How to make an electric fireplace with your own hands. Do-it-yourself electric fireplace: step-by-step instructions How to make an electric fireplace in your apartment yourself

It just seems like you can’t have your own fireplace in a city apartment. In fact, a nice addition to the interior is easy to install in any home. It is enough to purchase an electric fireplace with a decorative flame, and make the portal yourself. Today we will look at the materials you will need for this creative work and give you a couple of instructions to help you.

What is a portal for an electric fireplace and why is it needed?

In the design of real fireplaces, the portal performs an important function - it protects the adjacent walls from the high temperature of burning wood. In the case of an electrical appliance, the enclosing structure is only required to have an aesthetic appearance and make the dummy resemble a real fireplace. To do this, the portal must externally replicate traditional fire-resistant materials: brick, wild stone, marble. However, a wooden copy will also work for decorative purposes, but the credibility will be reduced.

An elegant portal makes the electric fireplace look like a real one

General design

We have already decided that the portal is a kind of frame that frames the electric fireplace and helps it “fit” into the surrounding interior. Also, a stable design with a massive shelf can serve as a stand for souvenirs, family photos and other accessories. The main thing is that it can support the weight of the built-in fireplace. Complex portals that are a continuation of furnishings look unusual: cabinets, shelving, niche systems made of plasterboard.

An unusual portal under the window can itself become a decoration of the room

Structurally, portals are divided into stationary and portable. The former are undemanding when it comes to manufacturing materials, but mobile models require special stability. Portable portals should be low and have sufficient depth and width. They are distinguished by a low center of gravity, which means they will not fall if moved carelessly.

This fireplace can be easily moved to another place if you want to refresh the interior

If you plan to place any equipment on the fireplace tabletop, it is better to make the shelf wider. And for greater reliability, it can be supported not only on the portal, but also on a corner screwed to the wall.

What materials to use for the portal and mantelpiece

Traditionally, stone is used to build a fireplace portal and countertop, but even artificial agglomerate weighs a lot, and it will require certain work skills from the master. There are also more “friendly” materials on the market that can be easily improved with the help of properly selected cladding. For example, a classic tabletop can be made from a thick board, staining the wood and covering it with thin layers of varnish. A more budget-friendly option is plywood or MDF - after installation, they are covered with small ceramic tiles or laminated with decorative film.

Before choosing the material for making a portal with your own hands, it is worth deciding on the functionality of the decorative fireplace. If this is just an installation or a screen with the image of a living flame, there are no restrictions: drywall, foam plastic, chipboard or natural wood will do. The main thing is that after finishing work they become similar to natural materials.

Using polyurethane elements you can create a luxurious portal for a decorative fireplace

For decorative heating equipment that actually warms up the room, you will have to choose safer options (gypsum plasterboard, foam blocks) or protect the structure with heat-resistant cladding. It is not necessary to build a portal out of brick, but for finishing it is better to use non-flammable or low-flammable products and mixtures: tiles, mineral tiles, plaster.

Decorative brick cladding is not afraid of overheating

Table: Advantages and disadvantages of basic materials

Indicators for comparisonTreeWood-based panels
materials (chipboard, MDF)
and plywood		Drywall
Weight, kg/m 3400–700 600–700
up to 850 for MDF		800–850
Bending strength, kgf/cm 21000 20–250 15–18
Compressive strength, kgf/cm 2500 60–200 100
Flammability group (only taken into account
for heating devices)		G3-G4
(G2 after processing)		G3-G4G1
Environmental friendliness++ - ++
Machinability (milling,
drilling, cutting)		++ + +

It is easy to give solid wood the desired shape, and also to decorate it, if not with carving, then at least with elegant milling. But this will require special equipment, so workability is a very conditional advantage of wood. Its main disadvantage remains that over time it dries out, warps and becomes covered with cracks. When the humidity in the room changes, the array can indeed behave unpredictably. If it is not possible to maintain stable conditions in a room with a fireplace, but you definitely want to use natural wood, it is better to choose species that are not prone to serious deformation:

  • pine;
  • cedar;
  • aspen.

According to their strength characteristics, pressed slabs made from veneer and wood processing waste are quite suitable for the manufacture of an electric fireplace portal. However, unprofessional cutting of sheets leads to loosening of the fibers at the ends, which somewhat complicates the covering of the frame with small elements. The disadvantages include the toxicity of phenolic and formaldehyde resins in their composition, but after finishing with airtight materials, the issue of harmful effects on humans is removed.

