What is fire imitation is the creation of an artificial flame in a false fireplace. Many apartment residents dream of making a fireplace with a mesmerizing picture of fire.
Many people like to watch the flames. At the same time, not everyone can place a real hearth at home with a real fire and firewood. Nowadays, there is a way out; it’s quite possible to make a false fireplace yourself; all you need to do is prepare: drywall (gypsum plasterboard), tools, and a good mood. However, when the installation of the frame is completed, the question arises of how to imitate a real flame in a fake fireplace.
Imitation of fire in a fireplace: design options
Decorative home hearths made of gypsum plasterboard require compliance with fire safety standards, since such a design is designed exclusively for artificial fire.
There are several ways to create an artificial imitation of fire
Most often, craftsmen use the following types of fire imitation:
- Use of steam.
- Creation of "theater fire".
- Use of salt lamps.
- Installation in the TV hearth.
The most difficult way to create a decorative flame is with steam. Not everyone can create such an imitation, because it will require a specific set of components and special equipment, as well as skills in working with electronics.
To make a fire of this kind, you need to prepare:
- DMX controller.
- Fan with a diameter of 9 cm.
- LED RGB lamp.
- DMX decoder.
- 3 ultrasonic fog generators.
These devices must be selected according to the parameters of the built fireplace, the layout, as well as the manufacturer and characteristics. It all depends on what initial result the master wants to get. All these devices are included in steam electric fireplaces, as well as concert electrical devices that create the effect of steam.
If the devices are connected correctly, it is possible to make an imitation using a cold glow system, which makes it possible to make a fire simulator that is difficult to distinguish from a real hearth.
If the master wants to use exactly this method of simulating a flame, it is important to provide the necessary parameters for the components and mount the fireplace of the required size.
The operating principle of such an electric fireplace looks like this::
- A fog generator should be placed at the bottom of the container into which water is previously poured.
- The generator has a membrane that creates vibrations at a specific ultrasonic frequency, providing reduced pressure. Therefore, it turns out, one might say, a vacuum and the water evaporates at room temperature.
- Thanks to this, the steam rises.
- The top is illuminated by an LED lamp.
- A diaphragm is installed above the structure.
Assembly using technology will make it possible to create a more natural imitation of flame yourself in a false fireplace. The second way is the theatrical option. As is already clear, this method is used in theatrical circles for various kinds of productions. However, it is also suitable for making a dummy, imitation of fire.
To make such an imitation yourself, you need to prepare the following items:
- A piece of light white silk fabric.
- 3 halogen lamps with reflectors.
- Silent, powerful fan.
- 3 filters: red, orange and blue.
- A box or a special bowl for assembling a false structure.
When everything is prepared, you can begin assembly according to the following scheme. A fan should be installed at the bottom of the box or bowl. The cord must be routed out. Next, you need to attach halogen lamps to one axis so that the light is directed upward. Then, at a distance of 20 mm above the lamps, you need to install light filters.
From the prepared material, you need to cut shreds of various sizes, preferably triangular in shape, as they will be more realistic.
The next step is to attach the flaps to the box, bowl along the edges of the fan. When you turn on the fan in the power supply, not a real fire will appear in the fireplace, but very similar to a natural one. This method is quite simple and makes it possible to create an almost real, mesmerizing flame in the fireplace.
Original approach
Modern fireplaces are created using different technologies; there are systems where there is no fire at all in the firebox. Fire can be simulated using electrical devices; in such devices it usually flickers or smolders. A 3D projection of fire can be created with the participation of optical instruments and light. Regardless of the method of obtaining artificial fire, it is very similar to real, fascinating and eye-catching.
Modern electric fireplaces are less a heating device that complements central heating, and more a decorative accessory that plays a major role in the interior of the room. You can buy any option you like, create an imitation of fire in it and enjoy it during the long evenings.
The simplest options create fire through lighting. Decorative firewood for fireplaces with lighting is also made from ceramics, but recently quite high-quality plastic options have appeared. Plastic makes it possible to reduce the cost of the production process of decorative items, and therefore make them accessible to a wider range of consumers. At the same time, the visual side of such firewood is all right, since plastic is an even more elastic and easy-to-work material.
