Do-it-yourself artificial firewood for the fireplace. How to make an imitation fire in a fireplace with your own hands. This method has its advantages and disadvantages

10.01.2017
2737
Pechnik (Moscow)

In order to diversify the interior of your apartment or house, correctly place all the accents and attract the attention of guests, you can install a fireplace. Imitation of a fireplace is very popular today, thanks to a lot of advantages and features.

Advantages and features of imitation fireplace

Imitating a fireplace in the interior has the following advantages and features:

Benefits and Features	Description
Affordable price	An imitation fireplace can be made from any materials, which allows you to choose the cheapest and save money.
Versatility	Such fireplaces can be installed anywhere. They can be built-in, suspended and corner.
Quick assembly	In order to imitate a fireplace and assemble it, it will take no more than one day.
Safety	Due to the absence of a real flame in the hearth, such fireplaces are very safe to install in any room, including the bedroom.
Application of various materials	When assembling a fireplace, you can fully express your imagination and combine any materials, styles and decorations.

Advice: before purchasing materials, make a detailed drawing of the fireplace and calculate their quantity. Buy all materials with a small margin

Making an imitation of firewood

Imitation of firewood for a fireplace can be done in one of the following ways:

1. Decorative ceramic firewood allows you to realistically imitate real firewood;
2. Ordinary logs can be wrapped or decorated with garlands of lanterns, and then connected to an outlet;
3. In the firewood, make small holes and place candles or LED bulbs in them;
4. You can buy ready-made plastic firewood with light bulbs built into the structure;
5. In electric fireplaces, imitation of wood and burning flames is reproduced automatically;
6. You can make an imitation yourself; you can also place real or artificial logs inside the firebox, attach one or more mirrors to the back wall, install lights at different angles and install lights on top that will create an imitation of burning logs in the fireplace.

Imitation of coals in a fireplace

Imitating coals in a fireplace will be very realistic using the following method:

• We begin to apply a large amount of polyurethane foam to the cardboard;
• We cut out coals of various shapes and sizes from the frozen construction foam;
• We cover each coal in one or two layers with plain white paper and paint it with paint.

Advice: it is best to choose gouache as a paint, as it dries quickly, adheres tightly and well to paper.

• In each coal, you need to make a small recess and insert an LED light bulb into it, then check the quality of the glow by connecting the LED to a regular battery, the power of which is 3 volts;
• Now you need to solder the LEDs and wires so that they form a circuit and operate from a phone charger with a power of 5 volts. You can learn more about how to make such a chain by watching the video in this article;
• At the last stage, you need to connect all the coals to each other using hot glue. Do-it-yourself coals for the fireplace are ready. In order for them to work, you just need to insert the charger plug into the outlet.

Creating an imitation fireplace from plasterboard

In order to simulate a fireplace made of plasterboard, we will need:

• Drywall sheets;
• Metal profiles;
• Self-tapping screws;
• Putty.

Instructions for creating an imitation:

1. We make a detailed diagram on which all measurements should be marked;
2. According to the measurements, we select the most suitable place in the house or apartment;
3. We transfer all measurements with a simple pencil to the wall;
4. To ensure that the structure is as level as possible, we use a building level;
5. We assemble the fireplace frame from metal profiles;
6. We fix the frame to the floor and wall to create maximum stability;
7. We cover the metal frame with plasterboard and secure it with self-tapping screws;
8. All seams must be puttied;
9. After complete drying, you can decorate the fireplace at your discretion.

Important:pricefor an imitation fireplace, much lower if you make it yourself.

Fireplace made of foam blocks

A fireplace made of foam blocks is distinguished by its simple production with minimal money and time costs.

• Lay a large slab of foam concrete on the floor, the height of its base should be no more than 10 centimeters;
• Two vertical blocks are installed on the sides of the structure;
• The remaining foam blocks are laid horizontally with glue;
• Foam blocks are sawn very well and, if desired, they can be laid not only in their original form, but also by first sawing them into small bricks and thus imitating brickwork;
• Once the side walls are in place, a large block slab is laid on top of the structure;
• Framing the window and inside the firebox, the entire space can be covered with plywood;
• It is necessary to coat all seams well with putty;
• Using a spatula, apply the solution to the trowel in several layers;
• Before applying the second layer, you must wait until the first one has completely dried;
• Sandpaper should be used to remove any unevenness.

You can view photos of fireplaces made of foam blocks in this article.

Imitation of fire

The fireplace simulator circuit is quite complex to implement independently. Such a scheme, as a rule, already exists in many modern models of electronic fireplaces.

In order to create an imitation of fire in a decorative fireplace, you can use any of the following options:

• Make an imitation based on cold steam;
• Use candles or flashlights;
• Install lamps or lighting in the fireplace.

