Mantel (43 photos): how to make a lower mantel for the fireplace, a bookshelf and a clock to decorate the fireplace

Such a spectacular interior decoration as an electric fireplace is becoming increasingly popular today.

Since the aesthetic advantages of this product are much more important than functionality, many users would like to see not a standard version that everyone has, but something completely unique.

There is only one way to achieve this - to make a portal for an electric fireplace with your own hands, especially since it is not at all difficult.

At the same time, the user has the opportunity to acquire decoration that is not only exclusive, but also one that best suits the chosen interior style.

DIY wooden mantelpiece

Now let's look at options with wooden shelves.

1 way

The configuration of the mantelpiece resembles a voluminous box. To make it you need the following materials:

For the top panel - 1 board 216x1219 mm.
For the bottom - 1 board 111x1010 mm.
For the front part - 1 beam 64x1048 mm.
2 side beams - 64x130 mm.
1 beam 44x1007 mm - it will simultaneously serve as a support fixed to the wall and the back wall of a wooden shelf.
Front cornice 89x1270 mm
2 side cornices 89x254 mm.
Screws, dowels.
Finishing nails (sizes are 64, 51 and 38 mm).

The thickness of the cornices is 17.5 mm, the thickness of the boards is 19 mm.

The steps for making a box-shaped fireplace shelf with your own hands are as follows:

Arrangement of bevels at the ends of the beams: front and side (at 45 degrees).
Milling the top panel (arranging fillets on the front and side edges of the panel).

Sand the top panel with 120x220 grit sandpaper.
Fastening the front and bottom panels to the sides using glue. To make the structure more durable, you can use 1mm finishing nails.
Installation of the top panel. First, they are mounted with glue, and then fixed with nails - 4 in front, and 2 on the sides.

Cutting and installation of cornices. They play a decorative role.
Installation of support beam. First, holes for the dowels are drilled in the masonry, then the dowels are inserted and the support beam is secured with screws.
Fastening the shelf to the timber. The shelf is attached to the beam in such a way that it serves as its back wall. After this, the main structure is installed using 64 mm nails. There are 2 nails at each end of the beam.

Method 2

This method is in many ways similar to the previous one, but it is somewhat simpler. No milling of fillets on the top panel or cornices are needed. But you will need bevels of 45 degrees on the longitudinal edges of the panels: top and front. In this case, both boards must be the same in length. The sides and top panel are joined in the same way.

A shelf made of artificially aged material looks very nice. The procedure is as follows:

Take a drill with a brush attached to it and process the boards from the front. At the same time, move the drill exclusively along the grain.
Paint the wood with stain, then varnish.

3 way

This is a simple option when you make your own fireplace mantel from an old board. The algorithm for performing the work is as follows:

Remove the bark and process the board using a drill with a brush attached. Do the processing so that there are indentations between the wood fibers. The surface of the wood is embossed.
Using a soft brush, coat the material with stain.
Sand the board with a wire brush (by hand). This way you partially remove the stain from the most accessible areas. The board turns out to be artificially aged.
Cover the board with varnish.
Fix forged metal supports to the masonry. The supports can be replaced with beautifully crafted corners or metal fasteners, which are used for drain pipes.
Secure the shelf to the supports.

From plaster

Many people would like to have a fireplace, but not everyone can afford it. In this case, you can make a beautiful decorative fireplace from plasterboard.

Everything you need for making

To make such a fireplace you will need:

Drywall (the quantity is determined individually, according to the completed sketch).
Metallic profile.
Drywall screws.
Screws for metal.
Putty.
Bulgarian.
Screwdriver.
Building level.
Roulette.
Pencil.

Manufacturing:

First, a sketch is made, displaying a drawing of the future fireplace on the wall.
It should be noted on the plane the location of the base and fastening of the frame. The base can be made of concrete; it will raise the body above the floor and create additional thermal insulation. If this option is not suitable, then you can use a profile. It should be taken into account that the walls also need to be insulated, this will prevent excessive heating. This can be done using brick, asbestos or aerated concrete.
On the drawn drawing you should mark points for the frame, which are attached using self-tapping screws. It is required to make holes with a needle roller to a depth of five millimeters.
The workpiece is moistened with water and fixed to the template (you need to let it dry). After this, the drywall takes on the desired shape and is ready for further work.
Afterwards, a U-shaped profile of the required size is cut (for this, use a grinder or metal scissors). Dowels are used for fastening. Holes in the wall are made with a hammer drill.
The frame is assembled with self-tapping screws, attached to the main frame. The parts are cut out from a sheet of plasterboard and attached to the base.
The fireplace beam is made in the same way. If the portal is made for a fireplace from plaster and a deep finish is used, then the blanks on the sides should be treated with the desired material according to the finished shape and the corners should be rounded. Next comes the installation of the foot. For this, silicone or mounting adhesive is used. Particular attention should be paid to the reliability of the shelf fastening, because... a load will be placed on it.
Next, the surface is puttyed. All holes and cracks are covered. The screw heads are hidden. Putty should be applied in three layers.
Then the surface is completely reduced to zero.
After which the fireplace is decorated to the taste of the owner.

