Every person wants to make the space in their home as cozy, comfortable and pleasant to live as possible. Interior design, furniture, curtains and textiles help us with this, decorative elements and accessories. One of the favorite decorative elements of many city residents is false fireplaces, which are safe analogues of real systems with live fire.

Anyone can build a fake fireplace, there is nothing complicated about it, and the most important thing is that you can create it from absolutely different materials. We have already talked about how, and today we’ll talk about how to build a false fireplace from polystyrene foam.

White fireplace replica with beautiful finishes

Foam product

Building a fireplace from sheets and pieces of polystyrene foam is perhaps the easiest way. This is a pliable material that is very easy to work with, create various three-dimensional images, interesting contours. In addition, the cost of foam plastic sheets is low, so we do not need a large budget to build such a structure.

In order to build a foam fireplace with your own hands, we will need:

• Large cardboard box or large sheets of cardboard. From this material it will be possible to make durable frame. If you take a box from a refrigerator or other massive household appliance, you can build a large structure that will be very similar to the original.
• Sheets of foam plastic, usually they have a thickness of about 1-1.5 centimeters.
• Scotch tape or crepe (painting tape), glue, construction knife, tape measure, marker, to create a strong structure of the correct shape, you definitely need measuring tools.
• Putty and paint for finishing the finished fireplace mock-up.
• Decorative elements made of polystyrene foam or polyurethane, in order to create a frame and decent appearance.

To make the product work the right size and shapes, before starting work you should measure the space allocated for the foam fireplace, make a drawing or general sketch. The shape and appearance of a false fireplace can be seen on the Internet.

Easy to build artificial fireplace

Having finished drawing, you can easily transfer it to the prepared cardboard. A general frame is created from cardboard. The inside of the cardboard box is cut and folded inward, thus achieving the desired volume. If you want to make a corner option, then the cardboard will have to be carefully marked and cut into more complex scheme. Using tape and glue, the structure is fixed. Make sure that it stands level on the floor and does not fall to the side. Make a strong base.

When the frame is ready, it is covered with foam plastic, which is cut into pieces from sheets. This way, the desired volume and shape of the future fireplace is obtained. You can also use foam plastic as a tabletop, which is placed on top of the structure, or saw off a piece of plywood.

To consolidate the result obtained, the foam fireplace is puttied. This can be done with universal putty, which is sold in any hardware store. Now to complete the image, all that remains is to paint the resulting foam portal. Acrylic or water-based odorless paints are ideal for painting. You can make any color, or you can leave the standard white.

The firebox of a foam fireplace is filled differently:

• The easiest option is to draw fire on the canvas and fix it inside.
• using a fan and cloth.
• If you want the firebox to glow, just place an LED garland or electric candles in it. To enhance the glow effect, you can place mirrors in the firebox, gluing them to the walls.
• By filling the cavity with decorative firewood and spruce branches, we get a pleasant appearance and a light pine aroma.
• Often used beautiful stones, fir cones, real firewood.
• Ultimately you can always put it inside beautiful candles, and next to the artificial fireplace is a candelabra.

By building a fireplace from foam plastic with your own hands, you will receive great satisfaction from the work done and the final result. It will certainly bring comfort, coziness and tranquility to your home. The most important thing is to choose the right style for the future product at the sketch development stage.

If you are thinking about a false fireplace, in our article you will find the most detailed instructions on how to create a false fireplace with your own hands from plasterboard, wood, polystyrene foam, and also huge amount Photos of false fireplaces in the interior for inspiration.

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False fireplace made of plasterboard: step-by-step assembly instructions

The first stage is preparation of tools and materials

Tools and materials for work

Start by preparing your kit for work. First of all, you will need the drywall itself. When choosing a material, be guided by the features of the selected finishing cladding. If you plan to finish with tiles, it is better to buy a moisture-resistant modification of drywall.

Types of guides for drywall

Profiles

To fasten the frame elements, buy self-tapping screws. The recommended length of the fasteners is 1.4-1.6 cm. You also need to buy self-tapping screws with a countersunk head for fixing the sheets. In addition, you need to purchase dowel nails for attaching profiles to the floor and walls.

Types of self-tapping screws for profiles

Next, focus on the features of the selected finish. If you are going to wallpaper or paint the portal, purchase a primer and putty. If the false fireplace will be tiled, buy tile adhesive and grout for the joints.