Important: if you have skills in making microcircuits, you can find sketches and drawings of them on the Internet, and then recreate them yourself.

Finishing options for an imitation fireplace

Imitating fireplaces in an apartment requires not only high-quality assembly of the structure frame and design of the circuit, but also finishing that will harmonize favorably with the overall interior.

Even the most primitive fireplace, thanks to its high-quality finishing, can look no worse than a real one or a store-bought one.

Materials for finishing the fireplace:

1. Decorative stone allows for finishing in country and high-tech style;
2. Natural stone has a higher cost and is used in classic and eco style;
3. Brick in combination with other materials can be used for decoration in modern, country and high-tech styles;
4. Metal gratings and other decorative elements are in perfect harmony with brick, natural and artificial stone;
5. Paint is used for the simplest, most primitive and inexpensive decoration of fireplaces.

Also, an imitation fireplace can be made and decorated with materials such as plaster, marble. Various patterns, columns and other decorative elements can be either purchased ready-made or cast from plaster by purchasing special molds. After complete drying, such decorative elements must be removed from the mold and, if desired, painted with acrylic paints or varnished.

Design of the portal and hearth

In order to decorate the portal and the hearth of a simulated fireplace, you can use all your imagination. The hearth can serve as a bookcase, or a portal for installing an electric fireplace.

Another option for decorating the portal and hearth is all kinds of decorations made of flowers and fir branches. Decorations made from fir branches and Christmas tree decorations are especially relevant in the winter season. You can also hang other decorative elements on the fireplace, such as garlands and pendants. The shelves are decorated with frames with photographs, figurines, and vases. You can hang a large mirror above the fireplace, which will visually enlarge the room. As an interesting addition to the classic style, various paintings and canvases can be used. In a modern interior, a large LCD TV is often hung above the fireplace.

Imitation of a fireplace can be very diverse. Such a fireplace can be installed in any room and has no specific requirements for assembly and materials used. All you need to create a simulated fireplace is to use your imagination.

Many people like to watch the flames. At the same time, not everyone can place a real hearth with a real fire and firewood at home. 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 simulate a real flame in a fake fireplace.

Decorative home hearths made of gypsum plasterboard require compliance with fire safety standards, since such a design is designed exclusively for artificial fire.

Most often, craftsmen use the following types of fire imitation:

1. Use of steam.
2. Creation of "theater fire".
3. Use of salt lamps.
4. 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:

1. DMX controller.
2. Fan with a diameter of 9 cm.
3. LED RGB lamp.
4. DMX decoder.
5. 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:

1. A fog generator should be placed at the bottom of the container into which water is previously poured.
2. 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.
3. Thanks to this, the steam rises.
4. The top is illuminated with an LED lamp.
5. 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:

1. A piece of light white silk fabric.
2. 3 halogen lamps with reflectors.
3. Silent, powerful fan.
4. 3 filters: red, orange and blue.
5. 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 the fan is turned on, a fire that is not real, but very similar to a natural one, will appear in the fireplace. This method is quite simple and makes it possible to create an almost real, mesmerizing flame in the fireplace.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A believable imitation of fire in a fireplace with your own hands (video)

So, in an apartment there is absolutely no possibility of installing a real fireplace. However, a fireplace, even if it is artificial, requires imitation of a realistic flame. You can do this yourself in several ways, described above.

Nowadays, creating a complete interior is a sustainable trend. In such an interior, every detail is thought out, and it looks holistic and complete. By installing a fireplace in a house, the owner wants to achieve a special aura of comfort, coziness and warmth in the room. In this case, the heating functions are of secondary importance for it.

In modern homes, bio-fireplaces and electric fireplaces are often installed, the operating principle of which differs significantly from the standard model. However, to create a complete picture, it is customary to use decorative firewood for the fireplace, with the help of which the necessary surroundings are reproduced. In this article we will talk in more detail about how imitation firewood and coals are used in practice, what options you can choose and how to make such items yourself.

Fire bursting between ceramic firewood

General points

First of all, let’s formulate more precisely the idea of ​​why such dummies are still needed. The main goal of dummies of firewood for an electric fireplace or bio-fireplace is to make them as similar as possible to the classic analogue that runs on solid fuel. Because if you compare these devices in finished, assembled form, the striking differences immediately catch your eye. Ceramic decorative firewood attracts attention, covers the design details, improves the aesthetic appearance of the device and creates a clearer atmosphere in general.

Modern electric and biological fireplaces do not emit smoke or heat; for the most part, they are purely decorative devices. That is why the naturalness of what is happening is not felt to the proper extent, and the aura of true comfort is slightly blurred.

