made in the workshop. Typically, this is the pattern set that is most in demand in the market;
• forged gratings, made individually, to order. These are elite and especially elegant products, each of which is a unique creation of a master. You can choose a pattern for them yourself or use the services of professional designers.

Features of forged fireplace grates

• It is best to choose fireplace grates in the same spirit as the rest of the interior. For example, when choosing a classic English style, you can get a laconic design without any pretentiousness. And Art Nouveau or Rococo allow the use of more artistic elements - curls, intricate complex patterns that you want to look at for hours. Adherents of the classics can choose simple symmetrical designs. But this does not mean that they will be uninteresting or ugly.
• If desired, you can engrave your initials or family emblem, which is prestigious in high circles. This requires painstaking and very delicate work.

When installing metal fireplace grates, you will forever get rid of worries about this part of the room. They are quite strong, resistant to high temperatures and are not damaged. But when choosing among them, do not forget to pay attention to the material from which the described interior decoration is made, as well as its service life. All material that is used to make these products must pass all necessary tests and have certain safety certificates.

Many people know that a fireplace is primarily a decorative element of any interior and its heating function is only in the background. However, even such a unit can be made as useful and efficient as possible. In order for the accumulated and produced body to be distributed evenly and to the maximum extent throughout the premises of the house, they came up with ventilation grilles for the fireplace.

Ventilation grilles for fireplaces today are often used to decorate both the heating unit itself and the interior of the room. Forged fireplace grates look original and stylish. In specialized stores today you can find a large number of different models of grates for stoves and fireplaces, of a certain shape and size. Also, the fireplace grate can be created by you with your own hands or ordered from a professional craftsman according to an individually designed sketch.

When purchasing, pay special attention to the material used to make the decorative element, its strength and the quality of the design, ornament, patterns, painting or spraying.

The characteristics of the drawings should be as follows:

• Low gratings should have a fairly dense pattern structure;
• Medium – respectively, have an average density;
• Tall elements will have a rather rare pattern density.

A fireplace whose grate complies with these standards will allow flows of heated and cold air to pass through and ventilate well. Moreover, if it is located near the hearth, through it it will be possible to observe the process of fire burning in the firebox.

DIY grille

Fireplace ventilation grilles are manufactured only after a competent sketch has been made, with all the necessary marks and design designations. Next, we proceed to assembling the base or frame. The base can be either completely integral or somewhat folded at your discretion.

The decorative grille can be complemented with various patterns and decorations, such as:

1. Forged curls;
2. Leaves;
3. Flowers;
4. Grape vine;
5. Animals;
6. Birds;
7. Heraldry and others.

If you want to get not just a simple grating, but a real work of art, it is best to entrust this work to an experienced craftsman who is fluent not only in a welding machine, but also has artistic skills.

As an option for a simpler damper for the fireplace insert, you can get by with a grate, which consists of a simple metal corner that is cut to the required length. Next, chains are attached to it, which will perform a protective function. This design must be fixed directly above the fireplace.

How does it work?

Many will say that ventilation grilles are not capable of causing better, faster and more uniform heating of rooms in the house. However, this is not the case. By correctly placing just two of these elements, you can increase the temperature in your home by 10 degrees or more.

The grille located at the bottom of the structure is responsible for the flow and circulation of cold air. The one located below serves as an object through which heated air masses pass into the room.

If you are just going to build a fireplace in your country house or country house, you should pay special attention to the preliminary arrangement and location of the air exhaust ducts. Each of these channels must be equipped with a ventilation damper.

However, installing ventilation dampers in the room itself is not very effective. In this case, the accumulated heat will spread not through one specific room, but throughout the entire house, and thus the heating will be felt to a lesser extent.

Explore the benefits

Such a frame for a fireplace is relatively inexpensive, and its installation is quite simple. Based on this, we cannot fail to mention its main advantages:

1. Performs a decorative function, allows you to advantageously decorate and decorate the interior, combine it with the fireplace and the general style direction of the living room;
2. The service life of the heating unit is increased. This is due to the fact that due to such a damper, the fireplace structure will heat up, but not overheat. Heated air masses will be promptly released into the room;
3. The efficiency of the furnace increases;
4. With the help of such an element, the room will heat up more and will need less another, additional heating source.

