Electric fireplace - rustic comfort in an ordinary apartment

Using modern technology, you can make a house comfortable without any problems. Previously, the fireplace in the housing was a bulky design, which required the arrangement of a chimney and was hardly suitable for city apartments. Now on sale there are different models of electric fireplaces. Many can be used even in small rooms, attracting attention.

Content:

• Features of electric fireplaces
• Varieties of Fireplaces
• Advantages and disadvantages of electric fireplaces
• Design and finishing methods
• Electric fireplaces in the interior - styles
• Classic
• Modern
• Hi-tech and minimalism
• Country, provence, rustic
• Loft
• Electric fireplace location
• Do-it-yourself fireplace design

Features of electric fireplaces

The principle of the electric fireplace - imitation of a real fire. Inside the device usually lies a dummy of logs, coals. To create the visibility of the flame, a whole complex of equipment is used - projectors, LEDs, reflectors. Sounds are transmitted through the speakers, but not every model has such a function.

There are fireplaces that additionally work with heaters. Below they have heating elements that evenly generate heat in the room. Some appliances have an infrared heater that warms surrounding objects, rather than air. In this case, the thermal effect is more pronounced, is achieved faster, while very little oxygen is burned with a minimum of electricity consumed.

The peak of fashion for electric fireplaces occurred in the 1990-2000s, but now they are experiencing a "rebirth". Electric devices are actively competing with real fireplaces. They are much easier to install and use. The cost of electric fireplaces depends on the functions, manufacturer, build quality.

Before buying, you need to make sure that the power supply in the house is working. It should easily withstand the additional load. You also need to determine the thermal power of the electric fireplace. It should be sufficient to warm the room. It is important that the room is not humid and that flammable objects are not standing near the installation site of the electric fireplace.

Varieties of Fireplaces

According to the design and method of location in the apartment, all electric fireplaces can be divided into several groups:

1. Wall. Meet on sale more often than others. Placed against the wall, accurately simulating the hearth. Usually have impressive dimensions. If necessary, can be built into the wall.
2. Buried. They are a type of wall electric fireplaces. They are placed in a niche located in the wall. After installation, only the decorative frame and filling remain noticeable.
3. Recessed. Such electric fireplaces are installed in furniture or in the wall to a depth of 20-30 cm. They differ little from the buried ones. The same group includes two-sided fireplaces that are built into the interior wall or partition. As a result, a review of the "flame" is possible from two sides.
4. Island (freestanding). They can be located anywhere in the room, even in the center. Ideal for use in heating mode. Typically, such models are portable (mobile), less commonly stationary.
5. Outboard. These are small flat-shaped electric fireplaces that are mounted on the wall.Most often, they serve as decor and cannot produce air heating.
6. Corner Put in a corner. Ideal for small rooms, because they do not take away excess space.
7. Panoramic. They have huge dimensions - up to 2.5 meters. Suitable for spacious rooms.
8. False fireplaces. This is an imitation of a real hearth, which is built of brick and drywall. Her role is exclusively decorative.
9. Biofireplaces. Such devices operate on biofuels - solid alcohol, peat, bark. They do not require the installation of special ventilation, since they almost do not emit carbon dioxide.

Corner electric fireplaces are symmetrical and asymmetric. The first can be flat, semicircular, square. They are great for zoning rooms. Asymmetric electric fireplaces require a lot of free space due to the irregular shape.

By the size of the device they are divided into standard (62 cm), wide (10-100 cm), ultra-wide (1-2.5 m). Depending on the functionality, electric fireplaces can be as follows:

• simple models operating on the principle of electric furnaces;
• Fireplaces with a "live fire" without heating;
• combined models;
• electric fireplaces that perform the task of lighting and humidifying the air.

To create the illusion of burning coals, some devices have a steam generator that atomizes water. The liquid is highlighted in red, which gives a high-quality imitation of fire. The flame strength in such devices can be adjusted manually.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric fireplaces

Now the popularity of electric fireplaces is growing quite rapidly. This is due to the mass of advantages of devices over wood counterparts:

• lack of need for a chimney, powerful ventilation;
• the ability to install in any apartment, on any floor;
• the presence of additional functions, including - heating the room;
• the presence of a timer, power control system, thermostat, which will maintain a given temperature;
• a large selection of models and modifications - from small to huge, from corner to wall;
• many design decisions;
• simplicity of operation;
• ease of installation and maintenance;
• complete safety, no risk of fire (with proper use);
• light weight, the ability to transfer from room to room.

When using an electric fireplace, there will be no need to purchase firewood or another type of wood fuel (with the exception of biofireplaces). You can start applying it immediately after connecting to the network. Artificial fireplaces do not pollute the room with ash, soot, because the fire in them is not real.

Among the minuses it is worth noting the noise of a number of models. Usually noises appear when air is driven through heating coils. In addition, the frequent use of an electric fireplace will cause an increase in energy costs. The counts will increase especially strongly when the heating mode is regularly turned on. In older apartments, the wiring may not withstand the connection of the device, so before you buy it, you will have to change or reduce the total load on the line.