General view of the electric fireplace firebox
The burning effect in electric fireplaces is created by illuminating plastic parts, which creates the feeling that the coals in the firebox are red-hot and tongues of flame are playing on them. This feeling is enhanced by a slight shimmer, which is created in many modern models.
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One of the most advanced electric fireplaces are devices where the fire is made in the form of a 3D model. The necessary surroundings are drawn on the screen of the electric fireplace: logs, coals, fire, which is complemented by sound. Despite the fact that the system creates a completely artificial fire, the effect of the necessary atmosphere is achieved by the overall background and appearance. In some cases, it is permissible to put natural firewood into the improvised firebox of such electric fireplaces in order to create an even more realistic picture.
Since ancient times, false fireplaces have been built into the interior, designed to complement its appearance. Remember the popular fairy tale about Pinocchio, in whose house there was a painted hearth.
Modern false fireplaces are a more bulky structure, inside of which there is a photo wallpaper with a burning fire or a suitable picture. At the same time, by placing dummy firewood or natural wood in the firebox, you can achieve a more realistic look.
Comprehensive design of the fireplace insert
Very often, in such systems, candles are used in conjunction with artificial firewood, the fire of which is very real. Candles are a great decorative item, but they are not the safest. If you plan to place them in your false fireplace from time to time, consider fire safety measures: create a place for wax to drain, protect flammable materials from real fire.
Artificial fire for the fireplace: salt lamp
The use of salt lamps in artificial fireplaces to recreate a decorative flame is beneficial and is considered an effective method. A salt lamp is a special lighting device whose lampshade is made of untouched salt crystal. In the inner part of such a lampshade there is a regular light bulb.
The use of salt lamps in decorative fireplaces to create an artificial flame is considered the most useful and effective way
When the lamp is connected, the lampshade begins to heat up and release negative ions into the air.
They bind positive ions (from household appliances), which have a detrimental effect on human health, thereby helping to improve the well-being of home residents. The disadvantages of this method include the rather high price of salt lamps, and the advantages: realism, aesthetics and ease of installation.
By using lampshades of various colors, it is possible to effectively and very simply create a non-natural flame in your fireplace yourself. In addition, by using several lamps of different sizes at once, it is possible to create an imitation of a fire.
Homemade option
With the right degree of skill, you can make decorative firewood for the fireplace with your own hands. Moreover, all the necessary materials are most often available at home. A self-made imitation of firewood for a fireplace will allow you to save a little and also give you the opportunity to show your creativity.
To make a decent dummy you will need:
- durable cardboard or paper;
- paint of the desired colors;
- fastening materials - tape, glue.
Homemade firewood in the fireplace insert
The entire production process can be divided into several stages:
- First of all, you should make high-quality blanks of the required sizes. The dimensions should be correlated with the dimensions of the fireplace insert. If we make firewood, then it should be elongated, similar to real wood. Cutting instructions for similar shapes can be found online, although to make a fake log, you can simply roll up the paper.
- At the second stage, we glue the blanks and fix them. The simplest firewood can be made in the form of large rolls, to which small ones (knots) are attached. Scotch tape and glue will help us carefully glue the cardboard together.
- Then we paint the glued wood. The easiest way to paint a birch tree is to use white, black, beige and brown. If you have artistic talent, then this is the time to show it. After the paint has dried, to fix it and give it more color, the logs can be varnished.
- At the last stage, we place artificial firewood for your fireplace, created with our own hands, inside the firebox. We arrange them as desired, covering the unsuccessful moments in the coloring of the logs and highlighting the successful ones.
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The decorative elements obtained in this way will become not only an excellent decoration for the fireplace, but also your personal pride.
False fireplace with candles inside
DIY fireplace replica: TV instead of a fireplace
Another easy way to create a non-natural flame in a fireplace is to use a flat-panel LCD TV. But this method is considered the most expensive, since such equipment is expensive. Special LCD TVs have been developed that are produced specifically for artificial fireplaces.
You need to choose a TV for a false fireplace so that the screen fits inside the fireplace. After that, find a video with the effect of a burning flame and record it on the TV, for this it must have USB
They contain video footage of:
- Playing tongues of flame;
- With smoldering coals;
- With a bright fire.