OSB can also be used in independent work

As for drywall, it is considered the best material for creating decorative interior elements with your own hands. The low load-bearing capacity of the slabs is fully compensated by a reliable metal frame. The variety of gypsum plaster boards will allow you to choose the appropriate design for any conditions: fire-resistant boards for heating fireplaces, waterproof boards for ceramic finishing.

Selecting the portal shape and design style

The portal should be designed after the electric fireplace has been purchased. Firstly, this way you can take exact dimensions taking into account ventilation gaps and cord release. Secondly, it will be clear in what style the entire set should be maintained. Today, decorative fireboxes without pronounced design elements are very popular - any portal that is in tune with the interior of the room itself will suit them. But if the electric fireplace has a decor on the visible part that emphasizes its belonging to a specific style, you will have to focus on it.

This electric firebox is already decorated with rich decoration in a classic style

Main portal design options:

  • Country - for a small room, a compact structure made of painted or simply varnished light wood is suitable. In spacious rooms, lining with decorative bricks or a plastered surface, partially lined with artificial stone, looks better.
  • Victorian - high-quality carved portals made of expensive types of wood, decorated with gilded monograms and moldings. The cladding with slabs imitating polished stone, but always in dark tones, looks great.
  • Classic - symmetrical structures with marble finishing or plastered portals with discreet stucco. A distinctive feature is the imitation of columns or at least a hint of them in the form of vertical stripes of framing panels. Such models are made of polyurethane or gypsum.
  • Modern styles (urban, hi-tech) usually do not require the creation of a bulky portal, being content with a modest frame of a simple shape made of metal or painted glass. A minimum of decor and compactness are the main rules of these trends.
  • Chalet or Romanesque style - despite the significant differences between the two design directions, fireplaces for them are designed approximately the same. Bulky structures faced with stone are welcome here, and the shelf and pedestal decor are made of an array of rich tones.

As for the shape and dimensions, it all depends on the characteristics of the room and the chosen location for the future fireplace. Since this interior detail attracts special attention, it is better to allocate a free wall to the hearth without unnecessary decor. At the same time, the portal must be proportionate - you should not install an overly bulky and lush structure in a cramped room. The standard shape for wall-mounted models is rectangular.

Regardless of the execution, tradition requires the installation of a small pedestal at the base of the fireplace. Its width should be 30 cm larger than the portal, and its height can reach 20 cm. However, here the owners are free in their choice, but without a stone or brick pillow, an imitation of a real hearth will not seem very plausible.

The wide marble-effect pedestal gives the electric fireplace greater significance

Corner models of electric fireplaces always look impressive; moreover, they do not take up much space, so they are worth choosing for small apartments. The design can be either the simplest - repeating a triangle in cross-section - or prismatic. For fireplaces with panoramic semicircular glass, it is also better to make the portal radius: thanks to it, the whole set will look more harmonious.

Wide corner portal does not take up much space

Calculating the socket

The power cord coming from the fireplace can ruin the whole picture. But you still need to install the socket outside the portal in order to have free access to the plug. The distance to it is limited by the length of the cord of the artificial hearth without tension. But the technical side of the issue requires more serious calculations.

The outlet must be able to withstand the current supplied to the fireplace. It is not difficult to determine its amperage: you need to divide the power of the device by the network voltage (220 V) and add 10% reserve. Purely decorative models usually consume no more than 500 W, that is, the maximum current in the outlet will be:

500 ÷ 220 x 1.1 = 2.5 (A) - even old Soviet 6 A equipment can handle this load.

Electric furnaces with a heating function have higher power - about 2–2.5 kW. Using the same formula we get an amperage of 12.5. That is, you need a standard modern 16 A socket, to which you only need to connect the wire from the junction box. Use a copper three-core VVG cable with a cross-section of 2.5 mm 2 - it can withstand a current of 19 A and a load of about 4 kW.

Drywall portal - step-by-step instructions for making it yourself

Drywall is a reliable enough material to withstand even heavy ceramic cladding. It is easy to process and allows you to create three-dimensional structures of any complexity with your own hands. The sheets are sewn to a metal frame, which takes on the weight of the electric fireplace, so the reliability of the portal is also in order.

