How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A wall with a fire is an excellent option to bring warmth and comfort to your home. They can be built into a stud wall or hung from it with brackets.
Some media wall electric fireplaces have smart integration. This allows you to control the output of heat as well as flame effects and lighting from your smartphone or tablet. Some have scheduling capabilities.
Easy to install
There are a few aspects to consider when building a media wall in your home. Firstly, you will need to decide where the wall will go in your room. It should be placed in a location where you can relax and watch a show or enjoy the warmth of your fireplace. The location should also provide the most optimal viewing angles for the room. Once you've decided on a location, you can begin to take the necessary measurements and construct the frame. You'll then have to decide on the final touches you'd like. For instance, some choose to put a skirting board in their media walls, so that they are in keeping with the room's decor. Others prefer to leave this off, making the wall stand out as a distinct feature of its own.
The wall you are using for your media may require some extra work based on the kind of electric fireplace that you're planning to install. Inset media wall fireplaces (such the Vision Futura 1500 and Evonic Halo 1500XT) require more advanced construction skills and tools. This does not mean that they can't be installed by a DIYer.
Another important aspect to think about when installing the media wall is where you'll put your electrical components. You'll need at minimum two sockets for plugs on your media wall - one for TV and another for fire. So, you'll have to think ahead. Some people prefer to put the sockets in the wall frame's studs while others prefer keeping the sockets near the TV and fireplace.
After you've constructed your media wall, it's crucial to smooth the plasterboard over it. This will hide the screws that were used to keep it in place, and create an even painting surface. You can hire an expert to plaster your home if you're not confident.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall offers an elegant design that is ideal for smaller living spaces. By combining a TV, an electric fire, integrated storage and a fireplace suite into one set-up it is possible to make the most of the space in your living room. You don't need a separate fireplace or bulky surround. You can also choose a bespoke design that's completely specific to your home and incorporates the most recent technologies such as multi-room audio and smart lighting.
A custom-designed media wall could be constructed around the choice of an electric fire and adds a unique design element to your room. You can pick from a range of styles and sizes to find the perfect fire for your media installation. For a sleek design, you can opt for a recessed inset electric fire like the Elfa or if you're trying to create a cozy corner with a corner wall with a three-sided fire like the Gazco eReflex 150RW is ideal.
Wall-hung fires such as the DRU Virtuo 180/3 Evolve Electric Fire offer a more modern design, perfect for contemporary living spaces. They come with authentic log effects and produce an authentic wood-crackling sound effect. You can also choose the media wall model that comes with an in-built heat-up feature that will distribute warmth more efficiently and evenly.
Another benefit of having an electric wall-hung fire for your media wall is the low maintenance. Unlike traditional fireplaces, wall-hung fires don't need chimneys and can be placed virtually everywhere. Since they don't release the ash or create real flames, they are safer for homes with pets or children. Because they're electric there's no chance of a rogue flame leaking through the wall or of smoke accumulating on furniture.
While a media wall can be built in a simple method by mounting your TV on a flat wall many homeowners take the design concept to the next level. They design custom frameworks to hide cables, incorporate storage solutions, and even integrate appliances such as a TV, soundbar, and electric fireplace. The majority of these installations are designed to help separate large open-plan spaces or simply create a striking focal point to the room. They can be decorated with beautiful wallpapers, or even mirrored panels that function as mirrors when the TV is off, bringing light into your space and making it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Unlike traditional fireplaces which tend to be restricted to living rooms, media wall fires can be placed in any space and are ideal for those who want to add a stylish feature that is a perfect match to their décor. The latest electronic media wall fires make use of LED lights to create an amazingly realistic flame effect and have different settings, allowing you to change the intensity of the lighting from a warm and inviting glow to a bright and lively fire. Some 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 and designed to fit in with your interior decor. They create an attractive focal point that draws attention. Media walls are often used in modern homes to complement any style. They can be a sleek minimalist look or a rustic and earthy style. A striking geometric wood-panelled wall is a great illustration of a striking style which can be enhanced by an electric media wall fire like the Gazco eReflex 195RW to add warmth and a sense of style to the space.
Many electric media walls are slimmer and more compact which allows you to maximize the space in your home. They are great for those who want to build a media wall in a small space, as they can be concealed behind the television. They have a modern, minimal and discreet aesthetic. The majority of them have less than 2kW of power and are therefore more energy efficient than traditional gas fireplaces.
It is important to consider the design of your media wall holistically and consider how your electric fire will work with your TV and other custom features you may have in mind. To achieve a balanced look the electric fireplace should not be higher than one third of the height of the wall upon which it is placed. It is also important to ensure that you have the proper clearance between the top and bottom of the electric fire, as it will differ depending on the model you choose.
The majority of homeowners who have basic carpentry knowledge and are willing to learn can install a media wall fire. However, it is advisable to choose an experienced HETAS approved installer, such as Something Different, who will ensure that all safety precautions are followed and the proper clearance from the flammable materials is maintained.
Versatile
A media wall is an excellent feature for any living room, lounge or bedroom and it's not only about creating a striking focal point. A well-designed media wall can help to create a relaxing space where you and your family can unwind and relax. It's an ideal place to put your TV, audio system and gaming consoles.
The addition of a fire to your wall of media can bring it to a new level and truly transform your home. Many of the leading electric fires are designed to be used in media walls, and they offer a perfect balance between warmth and atmosphere. They also come with distinct features, like customisable visuals or authentic crackling sounds.
There are also models with smart integration that let you control your fireplace using your smartphone or tablet via an app. 3 sided fire media wall is useful when you are away from the home or simply want to control your fire from afar. Certain advanced models come with options for scheduling that allow you to set the fire to start before you arrive home and shut it off after you go to sleep.
Another benefit of a media wall electric fireplace is that it can be incorporated in a false chimney without the requirement for the chimney or flue. This is an economical way to add a modern heating solution into your home.
Wall-mounted and inset electric fireplaces are the two most popular designs that can be installed on a wall for media. Inset electric fireplaces, like the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed in the wall. This gives them a sleek and streamlined appearance. These are great for rooms with limited space or for those who want an elegant style.
If you're considering a media wall for your home the first step is to measure up the space to ensure it's big enough for the size of the electric fireplace you're planning to install. You can use masking tape to outline the dimensions of the wall. You can then compare your measurements with product specifications to find the best match.