This recording goes on in the hearth of the false fireplace. Sometimes a TV can be supplemented with special optics, which consists of light filters. With its help, the image of fire will be the most expressive and voluminous. In addition to this optics, it is possible to use a mirror system. They are located in the corners of the fireplace, and the picture turns out to be more realistic; such lighting looks very beautiful. In rare cases, it is possible to use holographic installations. But this is not quite profitable.
Creating a hearth
The dummy fireplace can be very diverse. First of all, it all depends on your wishes and preferences. If you want the hearth to perform a heating function, initially pay attention to electric fireplaces for your home and apartment. You can also buy an inexpensive fireplace in our online store.
A decorative fireplace can be decorated with a garland. Such a garland fits both into the hearth and can be located around its perimeter, or in a chaotic manner. It is recommended to select garlands with traditional classic colors of burning lamps. To give an imitation of a fire burning in the hearth, you can add ceramic logs to the hearth.
You can complement the false fireplace with the help of tree branches. You can arrange them in any way. As an option: wrap the branches with foil and lace, then attach various stones, shells and other decor to glue. As a result, you will get lace branches, which can be placed either completely separately or in vases.
The lace can be located both along the length of the entire branch, and only in a certain area, interval. After gluing, you need to let the product dry completely and only after that, use the decor to decorate the false fireplace. If desired, such branches can also be painted or supplemented with glitter. Alternatively, place them in the fireplace hearth and illuminate them with an LED garland.
You can also use candles for decoration. They can be placed separately or in various openwork candlesticks and candelabra. Install them inside the hearth or can also be complemented by a mantel. You should not place candles in white, beige, or cream-colored stone, since during the use of the decor, unsightly black traces and imprints from the candles will remain on the surface of the portal and in the hearth.
Imitating fire in a fireplace can be done in one very interesting way. At the exit you will receive a fireplace with candles. To do this, find 2-3 beautiful logs of the correct shape and cut 2-3 holes in each of them. Place one candle into the resulting holes. It is important that the candles are in candlesticks or in special protective frames. This will prevent the logs from catching fire while the candles are burning.
As a more expensive option, you can decorate the fireplace hearth with a salt lamp. Such a device will look stylish and impressive. The disadvantages include the fairly high cost. The main advantages are the health benefits of salts and the creation of a cozy atmosphere in a house or apartment.
An electric fireplace can also perform a purely decorative function. It can be equipped with a steam generator and even a humidifier!
Decorative firewood for the fireplace
In specialized salons you can find an abundance of options for such products; quite realistic firewood with a natural log pattern is available for sale. They can be plastic or ceramic. Any imitation, purchased or made independently, is intended to add realism to a decorative fireplace in order to help you feel all the splendor: home comfort, harmony, tranquility and warmth.
Fireplaces are increasingly being installed not to heat the room, but to create an atmosphere of comfort. In this case, decorative firewood will be a relevant purchase.
Imitation of plastic firewood or coals, has a fairly simple operating principle.
Coal and firewood are illuminated with red lighting. The light bulb can be located inside the firewood. Of course, this is not so reliable, but still. More expensive electric fireplaces are characterized by flickering or a picture of artificially transmitted tongues of fantastic flame. It is possible due to a special mechanism in which special elements rotate around the lamp, alternating with transparent and shaded areas. Such lighting can be located either behind the fake logs, or in the inner part.
Exactly the same lighting system can be used to achieve the effect of fire, using natural coal, which should be placed in the niche of a false fireplace. In this case, the backlight should be placed from the bottom.
Available options
In specialized stores you can find artificial firewood made from a variety of materials. Most often, plastic, ceramics, and stone are used to produce such decorative accessories. For connoisseurs of natural things, ordinary logs treated with special compounds are offered.
Natural firewood. Natural firewood is actively used to decorate fireplaces and the space next to them. They look very authentic; the subconscious mind does not reject the visual picture. In addition, the trend of environmental friendliness has been in fashion for a long time and is unlikely to be replaced by any other direction in the near future. Firewood can be chopped into small dies, you can use small logs or whole logs.
Decorating the fireplace and the entire interior with natural wood
When lighting an eco-fireplace, natural wood is, of course, removed from it, since the system runs on a completely different fuel. However, if you have a false fireplace, you may not need to get logs; the main thing is to be vigilant and take fire safety measures when installing candles.