Tools and materials

You will need a little drywall for the job, and if there are scraps left after the repair, you won’t have to spend money on it. But please note: for tiling you only need waterproof gypsum board (green). It is better to make the frame from a galvanized special profile - it is more convenient to work with it, and it is easier to maintain the geometry of the structure. The rest of the list of materials depends on the chosen finishing option.

You can use an edged board for the tabletop, although plywood or MDF with a decorative plastic coating that imitates the texture of natural wood will be cheaper. But you need to carefully seal the edges with furniture tape so that the mantelpiece looks natural.

Example drawing and calculation of materials

Only after deciding on the size and design of the portal can you go for building materials

Drawing up a sketch of the future portal with all dimensions will allow you to determine the amount of materials needed:

  • Drywall dimensions are the area of ​​the external surfaces of the structure minus the back wall. In this case, you need to immediately estimate the cutting pattern for a standard 2.5x1.2 m sheet (it’s more convenient to do this on graph paper). The recommended thickness of gypsum plasterboard is 12.5 mm and 9.5 for radius elements.
  • Metal profiles - the number of racks and horizontal lintels is determined by the dimensions of the portal. For the guides, 27x28 mm PP slats are used; 60x27 mm PS slats will be used for the posts and reinforcement.
  • Hardware - to assemble the frame, “bugs” with notches against self-unscrewing are used. Their number corresponds to the number of profile connection points. Hardened self-tapping screws (black) with frequent threads and a countersunk head are used for the casing. The most popular size is 3.5x25 mm, fastener consumption is 20–25 pcs/m2.

Work order

It is better to install a plasterboard structure permanently - it will not withstand moving from place to place. Therefore, we will mount the portal immediately where it was decided to place the decorative fireplace:

  1. Referring to the drawing, mark the floor and walls - draw the dimensions of the future portal with a pencil or chalk. Cut the metal profile for the frame according to the existing dimensions.

    It is more convenient to work with a galvanized profile using metal scissors

  2. Lay U-shaped guide rails along the floor markings, check the horizontal position with a level and secure with dowel screws. At the top of the wall, mount the corresponding horizontal sections of the profile.

    Long sections are fastened with self-tapping dowels at at least three points

  3. Screw the vertical PS strips to the wall, additionally securing them to the base of the frame. Finish the top trim.

    The racks are attached strictly vertically in relation to the guide

  4. Connect the racks with transverse stiffening ribs in increments of no more than 60 cm.
  5. Reinforce the fireplace podium with short vertical posts installed every 20 cm - they will take on the weight of the electric firebox.

    Where additional load on the drywall is expected, additional reinforcing racks are needed

  6. At the installation height of the decorative hearth, make a horizontal trim and secure the vertical guides that will frame the screen.
  7. The last belt is placed above the upper edge of the electric fireplace, but it does not experience any load, so a short strip connecting the side slats will suffice.

    Ready-made spatial structure

  8. Check the dimensions of the resulting structure, transfer them to sheets of drywall and make patterns.

    GKL sheets are cut with a special knife

  9. Fix the gypsum boards to the frame with self-tapping screws, recessing the caps by about 1 mm.

    The sheets are screwed to the frame so that the attachment points fall into the center of the slats

  10. Glue the corners of the portal with sickle tape or reinforce it with a perforated L-shaped profile, fill the seams between the sheathing sheets and the attachment points with putty.

    The tape will not allow the plaster to crack at the joints of the sheets

  11. The finished fireplace is finished with the selected material, after which you can lay a tabletop on top and insert an electric firebox.

    Decorative stone turns a plasterboard portal into a fireplace made of “brick”

If the fireplace design includes radius elements, the metal profile for them must be bent. To do this, the side shelves are cut into equal parts 5–8 cm long, after which the rail is easily bent into the correct arc.

Final design and design of the portal

Drywall provides a very smooth surface that can simply be puttied over for painting. This fireplace looks especially impressive in white with a wooden tabletop. Without any additional decor, it will fit perfectly into an interior decorated in a country or chalet style. If you decorate it with gypsum stucco or polyurethane moldings before finishing putty, it will become a worthy addition to a classic design or a room in the spirit of Provence.

