How to Build a Fire Media Wall
A fireplace media wall is an excellent method to add warmth and comfort to your home. They can be built into a stud-wall or hung using brackets.
Some wall electric fires on the media are smartly integrated, allowing you to manage the output of heat and flame effects as well as lighting with your smartphone or tablet. Some even come with scheduling options.
Easy to install
There are a few aspects to consider when building media walls for your home. First, you must determine the best location for the wall in your room. It should be in a location that you can sit comfortably and watch TV 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 location, you'll be able to take the measurements and create the frame. The next step is to decide on the final touches you'd like. For example, some people choose to add a skirting board to their media walls, so that they blend in with the decor. Some people choose to remove it and allow the wall to stand alone.
The media wall might require some extra work based on the kind of electric fireplace you're planning to put in. 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 crucial aspect to take into consideration when installing media walls is where you'll put your electrical components. There should be at least two plug sockets on your media wall one for TV and one for a fire. So, you'll have to plan ahead. Some people opt to install sockets inside the wall frame that is studs, while others prefer to keep them close to the TV and fireplace.
After you've constructed your media wall, it's crucial to smooth the plasterboard on top of it. This will conceal the screws used to keep it in place, and create an even painting surface. You can employ 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. By combining a TV with an electric fire, a storage unit and a fireplace suite in one unit it is possible to make the most of your living room. There's no need for a separate fireplace or an expensive surround. You can pick a design that is entirely adapted to your home, and includes the latest technologies like multi-room audio and smart lighting.
A custom media wall can also be built around your choice of electric fire, adding an unique design feature to your space. You can choose from a variety of sizes and styles to find the ideal fire for your media installation. For a minimalist look, you can select a recessed inset electric fire like the Elfa or if you're seeking to create a cozy corner, a corner media wall with a 3-sided fire such as the Gazco eReflex 150RW is the perfect choice.
Wall-hung fires such as the DRU Virtuo 180/3 Evolve Electric Fire offer a more modern style, which is ideal for modern living spaces. They come with realistic log effects and produce an authentic wood-crackling sound effect. You can choose a model with a back heating feature to spread warmth more evenly.
The ease of maintenance is another advantage of installing an electric wall fire for your media walls. Wall-mounted fireplaces are more efficient than traditional fireplaces as they don't require chimneys and can be placed anywhere. They're also safer for homes with children or pets since they don't create real flames and don't emit the ash. And because they're electric, there's no risk of a rogue flame leaking out of the wall or of smoke accumulating on furniture.
While a media wall can be constructed in a simple way by mounting your TV on a flat wall, homeowners often take the concept to the next level. They create custom frame structures made of studs that hide cables, create integrated storage solutions and integrate appliances like a soundbar, TV and electric fire. These kinds of installations are typically designed to divide large open-plan spaces or to provide an eye-catching focal point to the space. They can be decorated with stunning wallpapers or even mirrored panels that act as mirrors when the TV is turned off, bringing light into your space and making it feel more spacious.
Aesthetically pleasing
Unlike traditional fireplaces which are often limited to living areas, media wall fires can be placed in any room and are great for those looking to add a stylish feature that complements their decor. The most modern electronic media wall fires make use of LED lights to create a stunningly realistic flame effect. They come with various settings that allow you to alter the intensity of the lighting from a soft and cozy glow to a bright and lively fire. Some have a 'flame-only' setting that lets you enjoy the dazzling images without turning up the temperature, making them more eco-friendly and cost-effective.
Media walls are contemporary and designed to fit in with your interior decor. They provide a focal point which attracts attention. Media walls are used in modern homes to complement any style. They can be modern and minimalist or a rustic and earthy style. A bold geometric wood-panelled wall is a great illustration of a striking design which can be enhanced by an electric media wall fireplace like the Gazco eReflex 195RW to add warmth and charm to the room.
Many wall-mounted electric fires are made to be slimmer in depth, allowing you to maximise space in your living spaces. They are perfect for those who wish to install media walls in a smaller room as they can be hidden behind the TV to create minimalist, quiet and contemporary look. The majority of models have less than 2kW of power which makes them 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 might have in mind. For a balanced finish your electric fire should not be more than one-third the height of the wall it is mounted on. Make sure that you have adequate space above and below the electric fire. This will differ depending the model you select.
Media wall fire installation is a job that can be undertaken by homeowners with basic carpentry skills and a desire to learn. It is best to employ an experienced HETAS-approved professional, like Something Different, that will ensure that all safety precautions are followed, and that the correct clearance is maintained to keep out flammable materials.
Multi-faceted
A media wall can be a great addition to any living room, bedroom, study, or lounge. It's not only about creating an area of focus. A well-designed wall can create a relaxing space for you and your loved ones to unwind in. It also provides a suitable space for your TV, audio equipment and gaming consoles.
Install a fire in a media wall to take it to the next step and transform your home. Many of the top electric fires can be used to create media walls and offer the perfect balance of warmth, ambiance, and style. These electric fires also have distinct features, like customisable visuals or authentic crackling sound.
There are also models that feature smart integration, which allows you to control your fire using your tablet or smartphone with an app. This is useful when you're away from your home or want to control your fireplace from afar. Some advanced models even come with scheduling options, allowing you to schedule your fire to start prior to your return and turn off at bedtime.
A wall-mounted media electric fireplace can also be installed as a false chimney, without the need for a flue or chimney. This is a cost-effective option to incorporate an efficient heating system to your home.
media wall with electric fire -mounted and inset electric fires are the two most popular styles that you can install on a media wall. Inset electric fireplaces such as the Vision Futura 1500 or the Evonic Halo 1500 XT are designed to be recessed into the wall. This gives them a sleek and streamlined appearance. They are an excellent choice for rooms with a limited floor space or if you wish to create a minimalist style.
If you are considering a media-wall for your home, it is recommended to first determine the area you want to cover to ensure it is large enough to accommodate the electric fire you'd like to install. You can use masking to draw out the dimensions of the wall. Then, compare your measurements with the product specifications to determine the best match.