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 into a wall stud or hung from it using brackets.
Certain electric fireplaces for wall media are smartly integrated, allowing you to regulate the heat output as well as flame effects and lighting using your smartphone or tablet. Some are equipped with scheduling features.
Easy to install
There are a few aspects to consider when building a media wall in your home. First, you must determine the best location for the wall in your room. It should be placed in a location that you feel comfortable sitting and watching TV or enjoying the warmth of your fireplace. Ideally, the location should also allow for the best viewing angles in the room. After you've chosen the location, you can begin to take the measurements and build the frame. You will then need to decide on the finishing touches you would like. Some people include skirting boards to their media wall to match the interior decor. Some prefer to leave it off, making the wall stand out as a feature of its own.
Your media wall may need more work, based on the type of electric fireplace you're planning to install. For instance, inset media wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) must be built into the wall or hollowed out of it and require more advanced construction skills and tools. This does not mean that they are not able to be installed by a DIYer.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration when building the media wall is where you'll put the electrical components. You'll need to ensure that your wall has at minimum two sockets - one for the fire and the other for the TV. So you'll need to decide the location of these sockets prior to installation. Some people choose to install the sockets within the wall frame's studs while others prefer keeping the sockets near the fireplace and TV.
Once you've completed your media wall, it's important to smooth the plasterboard on top of it. This will conceal the screws that were used to keep it in place, and provide an even painting surface. You can hire an expert to plaster your home if you're not sure.
Ideal for smaller rooms
Media walls offer a streamlined design that's perfect for smaller living spaces. The combination of television, electric fire and storage space in one space will maximize the space in your space without the requirement for separate fireplaces or a bulky surround. You can also choose a bespoke design that's completely customized to your space and incorporates the latest technologies like multi-room audio and intelligent lighting.
You can also build a bespoke media wall around your electric fire of choice, adding a unique element to your living space. With a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, you can choose the perfect fire for your media wall installation. For a minimalist design, you can opt for a recessed inset electric fire such as the Elfa or if you're trying to create a cozy corner, a corner media wall with a 3 sided fire such as the Gazco eReflex 150RW is a great choice.
The DRU Virtuo180/3 Evolve Electric Fire, for example, offers a modern style that is ideal for modern living spaces. They come with realistic log effects and produce an authentic wood-crackling sound effect. You can also pick a media wall model with an in-built heat-up feature that distributes warmth more effectively and evenly.
Another benefit of a wall-hung electric fireplace for your media wall is its low maintenance. Wall-mounted fireplaces are more efficient than traditional fireplaces as they don't need chimneys and can be put up anywhere. They're also safer in homes with children or pets since they don't create real flames, and they don't emit the ash. Because they're electric you're not at risk of a rogue flame spreading out of the wall or of smoke accumulating on your furniture.
While a media wall can be built in a simple way by putting your TV on a flat wall homeowners often take the concept to the next level. They construct custom frame structures made of studs that hide cables, house integrated storage solutions and integrate appliances such as a TV, soundbar and electric fire. These kinds of installations are typically designed to divide open spaces or to create a an impressive focal point to the room. They can be decorated with beautiful wallpapers, or even mirrored panels that function as a mirror when TV is off, bringing brightness to your room and making it feel more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Media wall fires are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces that are usually installed in living areas. They are also perfect for those who want to add a chic feature to their home. The latest electric media wall fires utilize LED lights to create an amazingly realistic flame effect and have various settings that allow you to change the intensity of the light from a warm and inviting glow to a vibrant and burning fire. inset electric fires for media wall have a "flame-only" setting that allows you to enjoy the stunning images without increasing the temperature, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls have a contemporary feel and are designed to complement your interior décor creating a focal point that draws attention. Media walls are used in modern homes to add a touch of any style. They can be modern and minimalist or an earthy rustic vibe. A striking wood-panelled, geometric wall is a great example of a striking design that can be accentuated with an electric media wall fire like the Gazco eReflex with 195RW, which can add warmth and a sense of style to the space.
Many electric media wall fires are designed to be thinner in depth, allowing you to maximise space in your living spaces. They are ideal for those who wish to install media walls in a smaller space as they can be hidden behind the TV for a minimal, discreet and modern look. They are also more energy efficient than traditional gas fireplaces, with most models producing less than 2kW of heat.
It is crucial to think about the design of your media wall in a holistic manner and consider how your electric fireplace will work with your TV as well as any other custom features you might have in mind. To achieve a balanced look the electric fireplace should not be higher than one third of the height of the wall where it is mounted. You should also check that you have the required clearance between the top and bottom of the electric fire, as the clearance will differ based on the model you select.
The majority of homeowners who have basic carpentry skills and are willing to learn, can finish the installation of a wall-mounted fire in the media. However, it is advisable to select a professional HETAS approved installer such as Something Different, who will ensure that all safety precautions are in place and that the correct clearance from flammable materials is maintained.
Versatile
A media wall is a great addition to any living room, bedroom, study, or lounge. It's not only about creating an attractive focal point. A well-designed wall can create a relaxing space for you and your family to enjoy a relaxing time in. It is also a great spot to place your TV, audio system and gaming consoles.
A fire in your media wall can elevate it to the next level and truly transform your home. Many of the best electric fires can be used to create media walls, and provide the perfect balance between warmth, ambiance and design. They also have a number of great features that make them stand out from the crowd, including customisable visuals and authentic crackling sounds.
You can also find models that have smart integration, allowing you to control your fire using your tablet or smartphone through an app. This can be useful in situations where you are not in the house or want to control your fire remotely. Some advanced models have scheduling options that allow you to schedule the fire to go off when you get home and turn it off when you go to sleep.
A media wall electric fireplace can also be set up as a false chimney, without the requirement for a chimney or flue. This is an affordable way to incorporate an innovative heating system to your home.
There are two main types of electric fires that can put in the media wall: inset and wall-mounted. Inset electric fires, such as the Vision Futura 1500 and the Evonic Halo 1500 XT, are designed to be recessed into walls, which offers a clean and sleek design. They are a great option for rooms with 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 space to ensure it's adequate for the size of electric fire you're looking to accommodate. Masking can be used to define the dimensions of the wall. Then, compare your measurements with the specifications to determine the best combination.