Select the required amount of materials individually, taking into account the dimensions of the future decorative fireplace. Plasterboard construction can have a wide variety of sizes. When choosing specific option Focus on available space and personal preferences.

Drywall sheets

The set of necessary tools includes:

• screwdriver;
• electric drill;
• scissors for cutting metal;
• level;
• roulette

The second stage - installation of the frame

First step. Mark the walls and floor to install the profiles. Work according to the drawing. Place marks taking into account the selected dimensions of the fireplace.

Second step. Secure the guides along the marked lines. If you commit to concrete surface, first attach the profile to the base, drill holes according to the markings, insert dowels into them and after that attach the guides.

Third step. Install the posts into the guides. Fasten the products using self-tapping screws.

Before attaching the profiles, it is recommended to check the evenness of the wall using a plumb line. If deviations are detected, fix the guides using direct hangers. These products will allow installation of products strictly vertically.

First, assemble the frame for the entire structure, then for the portal with a recess for the “firebox”. To give the base greater rigidity, connect long horizontal profiles and vertical posts with additional jumpers.

Frame

If desired, you can give the firebox opening a curly shape. To do this, just carefully cut through the stiffening ribs of the mounting profile and bend the product in accordance with your idea.

Frame

The third stage - lining the frame with plasterboard

How to properly attach drywall to a profile

Mark the sheet according to the dimensions of the fireplace and cut out necessary details. It is most convenient to use for cutting material electric jigsaw. If this is not available, cut with a simple wallpaper knife. IN in this case you will need to first cut the cardboard layer on one side of the sheet, carefully break the board, and then cut the second layer of cardboard.

Fix the sheathing elements to the frame. Screw the screws into the material so that their heads are slightly recessed. The recommended spacing of fasteners is 100-150 mm.

Drywall sheets are attached to the frame using self-tapping screws

There shouldn't be any problems attaching the sheets. Even without such experience, you can cope with the sheathing. Just remember that drywall is relatively fragile material, so try not to drop it and do not press too hard on the screwdriver when screwing in the fasteners.

Video: DIY plasterboard fireplace

Stage four - finishing

Having covered the frame with sheets of plasterboard, all you have to do is complete finishing decoration designs. When choosing a finishing option, focus primarily on the design features of the room as a whole.

Plasterboard fireplace

Most often, plasterboard is used for cladding false fireplaces. artificial stone, decorative brick and ceramic tiles. To attach finishing elements, tile adhesive or liquid nails are used. When tiling using tiles of the correct shape, lay them with equal gaps. To decorate them, use special plastic crosses.

Decorative fireplace finishing option

Brick or stone finishing is unlikely to fit into modern interior. In such a situation, it is best to use paint or decorative plaster. The surface must first be carefully treated with putty, sealing the joints between the sheathing elements and eliminating any kind of unevenness. After puttying, the surfaces are additionally sanded with sandpaper.

Otherwise, when choosing a finishing option, be guided by your taste preferences.

Finally, all you have to do is install an electric fireplace in the “firebox” opening or decorate the free space at your discretion. For example, instead of installing an electric fireplace, you can install warm and soft lighting in the firebox - an excellent option for a classic interior. A more modern and bold solution is to decorate the “firebox” using multi-colored LED strip.

You can use a mirror to decorate the back wall of the firebox. Attach it to the surface, and line the bottom of the firebox with decorative logs or other material, for example, shells and pebbles.

There is a mirror in the firebox

Installing several candles in the firebox different shapes and size, you will create a real fire in your fireplace.

Hearth Decoration

Raised fireplace made of wood, plywood, chipboard

How to build an artificial fireplace from plywood, chipboard, various types wood with your own hands, read on.

Preparatory work

It is worth noting that the false fireplace is a portal of impressive size, which is properly decorated inside and out. This portal can become a separate decorative element or a frame for an electric fireplace that provides heat, a biofireplace, which allows you to create a real fire in the firebox. If a portal is created for a bio-fireplace in which a real fire will burn, then you should carefully choose materials for the firebox, since they must be fireproof. If a false fireplace is designed to decorate an electric fireplace, then the size of its firebox must correspond to the dimensions of the device. Additionally, electrical wiring should be carried out and sockets should be placed in the area of ​​the proposed structure.