As for tiling, ordinary tiles are inappropriate here, unless, of course, these are painted tiles - they are ideal for creating a Scandinavian interior. To decorate the portal, it is better to take a flat imitation of brick or wild stone, then the fireplace will look massive and quite real. The tiles are attached to primed surfaces using special glue. Since the processing area is small, it makes sense to fork out for “liquid nails” in cylinders for a mounting gun.

The work is done from the bottom up - this way the lower rows of cladding will create support for the next ones, preventing them from slipping. After about a day or three, when the glue has finally set, you can use the applied decor and install the tabletop. For a mantelpiece, a board with a humidity of up to 20% is simply primed and covered with several thin layers of varnish. And to give it a more expressive shade, pigments are introduced into the base.

Video: Drywall portal with chic stucco molding

Plywood and wood - step by step instructions

Making a portal from plywood and beams is almost no different from working with drywall, but here you have to take into account both the large mass and the significant thickness of the materials used. The finished structure will be noticeably heavier, but it will be able to withstand the weight of not only a full-size fireplace, but also additionally installed equipment on the mantelpiece.

Tools and materials

To work you will need:

  • frame beam 50x50 cm;
  • plywood with a thickness of 12 mm;
  • wood screws;
  • jigsaw;
  • screwdriver

For finishing, you can take primer, wood putty and paint that is resistant to high temperatures. In the case of a heating fireplace, all combustible surfaces must be impregnated with fire retardants, unless the manufacturer has done this in the factory. To attach the overlay decor you will need carpenter's glue - hardware will spoil the solid image of the wooden portal.

Schemes and calculation of materials

To give the electric fireplace maximum resemblance to the real thing, it is necessary not only to select a suitable sketch of the portal, but also to maintain the “classic” dimensions. After measuring the firebox, a drawing is made so that the height of the structure is twice as high as the visible part of the electric fireplace, and the width is 2/3 greater.

A fireplace is a wonderful decorative element that adds zest to any interior. A traditional home fireplace has always been the dream of many city dwellers, but installing it in an apartment is too complicated and often simply impossible. In such cases, modern technologies come to the rescue.

Electric fireplaces are an excellent alternative to traditional fireplaces. They have many advantages, for example, there is no need to install a chimney, fill out documents and start expensive repairs. You can make such a fireplace yourself.

Below are detailed instructions on how to make an electric fireplace with your own hands.

Preparing for installation

Installing a fireplace is a small renovation, so the first step is to develop a plan. First of all, you should choose the place where you plan to place the electric fireplace; there must be an outlet nearby.


Then you can decide on the model. It is important to consider the appearance and frame of the fireplace. It is advisable to choose an option that will match the size of the room and fit well into the interior.

Fireplaces are usually built into a portal, but if there is too little space in the room, it is possible to place them in a small niche on the wall or in furniture.

The next step is to choose the material. It is possible to make an electric fireplace with your own hands from glass, metal, stone, brick, chipboard or plasterboard. You should not use plastic or natural wood, they are too easily deformed under the influence of hot air. It is best to make a hearth from plasterboard, it is easy to work with and not too expensive. For the pedestal, you can use MDF, which has a protective laminated layer on the surface.

Having decided on the material, it is necessary to draw up an accurate drawing of the model, reflecting the smallest details, such as framing and ventilation holes.

Now you can buy the electrical part of the fireplace and the firebox. It is important to remember that its depth cannot be less than 70 mm.

If the electric fireplace is portal, it is important to maintain proportions. The fireplace should occupy half the width and 2/3 of the height of the portal. There are several nuances to consider:

  • Protruding fasteners.
  • Air ducts.
  • Electrical cords and their location.
  • Configuration of controls.


The last step is to prepare the appropriate tools, including a screwdriver, screwdrivers, hammers, tin snips, a marker, etc. etc.

Having completed the last stage of preparation, you can safely begin repairs.


Unpacking, assembly and review of the Electric Fireplace

Firebox selection

The frame, of course, plays a significant role in the construction of the fireplace, but the choice of firebox is much more important. To make the right decision, you need to know the device's design. The hearth consists of mechanisms responsible for producing heat and simulating a flame. Fire is depicted using pieces of foil or red silk. They oscillate in the air flow thanks to a special fan. There is also a mirror system and lighting. All together gives a realistic imitation of a real flame.