Decoration for the holidays

To ensure that the fireplace always remains the main part of your interior, you need to decorate it correctly. This is especially true for holidays.

New Year's version

Decorating a fireplace is not at all difficult. First you need to decide how you will decorate the fireplace. You can buy the necessary toys and tinsel for the New Year in the supermarket, or you can rummage through the pantry and find many interesting things there. If you wish, you can make decorations yourself.

When creating a New Year's mood in your home, you should remember two things:

Safety precautions. During the winter holidays, many people prefer to decorate their homes with garlands and candles.

Color compatibility

You can decorate a fireplace in completely different ways. In this matter, everything depends on your imagination and your capabilities. Here are some good examples of a New Year's fireplace:

The decor of the fireplace is made in red and white colors. Minimum decoration - maximum beauty. Photos in beautiful frames, homemade snowflakes, candles, garlands - that’s all you need to create a New Year’s mood by the fireplace.

Valentine's Day

Since ancient times, it has been customary that Valentine's Day should be filled with delicate pink and bright red tones. Both red and pink symbolize love. On this bright and gentle holiday, you can easily create a romantic atmosphere at home with the help of hearts, balls and beads. By February 14, you can purchase all the holiday attributes in the store, or you can try and make them yourself, putting love and warmth into their creation.

What decorations can be made from improvised materials:

Wreaths of rosebuds, peonies and lilies;
Garlands of hearts;
Large hearts with cardboard arrows;

Several interesting options:

The decorative fireplace is stylishly decorated with rag hearts, which organically combine with teddy bears and fresh flowers.

Easter

You can create a festive atmosphere even on Easter. It is on this bright day that fire has a special meaning, because the whole family gathers around the hearth. A mantel is ideal for holiday decorations. You can place both traditional Easter cakes and eggs on it, as well as themed garlands.

Examples with photos:

The very beautiful soft yellow decor of the fireplace is made using fresh flowers and baskets of eggs.

Christmas

At Christmas, as on any other holiday, households love to decorate their homes. The fireplace occupies the main place in the house, so it is necessary to decorate it. Festive attributes can be laid out on the mantelpiece, or you can hang a wreath or picture on the wall. The main attributes of the winter holiday are candles, decorative socks, ribbons and garlands. Small candles and mistletoe sprigs will fit perfectly into the Christmas interior.

Here's a great example of how you can decorate your own fireplace for Christmas:

The fireplace is decorated in traditional red and green colors. Decorative candles and socks with gifts go well with the nearby Christmas tree. A huge clock decorated with a wreath of living branches looks very original.

Wedding motives

At a wedding, the fireplace is decorated no less than on any other holiday. The hearth is a symbol of a new family, so it must be highlighted on this day. Large candles, fresh flowers, wide ribbons and much more are suitable for decoration. You can hang photographs of the bride and groom on the wall, arranging them in bright frames with satin ribbons. There are a lot of options, the main thing is not to get out of the general style of the celebration.

Performing decoration

The mantelpiece allows you to complement and dilute the image of the fireplace. This element allows you to emphasize the shape and other features of the heating structure. Using a shelf or rack you can diversify the design of the portal. To do this, simply place a mirror, TV or picture above the mantelpiece. A portal above which a clock or any other volumetric decor is placed looks stylish and advantageous in any style.

Decorating a fireplace requires some knowledge and rules. After familiarizing yourself with which you can create a unique, harmonious and inimitable decor for a fireplace with a shelf:

Use rather large and voluminous accessories to decorate the shelf. A classic painting in an openwork, elegant frame, as well as a modern TV or an antique mirror of an original shape, are perfect for this;
You can also use small accessories and figurines to decorate shelves. Decor made from one material, such as ceramics, stone, glass or metal, looks especially stylish and advantageous;
If shelves or racks are located on both sides of the portal, it is best to decorate them in the same style and with similar accessories. This will give greater harmony and balance;
Design the fireplace in such a way that each accessory combines favorably and harmonizes not only with the firebox and portal, but also with the interior and style of the room. For example, the classic style is characterized by the presence of more strict and rich accessories, such as candlesticks, photo frames, cardboard;
You can decorate the fireplace shelf as original as possible with the help of decor that you made yourself. The so-called handmade will become an original and irreplaceable decoration and addition to any interior and image. You can make your own decor from various available materials: paper, cardboard, metal, beads, beads, stones, wood;
If there are shelves not only on the sides, but also in the center of the fireplace or above the firebox itself, you should not crowd them with a mass of unnecessary items and accessories. This design will create an atmosphere of congestion. It is best to place one large item above the central main shelf. It could be a mirror, cardboard or a clock. In this case, two identical and less massive accessories are selected on both sides. These could be openwork candlesticks, two figurines or identical photo frames with different family photos.