Please note that if you decide to bring real firewood from the street, make sure that various insects, bugs or even mold do not migrate to you with it.
To decorate fireplaces in your home using natural wood, you can use various types of wood. For example, for an interior in light colors, birch firewood is perfect, while for a modern, bright and unusual interior, aspen, known for its unusual wood color, would be appropriate.
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Ceramic firewood. For modern bio-fireplaces, imitation firewood made from fire-resistant materials is actively used. This dummy wood for the fireplace is loaded directly into the firebox, because it is practically not afraid of the corrupting influence of fire.
Ceramic fireplace accessories
The best option for many modern systems is the use of ceramic objects. Ceramics is a very malleable material, so analogues of firewood are created with details worked out to the smallest detail, which makes them very similar to the original. Currently, ceramics are used to create:
- imitation of whole logs, chocks;
- a replica of wood burnt in a fire;
- decorative coals;
- imitation of twigs, sticks, cones.
If you look at such objects from a certain distance, you may not notice the catch, so well made is the copy. Using artificial coals for the fireplace, firewood, twigs and cones is not only good from a decorative point of view, but also from a practical point of view, since the ceramics will not catch fire, smoke or spark.
The service life of ceramic objects is very long, but still regular firing of ceramics with real fire will not pass without a trace. Most often, not the highest quality products quickly deteriorate, but good ones last for several years. The market for decorative firewood is quite large, so it contains both high-quality and low-quality options. Normal quality costs some money, and this is something to keep in mind when purchasing.
Stone options. In addition to imitation firewood, modern eco-friendly fireplaces are often decorated with decorative stones and pebbles. The stones are placed directly into the firebox. They can use regular fireplaces, or their substitutes, again made from ceramics. Most often, decoration with stones is used for fireplaces running on biofuel. Real fire passing through stones looks very impressive in such systems. At the same time, the fire itself and the decorative materials do not emit anything into the atmosphere of the room, which means that a chimney is not needed for such a device.
Modern tabletop fireplace with stones
Closed fireplace
Advantages of closed fireplaces:
- Higher efficiency than open portals.
- Safe combustion of fuel thanks to a completely closed firebox.
- The ability to optimize the combustion process by adding air (oxygen) if necessary for more complete combustion of fuel.
- Multifunctionality. A closed firebox may well turn into an open fireplace for a while if the damper is opened. There are also models with a door made of fireproof glass. That is, nothing prevents you from enjoying the dance of fire if you want.
Disadvantages of closed fireplaces:
- They require more careful “fitting” into the interior of the room.
- The need to regularly clean the door of soot, although more expensive models already know how to do this on their own.
- They don’t look as impressive as portals with an open fire; they look more like a potbelly stove.
- Like open-type fireplaces and central heating, they greatly reduce the humidity in the room, which has to be compensated with humidifiers.
Production of decorative firewood
Making decorative firewood with your own hands is quite easy; for this you can use materials that almost every person has.
Stores offer ready-made firewood made from plastic or ceramics, but the cost is quite high.
Decorative firewood made of cardboard
Therefore, it is more advisable to make decorative firewood with your own hands with minimal financial costs.
To make a dummy you need to prepare:
- cardboard;
- paint;
- glue;
- scotch.
The manufacturing process can be divided into four stages.
- The first stage is to prepare blanks that have different sizes. Some parts of future firewood may be longer, the side parts of the logs may be slightly smaller.
- The second stage consists of gluing the cut blanks. To do this, rectangular sheets of cardboard must be tightly rolled into a roll. For gluing, you can use glue or tape. Short rolls are attached at an arbitrary angle to a longer piece, forming the rest of the branch.
- The third stage involves painting the blanks. To do this, you can use paint of various colors, black, white or brown. The main goal of coloring is maximum realism. The final step of coloring is coating the logs with varnish.
- And the last stage is laying the logs in the niche of the electric fireplace. They can be laid in any direction, crossing or placing in a certain order.
Based on this, wood-burning imitation for a fireplace is very easy to do with your own hands, it will not require large financial expenses, and you will definitely get pleasure from the final result.
Decorative Firewood