Heat is produced by heating elements. They come in two types: spiral and tubular. The latter are also called tens. Heat is distributed using a fan. The maximum possible energy consumption for a fireplace is about 2 kW.

Creating a pedestal and frame

The first step is to cover the entire wall adjacent to the fireplace with fireproof material. Often asbestos sheets are chosen for this purpose.

The renovation begins with the installation of a pedestal for the portal. To do this, you can use a part of the MDF table top that has a protective laminated layer on the surface. The advantage of this material is its resistance to high temperatures and moisture. When installing a pedestal, it is important to remember that its area must exceed the planned area of ​​the portal; it is necessary to take into account the frame of the fireplace.


The second stage is the manufacture of the frame. The ideal material for this is plasterboard; it is absolutely environmentally friendly and can withstand temperature changes well.

To install the frame, you can use two types of metal profiles:

  • rack-mount – 50x50
  • guide – 50x40

They are fastened with special self-tapping screws - “bugs”.

First you need to apply markings for the frame on the wall and podium. Then, using “bugs”, fasten the guide profiles along it so that you get a parallelepiped. To strengthen the structure, you can use a rack profile; it should be placed across, the interval is 25 cm. After this, the inner part of the frame for the firebox is formed. In order to calculate everything correctly, it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the fireplace itself along with the internal lining with heat-resistant tiles or other similar material.

Plasterboard sheathing and caulking

Drywall is one of the simplest and cheapest materials. Its only drawback is that its installation must be planned while the room is still being planned and renovated. Because of this, the electric fireplace cannot be moved to another location or adjusted.

When the frame is completed, it is necessary to cover it with sheets of plasterboard. However, before doing this, it is better to carry out the electrical wiring. Then you can start cutting out the sheets of drywall. Recommended sheet thickness is 12 mm. They are secured with self-tapping screws using a screwdriver. Before starting the sheathing, it is important to reinforce all corners with perforated galvanized corners.

All joints between sheets must be filled with sealant. Afterwards, all surfaces are primed and then puttied. It is important not to forget to make special holes near the body of the electric furnace. Underestimating the importance of ventilation is one of the most common mistakes when installing fireplaces. It leads to stagnation of air masses, which can cause moisture accumulation and overheating of the fireplace.
The renovation is almost complete, now that the fireplace frame is ready, there is only one stage left - decorating the hearth. There are several options here:

  1. VD paint. It can be applied with a brush or roller.
  2. Textured plaster applied using a spatula.
  3. An artificial stone that is held in place with special glue.

One of the interesting original solutions for decorating a fireplace is the use of parquet board scraps. By decorating the fireplace with pieces of wood that differ in color and texture, you can create unique compositions. At the end, the entire structure is varnished.


Sometimes, when making a portal from plasterboard, ceramic facing tiles are used instead of plaster. It is believed that such portals most realistically imitate traditional fireplaces.

Making an electric fireplace with your own hands is quite simple, you just need to have the desire and a little imagination. Such a hearth is in many ways better than a purchased one, because it was designed and decorated by the owner himself and reflects his individuality.

Video: Do-it-yourself portal for an electric fireplace (step-by-step instructions)

Electric fireplaces are an excellent solution for decorating the interior of a room. This is a stylish, fashionable solution that can radically change the image and atmosphere of the room. In modern showrooms and stores, electric fireplaces are sold in two variations - individual devices, like a heating device, and a fireplace device together with a ready-made portal, often made from MDF panels. In order not to overpay, you can make a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands. There are no difficulties in designing the portal, given the detailed information about its production on the site.

Types of designs for electric fireplaces

Today, when a huge amount of materials are available to make structures of any strength and complexity, there are no problems with choosing the necessary tools. In addition, a do-it-yourself electric fireplace allows craftsmen to design a portal in their own way, based on personal preferences. A huge advantage is the fact that the electric device itself does not contain open heating zones and during its operation the fireplace body does not heat up. The weight of the device is also light.

To install an electric fireplace in an apartment with your own hands, you can use the following materials:

  • drywall;
  • brick;
  • metal;
  • glass;
  • stone;

It is not advisable to use solid wood or plastic, as hot air can deform these materials.

