How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A wall with a fire feature can add a cosy feature to your home. They can be built in to the wall with studs or brackets.
Some wall electric fires on the media have smart integration that lets you regulate the heat output, flame effects and lighting with your tablet or smartphone. Some even come with scheduling options.
Easy to install
There are a few things to consider when building a media wall in your home. Firstly, you will have to decide where the wall will be located in your home. It should be in a place where you will be comfortable sitting and watching TV or soaking up the warmth of your fire. The location should also provide the most optimal viewing angles for the room. Once you've settled on the location, you'll be able to take the measurements and build the frame. The next step is to choose the final touches. For instance, some choose to add a skirting board to their media walls, to ensure they blend in with the decor of the room. Others prefer to keep it off, making the wall stand out as a feature of its own.
Your media wall may need more work, based on the kind of electric fireplace you're planning to put in. Inset media wall fireplaces (such the Vision Futura 1500 and Evonic Halo 1500XT) require more sophisticated construction skills and tools. However, this does not mean they are not able to be installed by a DIYer.
Another important factor to consider when installing the media wall is where you'll put the electrical components. There should be at minimum two sockets for plugs on your wall of media one for TV and another for the fire. So, you'll need to think ahead. Some people prefer to place the sockets within the wall frame's studs, while others prefer to keep the sockets near the TV and fireplace.
Once you've built your media wall, it's crucial to skim the plasterboard over it. This will hide the screws used to keep it in place, and create an even painting surface. If you're not confident in making this yourself, you can always call in a plasterer to help.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall offers an elegant design that's ideal for smaller living spaces. Incorporating television, electric fire and integrated storage space into one unit allows you to maximize your room without the requirement for an additional fireplace suite or bulky surround. You can even choose a custom design that's tailored to your home and incorporates the latest technologies such as multi-room audio or intelligent lighting.
A custom-designed media wall could also be built around the choice of an electric fire, adding an unique design element to your space. With a range of sizes and styles to pick from, you can choose the perfect fire for your media wall. If you are looking for a minimalist style, consider a recessed electric fireplace like the Elfa. If you are looking to create a cozy corner, a corner TV wall with a 3-sided fire such as the Gazco 150RW, is a great choice.
Wall-hung fires like the DRU Virtuo 180/3 Evolve Electric Fire provide a more contemporary aesthetic, ideal for contemporary living spaces. They make a wood-cracking sound and look like real logs. You can pick one with a back heating feature in order to spread warmth more evenly.
The ease of maintenance is another advantage of using an electric wall fire for your media walls. In contrast to traditional fireplaces, wall-hung fireplaces don't require chimneys and can be installed virtually everywhere. They are also safer for households with pets or children since they don't create real flames and don't emit ash. Electric heaters are safer than gas heaters since they don't create real flames or emit the ash.
Although a media wall can be built in a straightforward method by mounting your TV on a flat wall, many homeowners take the design idea further. They create custom-designed frameworks to hide cables, incorporate storage solutions, and even integrate appliances like TV, soundbar and an electric fireplace. The majority of these installations are designed to help separate large open-plan spaces or simply provide a dramatic focal feature to the room. They can be decorated with stunning wallpapers or mirrored panels that act as mirrors when the TV is turned off. This will lighten your room and make it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Contrary to traditional fireplaces that tend to be restricted to living rooms media wall fires can be installed in any room and are perfect for those looking to add an elegant feature that complements their decor. The latest electric media wall fires utilize LED lights to create a stunningly realistic flame effect. They come with various settings, allowing you to change the intensity of the light from a soft and cozy glow to a bright and lively fire. Some models have a "flame-only" setting that allows you to enjoy stunning images without increasing the temperature, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls are modern in design and are made to match your interior design and create an attractive focal point that attracts attention. Media walls are commonly used in modern homes to add a touch of any style. They can be an elegant minimalist design or an earthy rustic vibe. A wood-panelled, geometric design is an impressive illustration that can be enhanced by an electric media wall fireplace, such as the Gazco eReflex 195RW. This will bring warmth and charm to your living space.
Many of the media walls that are electric are slimmer and smaller which allows you to maximize the space within your home. They are perfect for people who are looking to set up a media wall in a smaller space as they can be hidden behind the TV to create a minimal, discreet and modern aesthetic. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional gas fireplaces with most models producing less than 2kW of heat.
It is important to consider the design of your media wall holistically and think about how your electric fire will compliment your television and other custom features you might have in mind. To create a balanced appearance, your electric fireplace should not be higher than one third of the height of the wall on which it is placed. Check that you have enough clearance above and beneath the electric fire. This will differ based the model you select.
Media wall fire installation is a project that can be undertaken by homeowners who have basic carpentry skills and a desire to learn. However, it is best to choose a professional HETAS approved installer such as Something Different, who will ensure all safety measures are followed and the correct clearance from flammable materials is maintained.
Multi-faceted
A media wall can be a great addition to any living space, bedroom, study, or lounge. It's not just about creating a focal point. A well-designed wall can create a tranquil atmosphere for you and your family to enjoy a relaxing time in. It also provides a perfect space for your television and audio equipment as well as gaming consoles.
Include a fireplace to the wall of a media room to take it to the next step and transform your home. A lot of the top electric fireplaces can be used to build media walls and offer the perfect balance between warmth, ambiance and style. These electric fires also have some unique features, such as customisable visuals and authentic crackling sounds.
There are also models with smart integration that let you control your fireplace via your tablet or smartphone via an app. This can be useful when you are away from the house or just want to control your fire remotely. Certain models with advanced technology have the option of scheduling which allows you to set the fire to go off when you get home and turn it off when you go to bed.
Another advantage of a media wall electric fire is that it can be put inside a fake chimney breast without the need for an chimney or flue. This makes it an affordable way to incorporate a modern heating solution into your home.
There are two main types of electric fires that you can install on a media wall: inset and wall-mounted. Inset electric fireplaces, such as the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed into the wall. This gives them a sleek, streamlined appearance. 3 sided fire media wall are a great choice for rooms with a limited floor space or if you wish to go for a more minimalist style.
If you're considering installing a media wall for your home the first step is to measure up the area to ensure it's big enough for the size of the electric fireplace you're planning to install. Masking is a great way to draw out the dimensions of the wall. Then, compare your measurements with the specifications to find the perfect match.