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.
Some wall electric fireplaces with media come with smart integration. This allows you to control the output of heat, flame effects, and lighting using your smartphone or tablet. Some come with scheduling features.
Easy to install
There are some things to think about when designing a media wall for your home. You will first need to determine the location of the wall in your living space. It should be located in a place where you can relax and watch a show or enjoy the warmth of your fireplace. Ideally, the location should also provide the best viewing angles within the room. Once you've settled on the place, you can begin taking measurements and construct the frame. The next step is to decide on the final touches. Some people include skirting boards to their media walls to match the design of the room. Some prefer to not add it and allow the wall to stand apart on its own.
Based on the type of electric fire you're planning to install, your media wall may require a bit more work than other fireplaces. For instance, inset media wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) need to be installed in the wall or hollowed out of it, which requires more extensive construction skills and tools. However, this doesn't mean they can't be put in by an average DIYer.
When you are installing a media wall it is essential to think about the location of your electrical components. You'll need to ensure that your media wall has at least two sockets for plugs one for the fire and one for the TV, so you'll need to determine the location of these sockets prior to installation. Some people choose to install sockets inside the wall frame with studs while others prefer keeping them near the TV and fireplace.
Once you have constructed your media wall it is crucial to smooth the plasterboard. This will hide the screws that were used to keep it in place, and provide an even painting surface. It is possible to hire an expert to plaster your home if you're not confident.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall offers an elegant design that's ideal for smaller living spaces. Integrating the TV, electric fireplace and storage space integrated into one space will maximize the space in your space without the necessity of an additional fireplace suite or large surround. You can also choose an individual design that is specific to your home and incorporates the most recent technologies such as multi-room audio and smart lighting.
A custom-designed media wall could also be built around your choice of electric fire that will add a unique design element to your room. You can choose from a range of sizes and styles to find the ideal fire for your media installation. For a sleek look, you can select an electric fire with a recess like the Elfa or if you're seeking to create a cozy corner with a corner wall with a 3-sided fire like the Gazco eReflex 150RW is ideal.
The DRU Virtuo180/3 Evolve Electric Fire, for instance, has a contemporary design that is perfect for modern living spaces. They come with authentic log effects and provide a genuine wood-crackling sound effect. You can also choose a wall with a media wall that has a back heat-up feature that allows warmth to be distributed more efficiently and evenly.
Another benefit of having a wall-hung electric fire for your media wall is its low maintenance. Unlike traditional fireplaces, wall-hung fires don't need chimneys and can be placed virtually everywhere. They're also safer for households with pets or children because they don't generate real flames, and they don't emit ash. Electric heaters are safer than gas heaters because they don't generate real flames or emit ash.
While a media wall can be built in a straightforward way by mounting your TV on a flat wall many homeowners take the design idea further. They create custom frames of studs to hide cables, create integrated storage solutions and integrate appliances like a soundbar, TV and electric fire. These kinds of installations are typically designed to help divide large open-plan areas or to add an impressive focal point to the space. They can be decorated with stunning wallpapers or mirrored panels which function as mirrors when the TV is off. This will brighten your space and make it feel more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Media wall fires can be a fantastic alternative to traditional fireplaces which are usually only installed in living rooms. They are also perfect for those who want to add a stylish feature to their home. The most recent electric media wall fires use LED lights to create a stunningly realistic flame effect. They also have various settings, allowing you to change the intensity of the lighting from a warm and cosy glow to a vibrant and roaring fire. Some have a "flame only" setting that allows you to enjoy stunning images without raising the temperature, making them eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls are modern and designed to complement your interior decor. They create a focal point which attracts attention. They are commonly utilized in modern homes and can add a touch of style to any room from a sleek, minimalist look to a more rustic and earthy style. A striking geometric wood-panelled wall is an excellent illustration of a striking design which can be enhanced by an electric wall fire like the Gazco eReflex 195RW to add warmth and charm to the room.
Many of the media walls that are electric are slimmer and more compact and allow you to maximize the space within your home. They are perfect for those who wish to install a media wall in a smaller room as they can be concealed behind the TV to create an elegant, discrete and contemporary look. They also tend to be more energy efficient than traditional gas fireplaces, with the majority producing less than 2kW of heat.
It's important to think about the design of your media wall holistically and consider how your electric fire will work with your TV as well as any other custom features you might be thinking of. For a balanced finish your electric fire should not be more than one-third of the height of the wall it is placed on. You should also check that you have the necessary clearance between the top and bottom of your electric fire, since the clearance will differ based on the model you select.
Media wall fire installation is a job that can be completed by homeowners with a basic carpentry skill and a willingness to learn. However, it is recommended to hire an experienced HETAS approved installer like Something Different, who will ensure all safety measures are followed and the correct clearance from fire-prone materials is maintained.
Multi-faceted
A media wall is an ideal addition to any lounge, living room, study or bedroom, and it's not only about creating a striking focal point. 3 sided media wall fire -designed wall can create a peaceful atmosphere for you and your loved ones to unwind in. It also provides a perfect space for your television and audio equipment as well as gaming consoles.
The addition of a fire to your media wall can take it to the next level and truly transform your home. A lot of the top electric fires can be used to build media walls and offer the perfect balance of warmth, ambiance and design. They also come with distinct features, like customisable visuals and authentic crackling sounds.
There are also models with smart integration that lets you control your fireplace from your smartphone or tablet via an app. This is beneficial for those who aren't at home or want to control your fireplace from afar. Certain advanced models come with scheduling options, allowing you to set your fire to go on when you return home and shut off at night.
Another benefit of a media wall electric fire is that it can be installed in a false chimney without the requirement for a chimney or flue. This is an affordable way to incorporate modern heating options to your home.
There are 3 sided media wall fire of electric fires that you can put in the media wall: inset and wall-mounted. Inset electric fireplaces, like the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed into the wall. This creates a sleek and modern appearance. They are an excellent choice for rooms with a limited floor space or if you wish to create a minimalist design.
If you are considering building a media-wall in your home, you should first take measurements of the area to ensure that it's big enough to accommodate the electric fireplace you'd like to install. You can use masking to define the dimensions of the wall. Then, compare your measurements with the specifications to determine the best match.