Making an electric fireplace from plasterboard yourself is the most budget-friendly and easiest option for making a portal. The only drawback of this model is the inability to move it around the apartment. You should draw up accurate drawings of the future project; for a better effect, you can familiarize yourself with videos and photos of creating an electric fireplace with your own hands, which would allow you to slightly adjust your ideas by comparing them with professional advice. Don’t forget about ventilation holes and electrical wiring, which should be included in the design.

Creating a frame

For its installation, two types of metal profiles are used: guide - 27*28 mm, rack-mount 60*27 mm. The profiles are fastened together with “bugs”.

Afterwards, the entire wall adjacent to the fireplace should be covered with heat-resistant material. Next, the frame is attached to the wall. The installation of the frame should begin from the fireplace podium, and then select a portal for the firebox itself. Since the electrical appliance itself is rather large and has quite an impressive weight, the frame should be strengthened by attaching rack profiles every 20 cm.

Sheathing with plasterboard

Before installing an electric fireplace in an apartment with your own hands, it is worth doing the electrical wiring. It is also worth cutting several holes in the inner wall of the portal, which will subsequently serve as exhaust ducts. Let's move on to the sheets; a stationery knife is used to cut the plasterboard.

For sizing accuracy, so that the pieces of drywall fit closely to the frame, you can make a mock-up of the pieces on paper, and then transfer them to the drywall. The sheets are sewn up with a screwdriver using 3.5*25 self-tapping screws. A sheet of plasterboard is unable to bear the full weight of an electric fireplace; for this, the sheets should be additionally reinforced with galvanized corners. Afterwards, the plasterboard structure is completely primed and puttied.

Electrical fireplace installation

The electrical part of the fireplace itself is quite powerful and to install it you should follow the instructions included with it. It is also worth running a separate multi-core cable with double insulation to the fireplace. The cross-section of the wires used should not be less than 2.5 mm. When installing, the wires should be laid in a metal corrugation. It is worth taking care of installing a separate socket for the fireplace. As such, there are no strict rules for installing the electrical part of the fireplace. You can handle the installation of the fireplace with your own efforts, especially if the frame is ready.

Decorating an electric fireplace

An important step is decorating the portal for the electric fireplace. Here you can not restrain your imagination. You can imitate the texture and colors of natural wood. To avoid cracking of the fireplace surface during operation, and this is possible under the influence of hot air and temperature changes, it is better to cover the layer of plaster with varnish or paint. Cladding with artificial stone is one of the most suitable decoration methods. The artificial stone must be attached to the plasterboard surface using an adhesive mixture.
Twilight, light burning of wood by the fireplace and a cup of hot chocolate... And it doesn’t matter that this is just an imitation of fire...

Video of creating an electric fireplace with your own hands


An electric fireplace with a three-dimensional flame image and heating function immerses observers in a calm world of comfort and homely warmth. For a while you forget that this is just an imitation. The picture seems so realistic. And if you add a frame stylized to match the interior of the room, then you can imagine yourself as a real aristocrat, because the presence of a fireplace in the room was the first sign of a noble family.

Before you make an electric fireplace with your own hands, establish the reason for this action. This is saving money or implementing your own project. In any case, you need to start work with full desire and optimism.

Original homemade building

Preparing for work

It should be noted right away that it will not be possible to make a homemade fireplace in a couple of hours, no matter how some experts write about it. If you want to get a really good result that you will enjoy, then you should carefully plan all stages of the work and begin preparation.

Instead of coming up with playing flaps that imitate flames, or illuminating the hearth with red light, it is worth spending a certain amount of money on buying a ready-made replacement electric hearth and making the frame yourself. It is in this vein that we will build our algorithm of actions. First of all, you will need a set of tools, including:

  • screwdriver, drill, hammer drill;
  • stationery knife;
  • Screwdriver Set;
  • hammer;
  • pliers;
  • metal scissors;
  • putty knife;
  • sandpaper abrasive.

The simplest possible design

Next you need to think about the material. To make a more detailed calculation, you will have to make a drawing of the portal and calculate its surface area. The length of all ribs will be equal to the total length of the metal profile from which we will make the frame. You can fasten the profile together with self-tapping screws - “bugs”. The easiest way to sheathe the body is with plasterboard. It is easy to handle and does not deform when the temperature rises. The downside is that the structure will be quite heavy and will have to be attached to the wall.