WE ENSURE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT

Being above a heat source, due to changes in temperature and air humidity, the shelf parts will either dry out or swell. To compensate for changes in size, I connected element B to the cover using self-tapping screws with a semicircular head, allowing the parts to move relative to each other (Fig. 3), rather than gluing them together along their entire length. Later I did the same with the rest of the parts.

To ensure that the parts of element B fit tightly in the outer corners, on the back side of the joint I sawed a joint from the inner corner (photo C) to approximately half the width of the parts. This gap will be closed by the next element C.

The front ends of the side parts of element B were glued to a length of only 50 mm. The rear end of each part was secured with a screw with a semicircular head, placing a washer under it (photo C).

Portal with ceramic lining

Fireplace portals lined with ceramic tiles look very good.

Portal with ceramic lining

First step

Assemble the base of the structure from chipboard and a mounting rail measuring 20x20. To make a mantelpiece, use a parquet board. Cover the sides of the shield with plinth.

To connect the base elements, use any suitable fastener.

Finishing the portal with tiles

Third step

Finishing the portal with tiles

Cover the walls of the portal with ceramic tiles to your taste. “Liquid nails” are well suited for fixing cladding elements.

Fourth step

Cover the tiles with the parquet varnish used to finish the countertop. Thanks to this treatment, the fireplace portal will have a finished, thoughtful and organic look.

Particular attention should be paid to additional accessories and various decorative elements. At this point, be guided by your taste.

For example, various kinds of figurines, coated with black varnish and slightly dusted with bronze powder, look very good.

Finishing fireplaces with ceramic tiles

Interesting solutions in interior design

Many manufacturers offer a wide range of corner fireplaces.

You can choose exactly the option that will look perfect in the interior of the living room or bedroom. As previously mentioned, you can choose a symmetrical or asymmetrical portal.

They cope with the function of heating the room with a plus rating.

An asymmetrical type of corner fireplace is suitable for zoning a room. If your room has a large area, this portal will look perfect in any interior. Glass models serve only the role of a decorative object, enveloping the room in comfort and warmth.

This option will look good in a wooden house or in a country house.

The Rococo style is not as big, but it also has columns and gilded details.

High-tech style is suitable for modern rooms

The corner portal in the Art Nouveau style is made from modern material. It combines glass and heat-resistant plastic. The U-shaped portal and open firebox are reminiscent of the classic version. If your home is dominated by a modern interior, choose this type of fireplace.

The right style and shape of the fireplace will help make your home unique and chic.

Portal shape for electric fireplace

The most important stage is the construction of the portal. Its shape will depend on the following factors:

Installation location

There are two options:

wall portal: the base will be rectangular,
corner - with a triangular base.

Electric corner fireplace in the interior

The first option is considered classic, the second is suitable for small spaces.

The corner is usually the least used area, so a fireplace installed here, even with the smallest room size, will not create cramping.

Execution

The fireplace can be:

floor,
hinged.

The first option is again considered classic, but it is suitable for spacious rooms, since it requires some free space in front of the fireplace. Wall-mounted models do not need this, which allows them to be placed in small rooms.

Hanging fireplace in the bedroom

Hearth type

In the case of a floor-standing option, you should first of all decide on the installation level of the electric fireplace (hearth) itself. It is usually located at floor level. But you can deviate from this rule if the chosen model has a significant width - such fireplaces look harmonious both on the floor and at some distance from it.

If the hearth has a frame, the walls of the portal should not block it.

If one or another style is clearly expressed in the frame of the electric fireplace, then the portal will have to be finished and decorated accordingly. If you do not want to depend on the design of the hearth, choose a model with a neutral frame or without it at all - the so-called insert hearth.

Hearth-insert

Do the dimensions of the portal depend on the size of the hearth? Of course, a certain proportionality must be observed. Portals in which the hearth occupies 2/3 of the height and ½ of the width look most harmonious.

If you have never done anything like this before, start with the most primitive design. The simplicity of the forms can be compensated with the help of a variety of decor.

Important functional elements of the portal are openings for air circulation. If they are not provided, the fireplace may overheat. Also at the design stage it is necessary to consider the placement of electrical wires in the product.

What shelf can be installed

Anyone can install a shelf made from:

wood;
artificial stone;
any beautiful natural stone.

The first two options are the most accessible.

It is easier to make and install a wooden shelf, because wood is easy to process.

As for artificial and natural stone, you can only install a shelf from it. This is because to make artificial stone or process natural stone, you need to have special equipment and skills in processing the material.

There are several ways to fix the shelf on the fireplace:

Integrate it into the overall design. This option is best suited for artificial stone products because they are heavy and quite durable. They always create considerable pressure on the supports. It is also impossible to drive nails into them, like into wood. The implementation of this method requires the availability of a finished shelf even before the construction of the fireplace begins.
Attach special supports to the walls of the fireplace and fix the shelf on them. This method works best for wood. It is light in weight. It is also easy to drive the necessary nails or screws into it. These supports can be embedded wooden blades, a special forged mount, a horizontal wooden beam attached to the front wall of the fireplace, as well as side columns.

Chimney

To complete the illusion, a box should be installed on the portal up to the ceiling, which will imitate a chimney.

It can be a separate element, but it would be more correct to fasten its frame to the frame of the portal.

The depth of the box should be about 10 cm - this will be enough for the desired visual effect.

Most often, the lining of the chimney and portal is done in the same style, however, this rule is not mandatory: the finishing of the chimney can be made different from the main part, provided that both options are harmoniously combined.

Manufacturing process

Due to the fact that shelves are often too expensive for such a simple interior detail, many often do not want to buy them. But here it is worth considering that you can even make such a decorative shelf with your own hands. At the same time, it will be no worse than the store one, and even better, because you will be able to show it to your guests as your own creation.

In order to make a mantelpiece, you do not need to have any special skills. It is enough to simply process the wood properly and decorate it in an interesting way.

The shelf that complements the fireplace can be made of natural wood or its imitation. Both options are good in their own way. Thus, wood lasts longer and looks more attractive, but its substitutes are cheaper. In addition, you can always disguise imperfections with a special coating.

A very popular option is with aged wood, which looks stylish in almost any interior. If you want to paint the wood from which the shelf will be created, you should choose heat-resistant paint to completely protect yourself.

It is also advisable to treat the wood for the shelf with special products that protect the wood from aging and moisture. This impregnation increases the service life of wood and makes the material immune to the effects of fire. This means that even if the shelf is placed low, you will not be exposed to any danger. In addition, various impregnations are popular among professional designers, which make wood visually more expensive and stylish.

A wooden shelf can be decorated with carvings, voluminous forged inserts, or simply patterns painted with paint. The decor of the mantelpiece is entirely your choice, so you can do whatever you want with it to fit into your chosen interior.

Whatever option you choose, the main thing is that you like the finished fireplace and the shelf that complements it and fit organically into the interior of your country house, cottage or apartment. And on it you can always place all your favorite books, figurines, frames with photos or drawings and other details. Thus, your shelf will become not just a decorative element in the interior, but also a place to store all the things dear to your heart.

Fireplaces for large apartments and large rooms

The choice of fireplaces for spacious rooms is much wider. You can choose a model not only based on its overall dimensions. Wide hearths, cassette models, classic fireplaces, wall-mounted or built-in options - it all depends on personal preferences and the design of the room.

In the photo: cassette fireplace, wide fireplace, wall fireplace in large apartments

When choosing a fireplace for large rooms, it is worth considering that compact models can get lost in space and become invisible, therefore, if you still want to purchase a small-sized model, then it is better to style a separate zone in the living space as it, perhaps different in design from everything else premises. In this case, you can turn to the art nouveau style.

What is it for?

The fireplace mantel deserves special attention. A very popular option is a durable wood mantel. It can be complemented with a wooden fireplace or one made of stone. It complements the fireplace and makes it more functional. You can place all the decorative little things on the mantelpiece. In terms of functionality and practicality, a fireplace mantel is not much different from simple shelves and racks built into a wall or cabinet.

But wooden mantels also have their disadvantages. First of all, it is impossible not to mention that they require special care. To ensure that the wood does not lose its attractiveness, it must be treated in a special way before installation, and after installation it must be regularly cleaned and wiped with various wood care products.

Made from artificial stone

such a shelf immediately during the construction of the fireplace . The easiest way to install it is if the fireplace is open (entirely located in the room, not in the wall). Then its front upper part will be a good platform for adding a stone shelf. The entire installation boils down to laying the material on the solution.

If the fireplace is built into the wall, then the shelf will also have to be built in. It must be laid so that it protrudes by at least 10 cm, and the rear end is hidden a few centimeters in the brickwork.

Step-by-step instruction

To install, you need to do the following::

Create a horizontal channel with a recess of 5 cm (the thickness should correspond to the width of the beam).
Clean the groove from dust. Install a shelf in it. Secure with wedges.
The joints are covered with putty.

Another option is using columns:

They are installed on both sides of the fireplace mouth.
Attached to the walls.
A shelf is installed on top of the columns, fixed with glue or cement mortar.

Selection and preparation of facing materials

Unfortunately, all lumber, without exception, burns. But, resistance to critical temperatures is determined by the density of the rock.

