Three simple ways to install a fireplace in a city apartment

fireplaces with candles are unique and versatile decorative items. The fact is that such an exhibition will easily fit into any interior, while false portals can be installed with equal success both in an apartment and in a house. Fireplace candelabra and other similar sets, auxiliary accessories, in this case will help complete and unique the image. From this article you can learn how to build candle fireplaces with your own hands, decorate them, and make them unique.

General overview

In order to assemble candle fireplaces with your own hands, we recommend getting a general idea of ​​such a structure. First of all, this device is distinguished by the fact that it performs a purely decorative function. Fireplaces made from candles do not have a built-in hearth that can perform a heating function or reproduce various visual and sound effects.

The center of such a structure is a completely open structure, which includes various decorations and exhibitions. The most popular today are fireplaces for candles, assembled by yourself.

False fireplace in classic style with candles

It is interesting to know: due to the fact that there is no real flame burning in the hearth of such false devices, as a result of which it does not heat up, the finishing and assembly of the structure can be made from any materials.

How to choose a fireplace lighter

Few people know that special lighters for starting a fire in a fireplace come in three types: gas, electric and piezo. The body of the first is made of aluminum and filled with compressed gas. Ignition occurs after pressing the power button - a very convenient and, most importantly, safe option.

Electric lighters work on a different principle. They are powered by a battery, and a spark is formed as a result of the cyclic closing and opening of an electrical circuit under the influence of an electromagnetic field. Such lighters are more dangerous than previous ones because they are connected to electricity and are essentially an ordinary electrical appliance.

Piezo is a relatively new type of lighter that does not require additional power sources. A spark occurs by pressing the button in one direction or the other. This lighter consists of a lever, wires and a piezoelectric element itself.

Selection of materials

In order to make fireplaces with candles with your own hands, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of various building and finishing materials that you can use for assembly.

The fireplace skeleton can be assembled from:

• Metal profiles. Such a base is considered the most reliable; it can be used to assemble not only false frames, but also a support for the subsequent installation of an electric or bio-fireplace into it. Self-tapping screws are used to connect two metal profiles together;
• Wooden bars. A more budget-friendly and simpler option is to assemble a portal frame from wooden blocks, which you can find at home, for example, after a renovation has been carried out. A wooden skeleton is less reliable, not as strong and durable as one made from a metal profile.

Fireplace assembled on the basis of a metal profile

Once the frame is completely assembled, it is time to move on to choosing its cladding.

• Drywall. Most commonly used and goes well with a drywall skeleton. The advantages of the material include high strength, fire resistance, smooth surface, with the possibility of subsequent cladding with your own hands using any materials;
• Plywood. A more budget-friendly, affordable alternative to drywall. In contrast, plywood does not have high fire resistance or strength. However, it is suitable for making false framing;
• Cardboard. The simplest version. If desired, you can assemble the portal either from sheets of cardboard or from various boxes of household appliances. The disadvantages of the material include low weight, the impossibility of finishing with heavier materials, and a short service life;
• Styrofoam. A simple, lightweight structure can be made from polystyrene foam. Its advantages include the ability to cut elements of any shape, including three-dimensional ones. However, polystyrene foam is also short-lived and unreliable like cardboard. That is why only temporary do-it-yourself exhibitions are made from it;
• Polyurethane. The most durable, durable structures are made of polyurethane. It has high strength, optimal weight, and a smooth surface. You can assemble either a whole portal from polyurethane or use it for partial cladding.

The fireplace is decorated with polyurethane stucco molding

Advice: if you want to assemble the frame with your own hands, we recommend using and preparing in advance the following construction tools and materials: a simple pencil, a marker, a building level, a tape measure, a plumb line, materials for assembling the skeleton, covering the frame and its cladding. You will also need screws, a screwdriver, a hammer drill, putty and primer mixture.

Interesting to know: if you want to visually increase the area of ​​both the room frame chosen for installation and the false structure itself, we recommend placing a fireplace with a candle and mirrors . This way you will get the effect of an endless corridor.

Design of corner decorative fireplaces (interior photo)

We assemble the brick portal according to the following scheme:

1. Any brick and mortar that does not have fire-resistant properties can be used;
2. According to the chosen form, we make marks using a building level;
3. We dilute the solution and lay the first and subsequent rows according to the diagram;
4. We place each brick on the mortar, after which we remove its remains with a spatula;
5. We leave room for the hearth.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with How to make artificial snow - 20 recipes

Selection of facing material

After the frame has been assembled and its cladding has been completed, it is time to begin choosing the facing material:

Interesting to know: in order to perform a budget simulation of a burning flame in a fireplace, you can use thematic photo wallpaper or a computer printout that will depict a burning flame. To make the fireplace itself more realistic, you can use wallpaper with an imitation of a brick surface.

Important: in addition to the main facing materials described in the table, the frame can be faced with plastic panels, artificial or natural stone. Moldings, elements of gypsum stucco, and columns can serve as additional decor.

Selection of accessories

To complete the look, we will need to select the appropriate decor and accessories:

1. Candles. Candles of any size, shape, diameter, or color can be used to decorate the hearth. Both thick and curly patterned candles look equally beautiful and original. In a classic, retro, art deco style, you can complement candles with openwork, figured candlesticks;
2. Mirrors. In order to visually make the fireplace and the room itself larger, we recommend installing a mirror in the interior of the fireplace;
3. Books. The hearth can also be used as a shelf. To create this image, books are neatly stacked in several piles on the hearth. This imitation will look especially impressive in the interior of a living room or library;
4. Figurines. You can decorate the fireplace insert with various figurines, photographs, and openwork frames;
5. Cones, fir branches. You can decorate a false fireplace in a Christmas design. To do this, fir cones and branches are placed in it. They can be simply placed or placed in a bottle or vase;
6. Flowers. A false portal decorated with fresh or artificial flowers will look fresh and original, so you can create a unique composition;
7. Vases. In the minimalist style, a large vase with a minimum of decor, in a monochromatic design, would look appropriate. For the classic style, it is more appropriate to decorate the hearth with a vase with various patterns, ornaments, drawings, and paintings;
8. Fireplace kits. Fireplace sets will always look relevant in any style. Such kits consist of several accessories used to care for solid fuel stoves. This could be a poker, a broom, a forged grate, tongs, a firewood rack;
9. Coals, logs. The simplest, most realistic way to decorate a fireplace is to use ceramic coals and logs. You can buy such accessories at any specialized store.

We also recommend watching a video that details how to assemble a decorative portal and decorate it with candles:

Decorating the portal with books

Frame, the firebox of which is decorated with pumpkins

For safety reasons, burning candles must be placed in candlesticks with high edges

Decorating a fireplace portal with your own hands using candles, a mirror and fir cones

Among the many options and designs that allow you to assemble a false fireplace with your own hands, you can certainly find the most suitable option. Ultimately, you will be able to put together a unique, inimitable composition that will be in harmony and match the interior of your living room, bedroom, dining room or any other room in the house.