Main varieties and purchase

The decor of the fireplace directly depends on which grate you choose. In turn, they can differ greatly from each other. The main difference is in the form, which can be:

1. Rectangular;
2. Square;
3. Round;
4. Oval;
5. Wrong.

The most rare thing you can find is an irregularly shaped ventilation grille. Such products are mainly made to order and allow you to complement a fireplace designed according to an individual project. The cost of such decor, which has an irregular shape, is much higher than for products of a standard shape.

The openings and gaps of ventilation grilles can be:

1. Slotted;
2. Round;
3. Square;
4. Rectangular;
5. Incorrect;
6. Tunnel.

When purchasing a ready-made grating, it is important not only to choose the most suitable shape, but also its dimensions. This is necessary for proper circulation of heated and cold air flows. You can calculate the dimensions of the grate and its holes based on the dimensions of the combustion compartment itself.

In order to make the right choice and facilitate the search, the manufacturer indicates not only what dimensions the damper has, but also what combustion openings it is suitable for. As for light and decor, it is chosen at your discretion and based on personal wishes and preferences.

Material selection

In order for the product to withstand high temperatures well, it is important that the material used is of sufficient quality. Plastic grilles are not suitable. Products made of aluminum, ceramic, steel and cast iron dampers are mainly used.

The most expensive and steel ones are forged gratings. They are most often made to order. More budget-friendly ones include welded and solid-cast structures. The most inexpensive variations have a standard shape, a minimum of simple patterns and a plain surface. Expensive grilles are complemented by more intricate patterns, curls, and ornaments.

The coating can be either galvanic or the simplest. In the second case, fire-resistant paint of a certain shade is simply applied. The first option is plating with copper, chromium or nickel.

For more convenient care and use, you can also buy a lid equipped with a hinged or sliding opening mechanism. To prevent insects from entering the room, the frame can be supplemented with a special mesh. In order for air flows to penetrate into the house to a lesser or greater extent, you can equip the ventilation grill with special blinds.

You can install either a completely monolithic structure or a model that can be removed or pushed inside the portal during cleaning or not heating.

Choice and cost

When purchasing, you should definitely pay attention to which manufacturer made the product and whether it is really of high quality. Kratki and Darco fireplace grates are very popular.

The cost of the grating depends not only on the manufacturer, but also on the size. For example, a structure measuring 170 by 170 mm with blinds will cost about 900-1400 rubles. A damper with dimensions of 170 by 300 millimeters and having blinds has a price of about 1400-1800 rubles. Steel structures without blinds 170x300 cost up to 1,300 rubles. The most expensive are fireplace grates that have a galvanic coating; 220x220 mm will cost about 2,000 rubles).

Before you begin installation work, it is important to remember that:

1. Warm air masses must be discharged through a grille, which will be installed at a distance of at least 25 centimeters from the ceiling;
2. Ventilation is positioned so that it is directed into the space of the room and not into the wall;
3. Do not install the damper near a doorway.

If necessary, installation of a fireplace grate can be carried out not only at the time of construction of the stove, but also after its construction. To do this, you need to choose a suitable place and cut a hole that is a couple of millimeters larger than the ventilation grill itself. For fixation, a nail is driven into the portal. First you need to wrap the wire around it. We install the frame and seal each crack and all free space around it with a special building compound on a fire-resistant basis.

Overhead grilles and rules

Overhead grilles, unlike metal ones, are simpler and less expensive to install. In order to install the product, you will only need self-tapping screws or liquid nails of your choice.

After installing ventilation, things may not go well, resulting in:

1. The air will not warm up properly and will come out cold or slightly warm. In this case, inspect the structure itself and seal all cracks and cracks with sealant;
2. Smoke masses may enter the room. This is due to the fact that the combustion chamber is not connected correctly to the chimney ducts or you forgot to open the valve in the chimney;
3. If strong traces of soot and soot appear on the grille, then the portal is poorly insulated.

