How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A fireplace media wall can be a cozy feature to your home. They can be built into a stud wall or hung from it using brackets.
Some media wall electric fires have smart integration that lets you control the heat output and flame effects as well as lighting with your smartphone or tablet. Some have scheduling capabilities.
Easy to install
There are a few things to consider when building media walls for your home. First, you must determine the best location for the wall in your home. It should be placed in a location where you can relax and watch a show or enjoy the warmth of your fireplace. The ideal location will also allow for the best viewing angles within the room. Once you’ve decided on the location, you can begin to measure and construct the frame. The next step is to choose the final details. Some people add skirting boards to their media walls to match the interior decor. Some prefer to leave it off, allowing the media wall to stand apart on its own.
Based on the kind of electric fireplace you’re planning to install the media wall could require a bit more work than other types of fireplaces. For instance, inset media wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) require to be installed into the wall or hollowed out of it that requires more building skills and tools. However this doesn’t mean they can’t be put in by an average DIYer.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration when building a media fireplace wall is where you’ll locate the electrical components. You’ll need to ensure that your wall has at least two plug sockets one for the fire and the other for the TV. So you’ll need to decide where these will be beforehand. Some people choose to install the sockets in the stud wall frame while others prefer to keep the sockets near the fireplace and TV.
Once you have constructed your media wall, it’s crucial to smooth the plasterboard. This will hide the screws used to keep it in place, and will create a smooth surface for painting. You can employ an expert to plaster your home if you’re not confident.
Ideal for smaller rooms
Media walls offer a streamlined design that’s perfect for smaller living spaces. Integrating a TV, electric fire and integrated storage space into one space allows you to maximize your space without the requirement for separate fireplaces or a large surround. You can pick a design that is completely tailored to your personal preferences and also incorporates the latest technology like multi-room audio and intelligent lighting.
You can also create a bespoke media wall to surround your electric fire of choice, bringing a unique element to your space. You can pick from a range of styles and sizes to find the perfect fire for your media installation. For a minimalist design, you can opt for an inset electric fire that is recessed such as the Elfa or, if you’re looking to create a cosy corner with a corner wall with a 3-sided fire like the Gazco eReflex 150RW is the perfect choice.
The DRU Virtuo180/3 sided electric fire media wall Evolve Electric Fire, for example, offers a modern style that is ideal for modern living rooms. They produce a wood-crackling noise and have a realistic log appearance. You can also select a wall with a media wall that has back heat-up features that will distribute warmth more evenly and efficiently.
The ease of maintenance is another advantage of having an electric wall fire for your media walls. Wall-mounted fireplaces are more efficient than traditional fireplaces because they don’t need chimneys and can be put up anywhere. Since they don’t release smoke or ignite, they are safer for homes with children or pets. Electric heaters are more secure than gas heaters since they don’t generate real flames or emit ash.
Many homeowners go beyond the basic idea of mounting their TV on flat surfaces. They design custom frames to conceal cables, incorporate storage solutions, and integrate appliances such as a soundbar, TV and electric fireplace. These types of structures are usually designed to help divide large open-plan spaces or to provide a dramatic focal to the room. They can be decorated with beautiful wallpapers or mirrored panels that serve as mirrors when the TV is off. This will brighten your space and make it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Unlike traditional fireplaces which are usually restricted to living areas, media wall fires can be installed in any room and are great for those who want to add a stylish feature that is a perfect match to their décor. The most recent electric media wall fires use LED lights to create an amazing realistic flame effect. They come with various settings, allowing you to change the intensity of the lighting from a soft and cozy glow to a bright and roaring fire. Some have a ‘flame-only’ setting that allows you to enjoy the dazzling images without turning up the temperature, which makes them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls have a modern design and are made to complement your interior décor and create an attractive focal point that attracts attention. They are often utilized in modern homes and are able to improve any style from a sleek, minimalist design to an rustic and earthy style. A bold geometric wood-panelled wall is a perfect illustration of a striking design that can be enhanced with an electric media wall fireplace like the Gazco eReflex with 195RW, which can add warmth and charm to the space.
Many wall-mounted electric fires are made to be smaller in depth, helping you maximize space in your living spaces. They are perfect for those who want to build media walls in a smaller space as they can be concealed behind the TV to create an elegant, discrete and contemporary look. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional gas fireplaces, with the majority of models producing less than 2kW of heat.
It is important to consider the design of your media wall in a holistic manner and consider how your electric fire will compliment your television as well as other bespoke features you might be thinking of. To achieve a balanced look, your electric fire should not exceed greater than one-third of the height of the wall it’s installed on. Also, make sure you have the necessary clearance above and below your electric fire, as it will differ depending on the model you choose.
Most homeowners who have basic carpentry skills and are willing to learn, can finish the installation of media wall fire. However, it is best to choose an experienced HETAS approved installer, such as Something Different, who will ensure that all safety precautions are in place and that the proper clearance from fire-prone materials is maintained.
Multi-faceted
A media wall can be an ideal option for any living room, lounge or bedroom, and it’s not just about creating a stunning focal point. A well-designed wall for media can help create a peaceful space where you and your family can sit back and enjoy a moment of relaxation. It also provides a suitable space for your TV and audio equipment as well as gaming consoles.
The addition of a fire to your media wall can elevate it to the next level and completely transform your home. A lot of the top electric fireplaces can be used to build media walls, and provide the perfect balance between warmth, ambiance and style. They also have some great features that help them stand out from the crowd, including customisable visuals and authentic crackling sound.
You can also find models that have smart integration, allowing you to control your fire from your smartphone or tablet through an app. This is helpful if you’re out of the home or would like to control your fireplace media wall from anywhere. Certain models with advanced technology have options for scheduling that allow you to set the fire to start when you get home and shut it off after you go to bed.
Another benefit of a wall electric fire is that it can be installed in a false chimney without the requirement for a chimney or flue. This is a cost-effective solution to incorporate an efficient heating system to your home.
Wall-mounted and inset electric fires are the two most popular designs that can be installed on a media wall 3 sided fire wall. Inset electric fires, like the Vision Futura 1500 and the Evonic Halo 1500 XT, are designed to be recessed into the wall, which offers a clean and streamlined design. They are an excellent choice for rooms with a limited floor space or for those who want to go for a more minimalist style.
If you’re thinking about installing a media-wall for your home, you should first determine the area you want to cover to ensure it’s large enough to accommodate the electric fire you’d like to install. You can use masking to outline the dimensions of the wall. Then, compare your measurements with the specifications to find the perfect combination.