Design and finishing methods

Typically, inexpensive electric fireplaces consist of a tempered glass screen, decorative logs, a heating element, and a body. The most popular decor is a U-shaped portal with a lined camera. It enhances the resemblance to a classic fireplace and heating stove. Materials for decorating the portal under an electric fireplace can be any, because they are not exposed to heat during operation. Here are the main types of materials:

1. Tile. Ceramics are attractive, a variety of shapes, colors, patterns. From above it is covered with glaze, which makes surface care very simple. Tiles can be washed, wiped - it repels water.
2. Wood. If the fireplace does not have a heating function, the tree is quite suitable for its lining. When using a fireplace as a heater, you will have to pre-process the material. It includes impregnation with a flame retardant 1-3 times.You can also cover the heating zone with a special protective screen.
3. A rock. Artificial stone is usually used - a light, but durable and very beautiful material. It is moisture resistant, glues to any surface without any problems. If financially possible, for cladding, you can use natural stone - granite, marble.
4. Plaster. Plastering is the easiest and fastest way to ennoble a portal for an electric fireplace. For work, it is necessary to select materials that meet the fire safety requirements.

Some electric fireplaces do not require portals at all due to their design features. Others are already sold complete with a frame. For example, many portable fireplaces have a metal frame that surrounds them outside. Ready-made portals can be made of the following materials:

1. Polyurethane. Strong, durable, imitates a tree or a stone. Easy to clean and can be processed.
2. MDF. It serves less than polyurethane, but prettier in appearance. Quite accurately “imitates” a wooden surface.
3. Tree. Pleasant to the touch, gives the fireplace a luxurious look. It can have carvings, inserts, beautiful patterns.
4. Glass with metal. This combination has a very simple form, but attracts attention with brilliance. Typically, such fireplaces are used in the styles of hi-tech, modern.
5. Metal forging. Such electric fireplaces are rather heavy, bulky, therefore they are more often used in country houses.

Electric fireplaces are decorated with built-in or portable firewood with real logs. This will enhance the styling and immediately attract attention. Some models are decorated with rhinestones and even have a built-in TV and an aquarium. The price of such products is high.

Electric fireplaces in the interior - styles

It is necessary to place a fireplace taking into account the purpose of the room. Most often, appliances are placed where guests and household gather in the living room. For a tiny room, you need to choose an electric fireplace of the appropriate size. A large fireplace will fit well into the overall room (from 25 square meters).

Classic

The classic design uses electric fireplaces made of stone, plaster, rectangular wood. A suitable decoration would be stucco, various carved patterns, curls. Massive paintings in gilded or wooden frames are placed above the fireplace.

Modern

For modernist style, square-shaped devices are placed that are placed in the corner or in the center of the wall. As a decor, you can use graphic stained-glass windows, panels with the image of geometry, abstraction.

Hi-tech and minimalism

The urban style involves clear geometric lines, minimal finish, the presence of metal, polyurethane, plastic elements. It is desirable that the electric fireplace itself was technological - had a remote control, sound functions. In minimalism, the simplest framing of the fireplace, the presence of wall panels and glass elements are welcome.

Country, provence, rustic

Village styles prefer everything natural, natural. The electric fireplace portal in this case should be framed with wood, stone or decorative marbled plaster. The electric fireplace area can be decorated with weapons, hunting trophies.

Loft

The fireplace in this direction of design becomes the center of the room. It should be finished with brickwork or even placed against a brick wall. A distinctive feature is the absence of unnecessary elements of decor, modesty and a certain rudeness of the interior.

Electric fireplace location

There are rules that should be followed when arranging a fireplace zone. They are common to all interior styles and rooms in the room. For example, you can not position the product:

• near any door;
• at the entrance to the room;
• near the window;
• next to large pieces of furniture.

When installing an electric fireplace, it is important to consider the type of lighting in the room, since light plays a large role in the perception of the “flame”. Too bright streams of natural and artificial light can ruin the effect of burning coals.

In the living room it is quite difficult to combine a TV and a fireplace, especially with the small size of the room. Both items serve as the center of attention, therefore, they can "compete" with each other. To avoid problems, you can use the following methods:

1. Combination. Electric fireplace and TV are combined in one unit. At the bottom there is a built-in or wall center, and above it at a height comfortable for the eyes - a TV. Since the electric fireplace does not direct heat upwards, such a neighborhood will be safe for TV.
2. Different zones. If the living room has a large area, the TV is placed in a recreation area in front of upholstered furniture, and an electric fireplace is next to a pair of armchairs, a coffee table. An island appliance is ideal for this situation.
3. Partitions. In the studio, you can use the zoning of the room with the help of light partitions. In this case, the television is left on one side of the room, and the electric fireplace is on the other.

The combination of fireplace and TV on an adjacent wall looks bad. This mistake is often made by the owners of a small living room who want to have a fireplace area. It’s better to build an electric fireplace in the wall and hang a flat TV over it so that both objects seem to be of equal size.

Do-it-yourself fireplace design

With an electric fireplace, the portal is just a decorative frame. This allows you to apply various interesting techniques in its design. Typically, for built-in fireplaces, a three-dimensional structure of drywall is made, which serves as a frame. Then they trim it with any material that attracts attention. There are also original options for decorating the portal:

• sections of trunks, dried and varnished tree branches;
• longitudinal and transverse saw cuts of stumps;
• plywood, MDF panels decorated with decoupage;
• plaster with further staining with metal paint;
• fragments of mirror mosaics.

Before buying an electric fireplace, it is important to think through all the moments of its installation, arrangement and decoration. With a responsible attitude, you can get an interesting interior detail that will delight residents for a long time and give the house warmth and comfort!