How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A fire media wall can add a cosy feature to your home. They can be built in to the wall using studs or brackets.
Certain wall-mounted electric fireplaces for media feature smart integration. This allows you to manage the heat output 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 for your home. First, you must determine the best location for the wall in your home. It should be in a spot where you will be comfortable sitting and watching TV or soaking up the warmth of your fire. The location should also offer the best viewing angles for the room. Once you've settled on the place, you can begin taking measurements and construct the frame. You'll then have to decide what final touches you'd like to add. Some people add skirting boards to their media wall to complement the interior decor. Some people choose to remove it and allow the wall to stand out on its own.
Based on the type of electric fire you're planning to install, your media wall may require a bit more effort than other fireplaces. Inset media wall fireplaces (such the Vision Futura 1500 and Evonic Halo 1500XT) require more advanced construction skills and tools. However, this does not mean they cannot be installed by a DIYer.
When you are installing a media wall, it's important to consider the best place to put your electrical components. You'll require at least two sockets for plugs on your wall of media one for TV and another for the fire. So, you'll have to think ahead. Some people opt to install sockets inside the wall frame with studs while others prefer to keep them near the fireplace and TV.
Once you've built your media wall, it's important to smooth the plasterboard on top of it. This will hide the screws that were used to keep it in place, and provide a smooth painting surface. You can hire a plasterer if you are not confident.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall is a sleek design ideal for smaller living spaces. By combining a TV, an electric fire, integrated storage and a fireplace set-up into one set-up that you can make the most of the space in your room. You don't require an additional fireplace or a bulky surround. You can even choose a bespoke design that's completely customized to your space and incorporates the latest technologies such as multi-room audio or intelligent lighting.
A custom media wall can be constructed around your choice of electric fire, adding an unique design element to your room. You can pick from a wide range of sizes and styles to find the ideal fire for your media installation. For a sleek design, you can opt for a recessed inset electric fire such as the Elfa or, if you're trying to create a cozy corner with a corner wall with a 3 sided fire like the Gazco eReflex 150RW is a great choice.
The DRU Virtuo180/3 Evolve Electric Fire, for instance, is a contemporary aesthetic that is ideal for modern living spaces. They produce a wood-crackling noise and look like real logs. You can also pick a wall with a media wall that has an in-built heat-up feature that allows warmth to be distributed more evenly and efficiently.
Another benefit of having an electric wall-hung fire for your media wall is the low maintenance. Wall-mounted fires are more practical than traditional fireplaces because they don't need chimneys and can be placed anywhere. Because they don't emit ash or produce real flames they are safe for homes that have children or pets. Electric heaters are safer than gas heaters as they don't produce real flames or emit an ash.
Many homeowners go beyond the simple idea of mounting their TV to an unfinished surface. They create custom-designed frames to conceal cables, integrate storage solutions, and incorporate appliances like TV, soundbar and an electric fireplace. These installations are often created to divide large open-plan spaces or to provide an eye-catching focal point to the space. They can be decorated with beautiful wallpapers or even mirrored panels that act as a mirror when the TV is switched off, bringing light into your space and making it appear more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Contrary to traditional fireplaces that are often limited to living spaces media wall fires can be positioned in any room and are great for those who want to add a stylish feature that complements their decor. The most recent electronic media wall fires make use of LED lights to create a stunningly realistic flame effect. They also have various settings, allowing you to alter the intensity of the lighting from a warm and inviting glow to a vibrant and lively fire. Some have 'flame only settings that let you enjoy the stunning visuals without cranking up the temperature, making them eco-friendly and affordable.
electric fireplaces for media walls have a contemporary feel and are designed to complement your interior décor, creating an attractive focal point that attracts attention. Media walls are used in modern homes to add a touch of any style. They can be an elegant minimalist design or a rustic and earthy style. A bold geometric wood-panelled wall is a perfect illustration of a striking style which can be enhanced by an electric media wall fire like the Gazco eReflex with 195RW, which can add warmth and a sense of style to the space.
A lot of media walls made of electric are slimmer and smaller, allowing you to maximize the space in your home. They are great for those who want to install a media-wall in a small space, since they can be hidden behind the television. They have a modern, minimal and discreet aesthetic. They are also more energy-efficient than traditional gas fireplaces with the majority of models producing less than 2kW of heat.
It's important to think about the design of your media wall holistically and consider how your electric fireplace will complement your television as well as other bespoke features you might be thinking of. To achieve a harmonious look the electric fireplace should not be higher than one-third the height of the wall where it is placed. Check that you have enough clearance above and beneath the electric fire. This will vary depending on the model you choose.
Media wall fire installation is a project that is achievable by anyone with a basic carpentry skill and a willingness to learn. It is recommended to hire an expert HETAS-certified installer like Something Different, that will ensure that all safety measures are taken, and the correct clearance is maintained to keep out flammable materials.
Versatile
A media wall can be an ideal feature for any lounge, living room or bedroom, and it's not just about creating an eye-catching focal point. A well-designed wall can create a tranquil atmosphere for you and your family to unwind in. It's also a great place to place your TV, audio system and gaming consoles.
Adding a fire to your wall of media can take it to the next level and truly transform your home. Many of the leading electric fires are specifically designed to be used in media walls. They provide a perfect balance of warmth and ambiance. These electric fires also have some unique features, like customisable visuals and authentic crackling sounds.
There are models that have smart integration that let you control your fireplace using your smartphone or tablet through an app. This can be useful in situations where you are not in the home or simply want to control your fire remotely. Certain advanced models come with scheduling options that allow you to schedule your fire to turn on before you get home and turn off at bedtime.
Another benefit of a media wall electric fire is that it can be put into a false chimney breast without the requirement for a chimney or flue. This is a cost-effective solution to incorporating an efficient heating system to your home.
There are two primary styles of electric fires you can put in the media wall: wall-mounted and inset. Inset electric fires, like the Vision Futura 1500 and the Evonic Halo 1500 XT, are designed to be recessed into walls that gives a clean and streamlined appearance. These are great for rooms with limited space or for those who want an elegant style.
If you are considering a media-wall for your home, you should first determine the area you want to cover to ensure that it's big enough to accommodate the electric fire you're planning to install. You can use masking tape to outline the dimensions of the wall and then compare the measurements to specifications of the product to determine the best fit.