For example, oak, cherry and other species with high density and hardness ignite much later than less dense birch, pine, spruce, etc. You can see the density and hardness parameters of various rocks in the following table.

Lumber Density Table

Despite the difference in ignition rates, all lumber is fire hazardous to one degree or another. Therefore, before starting facing work, lumber should be properly prepared.

There are two types of fire safety training:

Applying a fire retardant coating involves surface treatment of surfaces with heat-resistant paints and varnishes, coatings and pastes. Of course, the cost of wooden products after such treatment will increase significantly, but the safety of using wooden finishing is worth it.
Treatment with impregnating compounds is a more popular method, since the wood not only becomes resistant to critical temperatures, but also practically does not change its appearance.

The essence of the treatment is to apply impregnations containing fire retardants. Considering that the structure of all lumber is porous, the compounds penetrate into the thickness of the wood approximately 1.5-2 cm deep, forming a protective layer.

It should be noted that the lower the density and hardness of the lumber, the more effective their treatment with protective compounds.

Home installation

The versatility of fireplaces lies in the possibility of their installation. The fireplace can be wall-mounted or built-in, corner or island. The choice depends on the size of the home, and any shape can be given; fireplaces can be square or cylindrical, round or polygonal in shape.

“Stove craftsmen” are still in demand, and prices for fireplace decor, although they vary depending on the complexity of the design, are quite acceptable for a fireplace that will last for many years.

Wooden fireplace portal in traditional and classic styles

Quite often, wooden elements are used in the cladding of a fireplace and its components in an English or classic interior style. Such a statement is not extremely surprising, since such interiors often use wood panels, classic columns or carved wooden decorations. Cladding works using natural materials are distinguished by their special style, consistency, carving elements, as well as architectural solidity.

In traditional interiors, the design of the fireplace portal is often completed with a wooden shelf, which allows you to create a holistic composition. Recently, the placement of the TV on the mantelpiece, above the fireplace itself, remains especially popular. In a classic living room, you can provide a unifying style of installing a portal with an area for arranging a TV. This design format looks harmonious in any design, since the placement of modern technology in a classic interior has its own characteristics and requirements.

It is worth paying attention to the processing of wood for cladding purposes. It can not only be varnished, but also painted

Quite often, wood material is coated with white paint, and a layer of matte fixing varnish is applied on top. There is a way to make wood resemble other rare and exotic woods; to do this, it is treated with impregnations that saturate the cladding with unique shades.

In the context of fireplace portals, a country-style interior looks extremely organic with wood cladding. This style is characterized by less grandeur due to artificially aged wood, which fills the room with a fireplace with the free spirit of patriarchy.

The fireplace area – merging with the interior

Space for creativity is provided not only by the fireplace itself, but also by the area near it. The transition of the wall from the hearth to the main walls can be implemented in a single style. For example, decorating the walls in the form of shelves for logs. For an aesthetic appearance, carefully processed logs of the same size are laid.

Mirror surfaces or areas with fascia are successfully combined with a fireplace. Mirrors frame and decorate this visual center of the room. Electric models are equipped with side vertical shelves on which figurines or framed photographs look beautiful.

Other sweet little things

The absence of decor is also decor. Especially when it comes to styles such as minimalism, hi-tech, industrial.

Potted indoor plants can be placed on the fireplace

If the interior is already filled with small details and decor, or the design contains bright accents that suggest the absence of additional details and decorative elements, then the shelf above the fireplace is not only possible, but should be left empty (or almost empty). By the way, some fireplaces themselves are quite a powerful accent in the interior and do not require decoration. If you want to surprise your guests and surprise yourself, then use unusual materials in the design of the fireplace: for example, onyx with hidden lighting. In this case, the fireplace will become a truly spectacular element of the interior.

The mantelpiece is decorated with three different vases

Fireplace shelf - what is it for, where can it be hung?

The shelf decorates the fireplace; you can put photographs, souvenirs and other decorative elements on it. In appearance, it is practically no different from an ordinary shelf attached to the wall.
In addition to decorative functions, such a shelf is needed to maintain cleanliness, because... After a fire, smoke comes from the fireplace, which can damage the walls with soot. The shelf prevents soiling of the walls and prevents ash from getting onto the floor near the fireplace.
Another important advantage is safety. Since the fireplace beam prevents the spread of heat, thereby minimizing the risk of fire, as well as possible burns.
In addition, such decoration is useful for storing all the necessary equipment that is used to maintain the fire.

Biofireplace

Having a fireplace in the living room is the dream of many of us. However, it is not always possible to place a fireplace at home, for example because a chimney has not been installed or because its installation is too expensive. Recently, biofireplaces have become a very fashionable solution that can be installed even in an apartment located in an apartment building. It does not need a chimney because it does not emit fumes.