It is necessary to select a material for the countertop on which you can place a vase of flowers or a glass of wine. An MDF sheet, the surface of which is covered with a laminated film, is ideal for these purposes.

All that's left to think about is the exterior decor. The choice here is varied, since you can use any material: ceramics, wood, plastic. The high degree of fire safety of the electric fireplace allows this to be done. But decorative stone will look the most natural. It can be processed with a grinder and glued to liquid nails.

This effect is facilitated by a special reflector installed in many modern electric fireplaces. Its principle of operation is based on the collection and further reflection of the thermal power coming from the heating element. In addition, today there are many models of electric fireplaces equipped with special speakers, the sound of which imitates the hissing of burning coals or the crackling of firewood.

Advantages

Among the positive characteristics of such heating devices, the following features can be noted:


Such heating equipment is not without some disadvantages:

  1. To connect it you need presence of a separate power line, otherwise, the load coming from it will cause frequent power outages.
  2. Necessary provide room ventilation, since a working fireplace contributes to the combustion of oxygen in the air.

Kinds

The next section provides step-by-step instructions for making an electric fireplace with your own hands, but for now let’s figure out what types of devices there are.

Thanks to their practicality and reliability, functional and aesthetic qualities, electric fireplaces always remain desirable devices in any apartment or country house. By choosing one or another shape, size, and finish of the device, you can create an original interior design at home.

No matter how different the products may be in appearance, their design is always the same. Each electric fireplace has a hearth that acts as a firebox, as well as a portal that acts as a decorative element and is responsible for the attractiveness of the device.

There are certain criteria by which electric fireplaces are divided into types. First of all, these are the types of hearth and portal, operating modes, location, material of manufacture. Let us consider each of these criteria in turn.

The design of electric fireplaces assumes the presence of a built-in or replaceable fireplace. In the first case, the presence of a special cassette, controlled remotely, is implied; in the second, we mean the separate purchase of a portal and a fireplace of the appropriate size.

Modern electric fireplaces for the most part operate in two operating modes, connected only for heating the room or for the device to perform a decorative function. So it can be used as both a heater and an interior decoration.

Depending on where in the room you want to install a fireplace powered by electricity, choose the following types of models:

  • portable, having good mobility and light weight, can be moved around the apartment or taken with you to the dacha;
  • wall-mounted, conveniently placed on any side structure and not interfering with free passage;
  • stationary for which a specific place is allocated in the house;
  • corner, helping to rationally use living space;
  • floor, which are suitable for installation anywhere in the apartment, but to maintain their effectiveness, moisture and direct sunlight should be avoided.

The appearance of the electric fireplace and its compliance with a particular interior style depend on what type of portal the consumer chooses. If you want to install an electric fireplace in your home that resembles the classic version in appearance, you should pay attention to models of strict shapes and natural tones. In such a device there are no unnecessary decorative elements: only a hearth and a portal.

For a country-style interior, a simple electric fireplace surrounded by natural stone is suitable. Original models, which use metal and glass, will organically fit into the high-tech style.

Remarkable portals with interesting color and texture solutions, with multiple shelves and decorative inserts characterize heating devices suitable for the Art Nouveau style.

Depending on the material of manufacture, the edging of an electric fireplace can be wooden, plastic, plaster, stone, steel and glass.

Preparing for independent construction

How to make such a device with your own hands? Let's take it step by step.

Before you begin, you must do the following:

  • understand what interior style the future device should suit;
  • determine the dimensions, comparing them with the parameters of the room where it is planned to be installed;
  • highlight the location of the device;
  • select the tools required for the job: hammer, screwdriver, building level, screwdriver, scissors for cutting metal.

Making an electric fireplace

As the best material, the use of which will have a positive effect on the appearance of the device, you should choose plasterboard, which has high fire safety and strength. In addition, U-shaped metal profiles or wooden slats are required.

Below are step-by-step instructions for constructing an electric fireplace:


Final stage of work

If you want to create an imitation of a traditional fireplace, you can build something like a full-fledged chimney. It is recommended to make a frame of this design using a profile and cover it, for example, with the same plasterboard. To decorate an electric fireplace, textured plaster, facing artificial stone or high-pressure paint are suitable.

When using homemade electric fireplaces, it is prohibited: