Fireplace - a symbol of home, warmth and comfort. Even in antiquity, in the medieval palaces, a chimney and a niche for fire were built into the wall. Volumetric and small, with luxurious decoration and modestly decorated with plaster fireplaces faithfully served humanity for many centuries. In modern times, a cozy source of heat is still in considerable demand. But in a city apartment it is often difficult to put a fireplace. You should not despair - we have excellent alternative options for a full hearth.
Decorative fireplace do it yourself
Materials and Design
It is clear that in typical apartments it is not realistic to build a full-fledged fireplace. Technically, this task is not feasible, especially in apartment buildings. But for those owners who have long dreamed of decorating their interior with a similar object, there is a way out. After all, instead of a full-fledged fireplace, you can build a so-called false-fireplace.
According to external signs, it can hardly be distinguished from the real hearth, but in this case, the arrangement of the firebox and chimney will not be required.In addition, making a fake-fireplace with your own hands is quite a feasible task.
Since the imitation of the home hearth absolutely does not require a complete reconstruction of the home and special skills in its installation, the design of the decorative fireplace will depend only on the imagination and the wishes of the owners.
The first step is to equip the hearth frame. The source material can be metal profiles, wooden slats and bars or a patch panel with a beautiful decorative window. The dimensions of the structure will depend on the size of the room in which it will be installed.
Features and types of false fireplaces
Designers identify authentic, symbolic and conditional types of false fireplaces. Let us consider in more detail each of them.
Authentic fireplace
Here all indicators of a full-fledged fireplace are ideally observed, except for the chimney outlet. Full similarity is achieved thanks to a burner installed in the “firebox” or a conventional electric fire. For decorating use wallpaper, stone or tile.
Conditional fireplace
This model is a niche in the wall, a kind of portal imitating the “firebox” and decorated with firewood, candelabra and other elements of this fireplace.
For the construction of a conditional hearth, a large niche depth is not necessary - 20 cm is enough, and the internal volume can be added using glued mirror tiles on the back panel and on the sides of the niche.
Symbolic (painted) false fireplace
Such a solution is more like a pattern on the surface of the wall than any structure. Everyone can make it from the most usual plinths, at the same time having designated only a silhouette, without depth.
Individuality and style: a fireplace made of wood, brick and natural stone
For admirers of ancient products, the fireplace made of natural or artificial stone, stylized as the Middle Ages, would be ideal. Such a hearth with a wide shelf and a large enough niche, which is actively used as a decor, looks great in a spacious room. It can be anything, candlesticks, a family photo, floral decorations or a stack of firewood.
Decorative false fireplace from plasterboard
In modern apartments with an interior in modernist style or high-tech, a similar variation of the fireplace can be presented in unexpected ways. Interesting solutions - a fireplace, as part of a furniture wall with books, or as an independent art object made of noble black glass.
A great option for the bedroom - a fireplace in a classic style or Empire. White strips with original stucco will bring a touch of home comfort and warmth, and the decorative edging of the fireplace with wood will fill the room with exquisite aristocracy. In addition, such an element with a mirror can serve as a peculiar dressing table.
Among all the unusual options, the most popular is a false fireplace, decorated with candles. They decorate the mantels and the niche, selecting color and size, building various combinations, placing them in candelabra or simply placing them on the floor.
Artificial flame: fire imitation in the fireplace
Some designers paint imitation of fire inside the firebox. If you properly organize the lighting, you get a delightful effect of a burning flame inside the hearth. An excellent option would be a mobile false fireplace, which can be done by experts in the furniture workshop. This will allow not to tie the decorative image to the stationary product, using it in different rooms.
Corner false fireplace - the best option for small spaces
In a compact bedroom or a small living room, you can organize an angular false-fireplace, which not only saves additional space for furniture, but also gives a special charm to the room. It is made according to the principle similar to an angular wall, shelf or cabinet. Depth is chosen based on the size of the room.
False fireplace in the home office
The decorative fireplace in the home office will give a special representativeness to the interior.Such a product disposes to work and creativity, creates a certain atmosphere, causes only positive emotions. Often false-fireplace complement interesting decorative grilles, thereby enhancing the similarity of the interior with the palace furnishings of England.
The luxurious decorative construction in the office emphasizes the financial soundness and respectability of the owner.
Raised fireplace in the children's room
An interesting solution is a decorative fireplace in the baby’s room. Without changing the essence of the design, you can increase the niche and add shelves to store children's toys, books and other items and accessories. The substantial depth of the furnace hole will be an excellent area for children's games.
And finally, I must say that, first of all, a fireplace is a significant thing in creating a romantic atmosphere. Even in its decorative performance, such a hearth will appeal to both a young family and an elderly couple. Smoldering flame has a spiritual atmosphere and relaxation, brings people together, gives the interior comfort and coziness.
And what for you a fireplace in the house? What design options did you like the most?