Before you start decorating, you should make sure that the brickwork around the fireplace is in good condition. If there are any cracks or broken brick, now is the time to call a professional to repair it, or do the repair yourself - but this will largely depend on the type of damage that needs to be repaired. Also be sure to clean up any ashes.

Variety of fireplaces

Traditional wood-burning fireplaces are widespread throughout the world. Specialists are involved in construction, because the chimney device is directly responsible for removing soot from the home.

In addition to wood-burning fireplaces, there are electric and gas fireplaces, and there is also a category of bio-fireplaces. The gas option will also require a chimney. An electric fireplace is convenient and practical in urban environments; it operates from the mains.

A biofireplace is a device that runs on bioethanol or alcohol fuel. Electric and biomodels are suitable for owners of city apartments, where placement of a traditional combustion source is not allowed.

General Tips

To assemble a fireplace mantel with your own hands, you need to consider that:

The selected material should be easy to process with available tools and tools.
Fasteners must be purchased that are strong enough so that they support the weight of the structure well and do not sag or deform.
You should first create a detailed drawing and think through in detail the structure of the mantelpiece.
Before installation, the surface must be insulated.
The shelf is made of fire-resistant materials. If it is wood, then it is better to treat it with fire-resistant impregnation.
The mantel should match the interior.

Making a wooden fireplace shelf with your own hands does not take much time and does not require large expenses. All you need is a couple of wooden boards, a sheet of chipboard, one beam and screws with slate nails. As for the design of the shelf, everyone can come up with their own design.

Romantic candles

Candles are perfect for a mantelpiece: their lights will harmoniously complement the flames of the fireplace, creating an overlapping composition and adding even more comfort to evening gatherings. Choose candlesticks to match your interior style and enjoy the aesthetics of your living room. By the way, you can opt for scented candles and fill your home not only with warmth and an atmosphere of calm, but also with pleasant smells.

Decorating the mantel with candles and Christmas tree garland for the New Year

Fireplace in the interior

Unfortunately, it is impossible to build a real fireplace, including a chimney, in an apartment for heating purposes only, so these days false fireplaces (just as decoration for the room) or electric fireplaces, which can heat the room and replace batteries, produce a real fire, are especially popular , but without smoke through the use of environmentally friendly fuel. In this case, the materials for arranging the fireplace area will be wood, drywall or tiles.

9 photos

If you are planning to install a fireplace in a country house, then the ideal option would be a cladding made of fire-resistant, durable materials: brick, stone or granite.

New Year by the fireplace

Most often, a fireplace is associated with traditional winter celebrations of Christmas and New Year. Everyone has a desire to spend these days in a special way and decorate their home.

Fireplace decor for the New Year is done using garlands, spruce branches, toys, lush ribbons and candles. The area on top of the hearth will be beautifully decorated with Christmas wreaths.

Christmas fireplace decor would be incomplete without a fluffy decorated Christmas tree standing nearby.

Third manufacturing method

For this method you can use an old uncut board:

It is necessary to remove the bark from the surface of each element. This must be done using a drill equipped with a brush with metal bristles.

It is very important to work carefully and perform uniform movements in the direction along the growth of the fibers;

After which the surface must be coated with paint (it is recommended to use stain);

We re-treat the surface after the stain has completely dried. To do this, again take a brush with metal bristles;

We cover the surface of each element with a varnish base;

We attach forged supports to the wire fixed to the wall

For this we use welding.

Artificial creation of unevenness

Artificial creation of unevenness, roughness and abrasions on a wooden surface

Do-it-yourself aging of a wood surface

Decorating a mantelpiece with an aged surface effect

A mantelpiece made using one of the methods presented in the article will not only complement the appearance of the heating installation, but will also make the portal as functional as possible in use.

Blueprints

Having decided in general terms on the shape and design of the portal for the electric fireplace, which you will make with your own hands, you should begin to draw it in detail, respecting the scale. You need to do this even if this product seems extremely simple to you. As you complete the drawing, you will probably discover several errors and inconsistencies that you could not “see” during abstract design.

In addition, with the help of a graphic image it will be easier to calculate the amount of materials needed.

Dimensions of the wall portal for an electric fireplace

It is better to start working on the drawing after the electric fireplace has been purchased and delivered, even if you have an image of it with exact dimensions. Without having the product at hand, it is very easy to lose sight of some small detail, for example, the position of the holes for air exchange and the power cord, the presence of protrusions, etc.

When planning to purchase everything you need to make a portal, take the drawing with you: today stores often provide a service for cutting sheet material.