Decorative logs that imitate real wooden firewood are designed to bring back this unique feeling. They allow you to create an excellent visual sequence, which, together with our subconscious, complements the overall picture with the necessary elements.

Successful imitation of birch firewood

It is not possible to install a real stove or fireplace in a city apartment, but an ecological or electric option is quite acceptable. To make the system more natural, it is decorated with artificial firewood or coals specially made for fireplaces of this category. Thus, we can safely conclude that the main consumers of such products are city residents.

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.

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 worth keeping 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

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.

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.

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 firebox

The entire production process can be divided into several stages:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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, you can coat the logs with varnish.
4. 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.

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

Placement of firewood

Decorating your fireplace, as we have already said, can be done in completely different ways. You can place firewood, coals, stones and even candles in it. If you choose the option with logs, you can stack them in different ways, for example, in even rows, along the walls or burner, in a house, or in a chaotic manner. Additionally, stones, candles, and other decorative materials will help decorate the fireplace.

A small firewood rack placed next to the fireplace will also become part of the entire interior. The design of the firewood rack should be chosen to suit the overall interior of the room. By loading real firewood into the firewood rack, you will emphasize the naturalness of the entire system.

When decorating your fireplace in your home, you should remember that this piece of furniture is mostly decorative, and to a lesser extent has some practical value. Therefore, to make your main accent look decent, you need to put some effort into its design.

For humans, fire has always been a symbol of purification, comfort, wealth, and is the personification of truth. It is not surprising that people still dream of crackling wood in the fireplace and want to watch the play of the flames. Not every home has the opportunity to install a real fireplace. But there are technologies with which you can make an imitation. To make the picture as realistic as possible, you can make decorative firewood for a fireplace with lighting yourself.

Simulated flame

To create an artificial fire in a fireplace with your own hands, you can use other people’s experience, rich in original ideas:

• the basis of the design is the TV screen;
• fire is simulated thanks to a three-dimensional image;
• the illusion of burning is created;
• cold fire and fan;
• fire effect from the steam generator;
• real logs with special lighting.

LCD screen as the basis of the design

A TV screen of suitable size is installed inside the false fireplace; ideally, an LCD screen is suitable. Then you need to find a video with the effect of flickering flames and with a sound reminiscent of the crackling of burning logs, connect it to the TV and enjoy the spectacle. The artificial fire for the fireplace is ready.

This method is considered the most accessible. Decorating your home with a fire hologram will not be difficult. The picture in 3D format is placed in a decorative fireplace so that its edges are invisible. The optical illusion occurs thanks to the LED backlight circuit.

Do-it-yourself artificial firewood for the fireplace will serve as an excellent addition to the decoration.

Create the illusion of fire

To realize the idea, mirrors are needed; they are placed in the fireplace and give the illusion of space. The angles between the glasses should be different. LED lamps are additionally used to design the virtual flame. The model works as follows: the fire of an electric fireplace is reflected from a mirror surface. Due to the fact that the mirrors distort the image, a three-dimensional effect is achieved, sparks seem to fly, and flames move in all directions. You want to admire such a spectacle for a long time, because the fire is very similar to a sparkling fire.

Cold Fire

The easiest way to create a decorative fire for a fireplace is to use an ordinary fan and scraps of red fabric. The process will not take much time. Triangular pieces of fabric are glued to the edges of the cardboard box. LED lamps of blue, red and yellow colors are mounted in the corners, and small mirrors and optical filters on the sides. The fan is installed so that the blown air flows move upward.

At the final stage, the product is placed in the fireplace and connected to the electrical network.

Fire created using a steam generator

Complex designs look most believable. Thanks to the water vapor generator, you get a stunningly beautiful hearth with an artificial flame. This requires patience and several components at once:

• small fan;
• ultrasonic fog generators, 3 pieces;
• container for water;
• distilled water;
• LED lamp, but a simple one will do;
• cardboard box.

Fog generators are placed at the bottom of the box. A ventilation device is attached to the side. Water is poured into a container and placed on top of the ultrasonic devices. The lamp is fixed above the fan. The structure is connected to the network.

Artificial fire produced using a generator turns out to be quite realistic.

Natural logs with backlight

You can use real logs as decorative firewood for a fireplace illuminated by LED strip. LEDs of yellow, red and white colors are suitable for this. The logs are beautifully placed on a shelf inside the fireplace, fastened together, and then randomly wrapped with LED strip. Flickering lights and natural wood complement the interior and look stylish and original.

If an electric fireplace is installed in the house, then it is better to choose special heat-resistant firewood. Artificial fireplace logs are made from ceramics. They are safe and durable. LED lighting is also appropriate here.

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