To ensure that the passage of air is not obstructed, periodically clean the frame at least once every six months. If you do not use the fireplace for a long time, it is best to close the ventilation with a special additional cover.

If you do not clean this element, the holes will soon become clogged, which will not allow air to enter the room and will render it completely unusable. It is better to carry out cleaning in the warm season, when the oven is not in use.

In this video you can find out what ventilation grilles for fireplaces are and what they can be. Let's look at fireplace grates using the example of the Polish brand Kratki:

Oddly enough, but having a comfortable home is a completely natural desire that is inherent in us. So it turns out that we are ready to spend our energy, money and time to turn our house or apartment into a place where it is pleasant to be and which we are not ashamed to show to others. One of the ways to decorate a room, make it cozy and stylish is a fireplace, also known as a home. How nice it is for the whole family to gather around the fire in the house in the evening, chat, drink tea and talk. But there is one problem: for residents of private houses this possibility is quite real, but making a fireplace in an apartment with a live fire will not work. If you are a resident of a multi-storey building, do not worry, we have found a solution for you.

In this article we will look at how to make a decorative fireplace with your own hands. This is a so-called false fireplace, which is visually identical to a regular one, only it can be used in an apartment. You will see not only photos, but also instructions for making a fireplace with your own hands. This is an indispensable decorative element of your apartment.

The concept of a decorative fireplace and its necessity

Everyone knows that the combustion process is accompanied by side effects such as soot, debris and, most importantly, smoke. That is why an ordinary fireplace cannot do without an ash pan and a chimney, which solve all problems. In addition, this design has an impressive weight, which does not allow installing such a fireplace in an apartment. The floor slab may not be able to withstand it. So it turns out that a decorative fireplace is an ideal alternative for those who, no matter what, want to have this element in their home. Even without special skills in construction, you can make it yourself.

Note! There are so-called biofireplaces that are used for apartments. Alcohol or other biological fuel is burned inside as a raw material. In this case, no smoke, dirt, ash, etc. is formed. Only the process of combustion and heat generation occurs. However, the products are quite expensive. But, if you don't mind the money, you can use this alternative option.

There are even electric fireplaces on sale that are easy and quick to install. But not everyone can afford it; in addition, a decorative fireplace with your own hands will be much more original. You will put your whole soul into it, so it will be valued differently. Here your imagination can run wild. With such a decorative element, your neighbors will simply be jealous.

As you can see in the photo above, it is difficult to distinguish it from the real thing. In addition, the design has a number of advantages:

1. Low cost, since you only need to spend money on materials.
2. Simplicity of materials and their availability. Anyone can work with them, without professional skills.
3. It is possible to change the decor at will at any time. Everything depends on you.
4. The decoration uses inexpensive, but quite original and beautiful materials.
5. You will receive a full-fledged fireplace, which, while not replacing the original, will be a worthy alternative.
6. Your room will be transformed and become original.

In the end, we would like to draw your attention to 3 types or groups of decorative fireplaces that you can create. The first group is authentic fireplaces, which are like two peas in a pod and look like the real thing. We are talking about size, design and design principle. Inside such a fireplace there may even be a bio-fireplace burner or other options for simulating fire. This option is expensive, but looks ideal.

The second group is conventional fireplaces. They have a protruding portal from the wall. You can decorate this design however you like, bringing to life the most extravagant and unusual ideas. The hole for the firebox is often filled with candles or firewood.

But the third group is symbolic fireplaces, which are made from a variety of materials. They vaguely resemble a real hearth. More often than not, they bear almost no resemblance to him. It gets to the point where it’s simple wallpaper or an image with decor, just like Papa Carlo’s.

What can you use to make a decorative false fireplace?

You will be surprised, but there are more than enough materials for work. They are simple, accessible, inexpensive and beautiful. If everything is done correctly, then even the cheapest material will look noble. So, here is a list of materials that you can use for this purpose:

• drywall;
• classic bricks;
• plywood sheets;
• wood;
• Styrofoam;
• polyurethane;
• and even cardboard.

Note! If you have old furniture, then you can use it. After all, it would be a shame to throw it away, but as a fireplace it will be transformed and will last for several more years.