Materials

Mantels can be made from various materials:

Made of wood. For its manufacture, various types of wood can be used, including expensive types of wood. The natural look of a wooden fireplace mantel will elevate the room. The smell of wood combined with a crackling fire in the fireplace will create a pleasant and cozy atmosphere in the room.
Made from plaster. Gypsum mantels are durable and environmentally friendly. They are lightweight and easy to install. Gypsum mantels can be decorated to look like wood, marble, and create an artificially aged effect. So they can easily fit into a variety of room interiors.
Made of natural stone, for example, granite or marble shelf. The granite mantel features a beautiful appearance with graceful lines. Granite fireplace mantel is reliable, strong and durable. She is not afraid of smoke and ash from the fireplace, spilled drinks and scratches. The granite shelf does not require special care; it is enough to wipe it with a damp cloth.
Made of artificial stone - acts as an inexpensive analogue of a mantelpiece made of natural stone. A faux stone fireplace mantel will add interest to your fireplace and complete the design of the room. Made in a minimalist style, it can be suitable for a minimalist or hi-tech style.

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Fireplace shelves can also be made of concrete or plastic. The material for the manufacture of the mantelpiece is selected based on the interior design of the room in which the fireplace is located. The design of the mantelpiece should also match the design of the fireplace and be a natural complement to it.

Classic fireplace design

In the old days, heating was done with an open fire in the room. Today this function is often secondary. Kitchens, living rooms or hallways with a wood-burning fireplace are built to create a cozy, homey atmosphere.

However, it is important to understand that the standard operating diagram of such a heating element consists of 4 parts:

Portal forming the façade. This is what creates the style of the fireplace.
Hearth, stove. Place where fuel is loaded.
A chimney is a ventilation duct of a certain configuration. This element ensures the removal of combustion products and access of oxygen to the fire.
The chimney is a special chamber located above the fireplace. This part of the system helps reduce heat loss and prevents carbon monoxide from entering the room.

If you are installing an imitation fireplace, the craftsmen try to give the installation a classic, familiar shape. They do this in a variety of ways, not all of which are suitable for city life.

Figurines and personal small collections

In every home there are little things dear to the heart that serve a purely decorative function and for which there is always not enough space. These could be figurines donated by friends, souvenirs brought from travel, personal mini-collections of mugs, plates and other small items. A shelf above the fireplace can be a great place to display all these “treasures.”

The mantelpiece is decorated with vessels of different sizes and miniature figurines

Step-by-step instruction

If you want to create a fireplace in your home yourself, you should consider several rules using the example of a plasterboard portal:

Before you make a fireplace yourself, you will need to draw drawings for the future design. After the sketch is ready, decide which wall the portal will be located near in the room and make calculations, marking the location for the base of the portal.
If you want your fireplace to be in a corner, you will need to first assemble the base and then mount the structure into the wall. Other types of fireplaces involve assembling the frame part directly onto the wall.
Cut the metal profile taking into account the markings on the wall. Then you can assemble the back part of the portal. The base is attached using self-tapping screws; dowel-nails are useful for attaching the frame to the wall.
Assemble the base gradually and constantly check the drawing. Otherwise, you may get confused in the calculations and end up with a crooked design. To give the portal stability, place spacers every 30 centimeters. If your fireplace has an arch, you should make cuts on the sides of the profile, after which you can begin to shape it into an arc.
Now you can cut the drywall. A hacksaw or a regular jigsaw is suitable as a tool. If you do not have these tools, then take an ordinary knife. Measure each side before cutting. The parts are screwed to the base using a 25 mm self-tapping screw.
Now you have the base for the decorative portal ready and you can begin cladding the structure.
Many apartment owners install their fireplace in the wall unit. There is a TV above the “hearth”, which looks very impressive. To equip your project with lighting, you will need a connection to the power supply or regular candles.

Features and Benefits

Residents of apartment buildings primarily pay attention to the decorative type of fireplace, since they do not have the opportunity to install a traditional portal. Artificial corner portals will be the best option for small rooms, since the corner location does not create overload for the environment, and the structure itself is not large in size

If we talk about the advantages of this type of fireplace, we can note the following:

a false fireplace does not require a chimney or hood if you do not plan to install a gas firebox. In the latter case, you will need to arrange for good ventilation and obtain approval from the gas company;
often an electric firebox is installed in artificial portals. This part is a screen on which fire is displayed during operation. For this option, only a power outlet is required;
false fireplaces are easy to install;
You can easily make such structures yourself from any materials: drywall, polyurethane, wood, brick and even plywood;
fire safety is the main advantage of an artificial portal, since there is no fire in it;
You can create a fireplace of any size; they are lightweight and portable.

How to choose cardboard

To assemble it, you need to select materials and allocate approximately 5-6 hours for work. It is not at all necessary to do this yourself, it is not so difficult to do it yourself, so the whole family can take part in the process.

Make a fireplace with your whole family

The quality and appearance will depend on the material and type of cardboard boxes. If you take the packaging from under the TV, the “false fireplace” will be narrow without much of a recess in the place where the burning wood is located. Therefore, wide boxes are most often used, at least 50 centimeters deep. It is also advisable to use the most durable cardboard, in which case you can make a wooden stand on top.