A well-drawn sketch and worked out dimensions of the future product will help you correctly navigate the amount of building material. Everything you need should be purchased at construction stores, while some fireplace parts, such as fasteners or hardware, can be found at home.

Construction material

Let's start assembling the frame

Frame assembly proceeds from bottom to top

Finished false fireplace frame

Ready-made false fireplace design

Painting a false fireplace

Ready-made false fireplace in the room

Top box for equipment

Side storage drawers

Decorative false fireplace

Wooden false fireplace

Application of chipboard

Chipboard will be a strong and easy-to-use material for creating a structure. In our case, the laminated option is perfect - laminated chipboard, which will minimize the finishing of the future false fireplace.

The only drawback that immediately comes to mind when using laminated chipboard is its vulnerable appearance. You should be careful when storing the elements of the slab and building a structure from it, so as not to damage the laminated surface, since it will no longer be possible to repair it.

You can cut the material into pieces of the required size yourself, or order it from a suitable furniture workshop. If we're talking about about chipboard or plywood, then doing the work yourself will not be difficult, the main thing is to use a good jigsaw. With laminated material it is a little more complicated; here it is important not only to make a cut, but also to take into account the pattern of the fibers, so it is more convenient and easier to order cutting the sheet into the required pieces in a workshop. Moreover, you will not need to take away a huge sheet of chipboard; you will immediately pick up the finished elements.

Fireplace portal made of laminated chipboard

In addition, you should ask to process the edges of the slab so that the elements look monolithic. At home, edge processing can also be done using an iron and a special tape. However, the accuracy of this method is entirely up to you. When you have all the structural elements, fasteners and hardware on hand, you should start assembling:

• Based on the sketch, it is necessary to prepare the frame of the false fireplace. It is most convenient to knock it together from timber or fasten it from a metal profile. When assembling a fireplace with your own hands from scrap materials, you should pay attention to the rigidity of the structure and its solidity, so we securely fasten the frame to the wall and floor.
• Then the resulting structure should be sheathed with cut chipboard parts. When performing work, you must be extremely careful not to damage the decorative coating.
• If the fireplace cabinet is made of laminated chipboard, then further decoration will affect only its internal part, but when creating a false portal for a fireplace with your own hands from ordinary chipboard or plywood, you should take care of the finishing of the structure. The decoration of a false fireplace can be made with different materials, for example, you can cover the structure with plastic panels imitating a brick or wallpaper with a similar pattern, or use decorative stone, which is glued to the portal with a solution. Acceptable to use ceramic tiles, mosaic and other tiles, especially if you plan to install a bioburner inside the portal. If you stick to the wooden style, then in specialized stores you can buy the corresponding wooden elements With carved patterns and decorate your decorative fireplace with them. Subsequently, the wooden elements can be coated with stain or varnish.
• At the final stage, you should decorate the firebox of the false fireplace. There are many ways to make artificial fire, but you can do without it, for example, by placing it in niches decorative firewood or by lighting candles. Here everything will depend on your imagination and thoroughness of approach.

Wooden version

If you need to build a more substantial structure, you can build a decorative fireplace made of wood. Wood means timber and board. It is quite possible to build a fireplace out of wood with your own hands, because, as in the case of chipboard and plywood, special difficulties this is not the case.

Finishing material

Frame construction

Primary finishing of the fireplace firebox

Finishing

Carrying out finishing

Construction of the main portal

Painting and decorating a false fireplace

Another wooden option

Building a frame

Tools and hardware

The method for assembling a wooden structure is as follows:

• A correct and clearly formed drawing will allow you to purchase required material and cut it into parts. If you make a short description and indicate the dimensions of each element, it will be even easier to assemble a false fireplace.
• Next, the main frame is assembled from timber, to which the remaining elements are attached. When assembling a fireplace from boards with your own hands, you should use several methods of fastening materials: somewhere tongues, somewhere gluing, and somewhere connecting with hardware. The connection is selected based on the required strength and influence on the entire structure.
• If you put together the entire portal from boards, it will turn out to be too massive, so in some places we use plywood. To make a wooden false fireplace look decent, we create decorative elements and moldings from the bars and nail them to the frame.
• Once the body is assembled, you can begin finishing it. How to decorate a false fireplace, the easiest option is to paint it with white paint in several layers. The result will be a stately structure with a classic look. You can use the methods described earlier, they will also be relevant.