Let's look at how to make decorative fireplaces with your own hands from some of the materials listed above.

Polyurethane fireplace

If you are looking for the easiest and fastest method of creating a fireplace, you have come to the right place. All you need is to purchase a polyurethane fireplace portal. All that remains is to choose the style and size that will fit into the room, and the rest is a matter of technique. The body of such a fireplace is lightweight, and installation does not take much time. The photo shows what results can be obtained.

What will you need for the job?

That's all. All that remains is step-by-step instructions that will help you cope with the task. In fact, you don’t need to build anything, since you purchased a ready-made portal, which just needs to be fixed in place to the wall. Dust-free work:

You can make a fireplace out of wood using exactly the same principle. But it should be noted that the wooden portals that are on sale have a high cost. However, outwardly everything looks much more noble. Look at the photo to see what effect you can achieve if you put in the effort.

Plywood fireplace

A pretty good option if the room has some kind of flaw or defect. Some are trying to transform an old radiator. With the help of a decorative fireplace made of plywood, you can realize this idea.

To begin with, the design should be made on paper. Everyone knows what it is. You need to do some calculations and create a drawing of the fireplace you want to make. Alternatively, you can use a ready-made project from the Internet. Here, for example, is one of these options.

Dimensions, design, appearance - you can customize all this to suit yourself. Next comes a hammer, saw, screwdriver and tape measure. The first step is to create the frame of your fireplace. Slats or wooden blocks are suitable for this purpose.

You can connect elements to each other in any way. It is more reliable if they are self-tapping screws. Although nails will also work. Then all that remains is to sheathe the frame with plywood. As for the design and appearance of the product, you can adjust it in the process. As an option, make a podium to the portal. Look at the photo to see how the frame of the decorative fireplace has been transformed and has become similar to the finished version.

You can attach a firebox to a block along the back wall, which will imitate a hearth. But surfaces that can be viewed from the outside can be decorated with self-adhesive. Here is one of the design options for a decorative fireplace made of plywood.

And here is the view of the abrasion. In order to hide the wall, you can cover the inside with the same film.

The advantage of the design is that it is easy to remove, since at this stage it is not fixed to the surface. This allows you to have access to the battery. And for a better effect, you can install stones, pebbles or firewood on the radiator by installing a metal mesh on it.

And as a final touch, you can make a fireplace grate. Then your design will be practically no different from a natural hearth. You can make it yourself or buy it in a store. The basis is copper or aluminum wire. It is easy to bend and shape. You can draw a grid on paper in advance or print it out as a guide.

The wire needs to be fixed to the decorative fireplace itself in four places. And to hide the pipe that goes to the radiator, continue the fireplace podium, as shown in the photo.

Such an original, beautiful, noble and almost natural miracle can be obtained if you put in some effort, ingenuity and time. You can hide any other defect in your home or simply install such a false fireplace.

Note! A fireplace is made from plasterboard using exactly the same principle. But everything needs to be sheathed with this particular material. There is nothing complicated, the result is also excellent.

DIY decorative fireplace from furniture

This option can be called the most budget-friendly, because you already have almost all the materials for the work. All that remains is to transform it all into an artificial fireplace. An old sideboard or cabinet would be ideal. In addition, stock up on the following tools and materials:

• sheets of plywood;
• acrylic paint;
• putty;
• LED flight;
• stucco molding, decorative elements, gypsum finishing stone;
• screwdriver;
• grinding machine;
• jigsaw.

We begin to transform a sideboard or wardrobe into a false fireplace.

You can put more effort into finishing the design of the fireplace and making it indistinguishable from the real thing. You can stick an LED strip around the perimeter of the firebox inside. Ideally yellow or red, as this is an imitation of a burning flame. You can add shells, sand or pebbles to the bottom of the decorative firebox.

That's all, as a result you have a decorative fireplace that no one else has. It is no worse than a natural fireplace, only there is no fire. Otherwise, it's just an ideal decorative element. And the knowledge that you made it with your own hands will warm you better than any fire.

DIY village house interior design