How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A wall with a fire feature can add a cosy feature to your home. They can be built in to the wall using studs or brackets.
Some media wall electric fires come with smart integration, allowing you to control the heat output and flame effects as well as lighting with your tablet or smartphone. Some come with scheduling features.
Easy to install
When it comes to constructing a fire media wall in your home, there are several aspects you need to take into consideration. You must first decide the location of the wall in your room. It should be located in a spot where you can comfortably sit and watch TV or relax in the warmth of your fireplace. Ideally, the location will also provide the best viewing angles within the room. Once you have decided on the location, you will be able to begin to make the necessary measurements and build the frame. Then you will need to decide on the final elements. For instance, some opt to add a skirting board to their media walls to ensure that they match the rest of the decor of the room. Some prefer to leave it off leaving the media wall to stand apart on its own.
Depending on what kind of electric fireplace you're planning to install the media wall could require a bit more effort than other fireplaces. For instance, inset wall fires (such as the Vision Futura 1500 or Evonic Halo 1500 XT) must be installed into the wall or hollowed out and require more advanced construction skills and tools. However media wall and fire doesn't mean that they can't be installed by anyone who is a DIYer.
Another important aspect to think about when installing media walls is where you'll locate the electrical components. You will need to ensure your wall has at least two plug sockets - one for the fire and the other for the TV. So you'll need to determine the location of these sockets prior to installation. Some people prefer to put the sockets in the stud wall frame, while others prefer to place them near the TV and fireplace.
After you have constructed your media wall, it's essential to sand the plasterboard. This will conceal the screws that were used to hold it in place, and create a smooth painting surface. It is possible to hire a plasterer if you are not confident.
Ideal for smaller rooms
A media wall is a sleek design perfect for small living spaces. The combination of the TV, electric fireplace and integrated storage space into one installation makes the most of your room without the need for a separate fireplace suite or large surround. You can choose a design that is completely tailored to your personal preferences and includes the latest technologies like multi-room audio and smart lighting.
A bespoke media wall can also be built around the fire you choose, 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. If electric media wall fireplaces looking for a minimalist style, go for a recessed electric fire, such as the Elfa. Or, if you want to create an inviting corner wall for your TV, a corner wall with a three-sided fire such as the Gazco 150RW, is a great choice.
The DRU Virtuo180/3 Evolve Electric Fire, for instance, is a contemporary aesthetic that is ideal for modern living rooms. They create a wood-cracking noise and look like real logs. You can also choose a media wall model with a back heat-up feature that distributes warmth more efficiently and evenly.
Low maintenance is another advantage of installing an electric wall heater for your media walls. Wall-mounted fireplaces are more efficient than traditional fireplaces because they don't require chimneys and can be placed anywhere. They're also safer in homes with children or pets since they don't create real flames and don't emit an ash. Electric heaters are safer than gas heaters because they don't create real flames or emit the ash.
While a media wall can be built in a simple way by putting your TV on a flat wall, many homeowners take the idea further. They construct custom frame structures made of studs that conceal cables, house integrated storage solutions, and incorporate appliances like a soundbar, TV and electric fire. The majority of these installations are created to help segment large open-plan spaces or simply create a striking focal point to the space. They can be decorated with stunning wallpapers, or even mirrored panels that function as a mirror when TV is off, bringing light into your space and making it feel more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Media wall fires are a great alternative to traditional fireplaces which are typically only used in living rooms. They are also ideal for anyone looking to add a fashionable feature to their home. The most modern electronic media wall fires make use of LED lights to create an amazing realistic flame effect. They come with various settings that allow you to alter the intensity of the light from a warm and inviting glow to a vibrant and burning fire. Some models have a "flame-only" setting that lets you enjoy the stunning images without increasing the temperature, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls have a contemporary feel and are designed to complement your interior décor, creating an attractive focal point that attracts attention. They are often used in modern homes and can improve any style that ranges from a sleek minimalist design to an rustic, earthy look. A striking geometric wood-panelled wall is a perfect illustration of a striking style that can be enhanced with an electric media wall fire like the Gazco eReflex with 195RW, which can add warmth and a sense of style to the space.
Many electric media wall fires are made to be slimmer in depth, helping you maximize space in your living spaces. They are ideal for those who wish to install a media wall in a smaller space as they can be hidden behind the TV to create an elegant, discrete and modern look. The majority of models have less than 2kW of power and are therefore more energy efficient than traditional gas fireplaces.
Take into consideration the overall layout of your media wall and think about how your electric fireplace will work with your TV, as well in any other unique features you might think of. To create a balanced appearance the electric fireplace should not be higher than one third of the height of the wall upon which it is mounted. It is also important to ensure that you have the proper clearance between the top and bottom of your electric fire, as the clearance will differ based on the model you choose.
Media wall fire installation is a task that is achievable by anyone with basic carpentry skills and a willingness to learn. However, it is best to choose an experienced HETAS approved installer such as Something Different, who will ensure all safety measures are in place and that the correct clearance from the flammable materials is maintained.
Versatile
A media wall is a fantastic addition to any living room, lounge, study or bedroom, and it's not just about creating a stunning focal point. A well-designed wall can create a tranquil atmosphere for you and your loved ones to enjoy a relaxing time in. It is also a great place to place your TV or audio system as well as gaming consoles.
Install a fire in an existing wall for it to the next step and transform your home. Many of the top electric fires are designed to be used in media walls, and they offer a perfect balance between warmth and ambiance. They also come with some fantastic features that make them stand out from the rest, including customisable visuals and authentic crackling sound.
There are models that have smart integration that allow you to control your fireplace via your tablet or smartphone through an app. This is helpful for those who aren't at home or would like to control your fireplace from afar. Some advanced models even come with scheduling options, which allow you to schedule your fire to go on prior to your return and turn off at bedtime.
Another advantage of a media wall electric fire is that it can be put inside a fake chimney breast without the necessity of a chimney or flue. This is a cost-effective option to incorporating an efficient heating system to your home.
Inset and wall-mounted electric fires are the two main styles that you can install on a media wall. Inset electric fires, like the Vision Futura 1500 and the Evonic Halo 1500 XT, are designed to be recessed into walls, which offers a clean and modern look. They are ideal for rooms with a limited space or if you want a minimalist design.
If you are thinking of installing the installation of a media wall in your home, you must first measure the space to ensure that it's large enough to accommodate the electric fire that you want to install. You can use masking tape to draw out the dimensions on the wall. You can then compare the measurements to specifications for the product to find the best match.