Choose durable cardboard

If you want to make a more complex design, it is recommended to prepare 2 more boxes of different sizes. This will expand the scope for creative ideas. It is also worth making sure that the drawings are easily applied to the paper. They must be clearly visible, since in case of an error, you will have to look for new material.

Complex design of several boxes

3 types of “false fireplaces” are often used, namely:

1Christmas with New Year decorations.

2 Corner hearth.

3Standard wall-mounted.

For each of them it is necessary to select a certain amount of materials and types of cardboard boxes. To make the structure more stable and reliable, you can place a wooden frame inside. This will be relevant in a family with small children.

Christmas wall fireplace

How to make it from wood?

It is easy to make a mantelpiece with your own hands , using wood, fake or attractive natural stone. The first option is one of the most accessible. Considering that wood is easy to finish, it is easier to make and install a wood beam.

Materials, tools

To produce a wood fireplace beam you will need:

One board measuring 216 x 1219 mm (for the top panel).

One board 111 x 1010 mm (for the bottom).

One block measuring 64 x 1048 mm for the production of the front part.

Two bars 64 x 130 mm (side).

One beam measuring 44 x 1007 mm (will simultaneously act as a support and rear wall).

Self-tapping screws.

Dowels.

Cornice: front – 89 x 1270 mm, two side – 89 x 254 mm.

Carpenter's nails (38, 51, 64 mm).

At the same time, the thickness of the boards is 19 mm, and the thickness of the cornices is 17.5 mm.

Drawings/scheme

Manufacturing instructions

First of all, the bottom and top panels are done. The front beam and sides are also cut out of wood (at an angle of 45 degrees, taking into account the dimensions).
Then the holes for the screws are drilled. A milling machine is used to create edges in the top and side panels. (The distance between the edges is no more than 30 centimeters).
Finished workpieces must be cleaned with sandpaper.
Consolidation. How to fix the workpieces? The connection elements are coated with glue. While the glue is too late to dry, the side, top and bottom structural elements are connected.
Secure them with asbestos cement sheets and nails.
The upper wooden panel is fixed, like the lower one, according to a similar pattern.
Next the side cornices are cut. They need to be cut at a 45 degree angle to integrate with the side and bottom panels. The blanks are fixed using glue and 40 mm nails.
Cutting side and top cornices.
Installation of the support beam. It is imperative to identify the stand in the middle of the wall (to do this you will need to use a magnetic finder). Use a pencil to mark a horizontal line on the surface of the wall. Then beacons are made. The beam is attached to the rack (with 2-3 self-tapping screws).
The shelves are attached to the timber (using 65 mm nails).

Examples of using a decorative hearth in various rooms

An artificial fireplace, unlike a real one, can be installed not only in the living room, but also in any other room. In the children's room during the New Year holidays, you can build a hearth out of boxes and decorate it in accordance with Christmas traditions: hang socks in which to put treats for the kids

In this case, it is better to install the fireplace opposite the crib so that it attracts attention immediately after waking up. A reliable fireplace will fit perfectly in the bedroom next to the window.

You can put a rocking chair next to it and spend long winter evenings reading books in a cozy atmosphere. If the hearth is installed in the living room, then it is advisable to do this opposite the soft zone. On the floor in front of the fireplace itself, you can lay a small long-pile carpet. Such an imitation of a hearth will delight not only the owners, but also the guests of the apartment.

Figurines and personal small collections

The mantelpiece is decorated with vessels of different sizes and miniature figurines

How to make a fake drywall fireplace

Step-by-step instructions to help you install a decorative fireplace in a city apartment:

Attach the support frame to the wall using dowels, then assemble the entire frame using self-tapping screws. In this case, install the rack profile on the guide.
After installing the next element, check the verticality and horizontality of all planes.
Check the squareness of the sites using a tape measure. Measure the length of the diagonals of one rectangle, which should be equal.
If you need to create curved planes, cut metal profiles at equal intervals and then bend them to get the desired shape.
At the next stage, you need to cover the prepared frame with plasterboard sheets. In this case, the side panels and the crossbar must be covered with plasterboard on both sides of the metal profile. Fasten the material using countersunk screws every 10-15 cm.
Using construction silicone, glue several plasterboard sheets. Cut out the desired shape from the prepared material, which will serve as a podium.
Using the technology described above, make a shelf that will be placed above the fireplace.
Using self-tapping screws and construction silicone, attach the shelf and podium to the body of the decorative device.
Carefully putty all joints and places where screw heads are located.
After preparing the base, apply putty to the entire surface of the body.
If necessary, glue decorative elements, plaster moldings and other objects that will give the unit made of plasterboard sheets special expressiveness.
Paint the body of the device in pastel colors using water-based paint. At the same time, take into account the overall design in the room where the fireplace is located.