How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A fire media wall is an excellent option to bring warmth and comfort to your home. They can be built on a stud wall or hung from it with brackets.
Some media wall electric fires have smart integration, allowing you to manage the output of heat, flame effects and lighting with your smartphone or tablet. Some have even scheduling options.
Easy to install
There are some things to think about when designing a media wall for your home. You will first need to decide the location of the wall in your home. It should be in a location where you can feel comfortable sitting and watching television or enjoying the warmth of your fire. The ideal location will also allow for the best viewing angles in the room. Once you've decided on the location, you will be able to start to make the necessary measurements and build the frame. You'll then have to decide on what final touches you'd like. Some people add skirting boards to their media walls to match the design of the room. Others prefer to leave this off, letting the media wall stand out as a distinctive feature of its own.
The wall you are using for your media may require more work, based on the type of electric fireplace you plan to install. For instance, inset media wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) must be installed in the wall or hollowed out, which requires more extensive construction skills and tools. However it doesn't mean that they can't be put in by anyone who is a DIYer.
When building a media wall it is important to think about where you will place your electrical components. You'll need at least two plug sockets on your wall of media - one for TV and one for fire. Therefore, you'll need to think ahead. Some people prefer to put the sockets inside the stud wall frame, while others prefer to keep them close to the fireplace and TV.
After you have constructed your media wall, it is crucial to smooth the plasterboard. This will conceal the screws used to keep it in place, and create a smooth painting surface. You can hire an expert plasterer if not sure.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall is an elegant design that is ideal for small living spaces. Integrating a TV, electric fire and storage space integrated into one installation will maximize the space in your room without the need for an additional fireplace suite or the bulky surround. You can even choose a custom design that's customized to your space and incorporates the latest technologies like multi-room audio and intelligent lighting.
A bespoke media wall can be constructed around the fire you choose that will add a unique design element to your room. With a range of sizes and styles to choose from, you can find the right fire for your media wall installation. If you want a minimalistic design, choose a recessed electric fire, such as the Elfa. Or, if you are looking to create a cozy corner wall for your TV, a corner wall with a three-sided fire, like the Gazco 150RW, is the perfect choice.
Wall-hung fires like the DRU Virtuo 180/3 Evolve Electric Fire offer a more modern style, which is ideal for modern living spaces. They come with authentic log effects and produce an authentic wood-crackling sound effect. You can also select a media wall model with an in-built heat-up feature that allows warmth to be distributed more evenly and efficiently.
Another benefit of having a wall-hung electric fire for your media wall is its low maintenance. In contrast to traditional fireplaces, wall-hung fires don't need chimneys and can be placed virtually everywhere. They are also safer for households with pets or children because they don't generate real flames and don't release the ash. Since they're electrical there's no chance of a rogue flame spreading through the wall or of smoke accumulating on furniture.
While a media wall can be constructed in a simple method by mounting your TV on a flat wall many homeowners take the design idea further. They create custom-designed frames to conceal cables, incorporate storage solutions, and integrate appliances like TV, soundbar and an electric fireplace. These installations are often created to divide open-plan areas or to add an impressive focal point to the space. They can be decorated with stunning wallpapers or even mirrored panels that act as a mirror when TV is switched off, bringing light into your space and making it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Media wall fires can be a fantastic alternative to traditional fireplaces which are usually only installed in living rooms. They are also perfect for anyone looking to add a stylish feature to their home. The latest electric media wall fires use LED lights to create an amazingly realistic flame effect and have various settings that allow you to alter the intensity of the lighting from a soft and cozy glow to a bright and burning fire. Some have a "flame only" setting that allows you to enjoy the stunning images without increasing the temperature, making them eco-friendly and economical.
Media walls have a modern feel and are designed to match your interior design creating a focal point that draws attention. Media walls are often used in modern homes to add a touch of any style. They can be an elegant minimalist design or a rustic, earthy look. A striking wood-panelled, geometric wall is an excellent illustration of a striking design that can be enhanced with an electric media wall fireplace like the Gazco eReflex the 195RW to bring warmth and charm to the space.
Many electric media walls are slimmer and smaller and allow you to maximize the space in your home. They are great for those who wish to install a media-wall in a small room, as they can be concealed behind the TV. This gives them modern, minimalist and discreet aesthetic. They also tend to be more energy-efficient than traditional gas fireplaces with the majority of models producing less than 2kW of heat.
It is crucial to think about the design of your media wall holistically. think about how your electric fire will compliment your television as well as any other custom features you might be thinking of. For a balanced finish your electric fire should not exceed more than one-third of the height of the wall it's installed on. It is also important to ensure that you have the proper clearance above and below your electric fire, since this will vary depending on the model you select.
Media wall fire installation is a job that can be undertaken by anyone with basic carpentry skills and a willingness to learn. It is best to hire an experienced HETAS-approved professional, like Something Different, that will ensure that all safety measures are followed, and that the correct clearance is maintained from flammable material.
Multi-faceted
A media wall is an ideal addition to any living room or bedroom, study or lounge. It's not only about creating a focal point. A well-designed wall can create a relaxing space for you and your loved ones to relax in. It's also a great spot to put your TV, audio system and gaming consoles.
The addition of a fire to your media wall can bring it to a new level and really transform your home. Many of the best electric fires can be used to build media walls, and provide the perfect balance between warmth, ambiance and style. They also come with certain unique features, like customizable visuals and authentic crackling sounds.
You can also find models with smart integration, which allows you to control your fire via your tablet or smartphone with an app. This can be useful when you are away from the house or want to control your fire remotely. Certain models are even equipped with scheduling options, which allow you to schedule your fire to turn on before you get home and turn off at bedtime.
A media wall electric fireplace can also be set up as a false chimney, without the need for a flue or chimney. This is a cost-effective solution to incorporate modern heating systems to your home.
Inset and wall-mounted electric fires are the two primary styles you can put on a media wall. electric fireplaces for media walls like the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed in the wall. This creates a sleek and minimalist appearance. They are an excellent choice for rooms with a limited floor space or for those who want to create a minimalist design.
If you are considering the installation of a media wall in your home, you must first measure the space to ensure that it is large enough to accommodate the electric fireplace that you want to install. You can use masking tape to draw out the dimensions on the wall, and then compare the measurements to specifications for the product to find the most suitable match.