To make your false wooden fireplace look complete, you should start decorating its firebox. The best option in this case, the use of natural and decorative accessories is considered, for example, you can fill a niche with fir branches, pine cones and candles, or put real dry firewood.

Video: False fireplace made of wood

False fireplace made of foam plastic

• Building a fireplace from sheets and pieces of polystyrene foam is perhaps the easiest way. This is a pliable material that is very easy to work with, create various three-dimensional images, interesting contours. In addition, the cost of foam plastic sheets is low, so we do not need a large budget to build such a structure. In order to build a foam fireplace with your own hands, we will need:
• Large cardboard box or large sheets of cardboard. From this material it will be possible to make a durable frame. If you take a box from a refrigerator or other massive household appliance, you can build a large structure that will be very similar to the original.
• Sheets of foam plastic, usually they have a thickness of about 1-1.5 centimeters.
• Scotch tape or crepe (painting tape), glue, construction knife, tape measure, marker, to create a strong structure of the correct shape, you definitely need measuring tools.
• Putty and paint for finishing the finished fireplace mock-up.
• Decorative elements made of polystyrene foam or polyurethane, in order to create a frame and a decent appearance.

In order for the product to be the desired size and shape, before starting work you should measure the space allocated for the foam fireplace and make a drawing or general sketch. The shape and appearance of a false fireplace can be seen on the Internet.

• An easy-to-build artificial fireplace Having a ready-made drawing, you can easily transfer it to the prepared cardboard. A general frame is created from cardboard. The inside of the cardboard box is cut and folded inward, thus achieving the desired volume. If you want to make a corner option, then the cardboard will have to be carefully marked and cut according to a more complex pattern. Using tape and glue, the structure is fixed. Make sure that it stands level on the floor and does not fall to the side. Make a strong base.

When the frame is ready, it is covered with foam plastic, which is cut into pieces from sheets. This way, the desired volume and shape of the future fireplace is obtained. You can also use foam plastic as a tabletop, which is placed on top of the structure, or saw off a piece of plywood.

To consolidate the result obtained, the foam fireplace is puttied. This can be done with universal putty, which is sold at any hardware store. Now to complete the image, all that remains is to paint the resulting foam portal. Acrylic or water-based odorless paints are ideal for painting. You can make any color, or you can leave the standard white.

When completing work on the false fireplace, you should decorate it. This can be done using plastic and polyurethane elements. For example, glue a beautiful molding around the perimeter, and decorative elements in the form of columns or other types of stucco molding on the edges. Fireplace moldings, stucco, corners and other decorative elements can be purchased at any hardware store.

Ready to use fake fireplace

If you want to decorate a false fireplace made of cardboard and foam plastic so that it looks like a real brick one, then you can use three options:

• Cover it with plastic panels imitating brick or stonework.
• Cover the frame with vinyl wallpaper with a similar pattern. As a last resort, paper analogues.
• Apply a drawing brickwork with improvised means. On final stage works we decorate the area inside the portal, as well as the area around it.

• Cover it with plastic panels imitating brick or stonework. Cover the frame with vinyl wallpaper with a similar pattern. As a last resort, paper analogues. Apply a pattern of brickwork using improvised means. At the final stage of work, we decorate the area inside the portal, as well as the area around it. We cut them to size We begin to assemble the frame We install all the frame parts We fill the cavities with foam plastic

Preparing suitable boards

Cut them to size

Let's start assembling the frame

We install all frame parts

Filling cavities with foam plastic

Let's start the exterior finishing

The frame is covered with foam plastic

We paint foam plastic under coals

Painting the outer foam

Installing the monitor

Ready-made false fireplace with fire inside

• The firebox of a foam fireplace is filled differently:
• The simplest option is to draw fire on the canvas and fix it inside.
• It's easy to make an artificial fire using a fan and fabric.
• If you want the firebox to glow, just place an LED garland or electric candles in it. To enhance the glow effect, you can place mirrors in the firebox, gluing them to the walls.
• By filling the cavity with decorative firewood and spruce branches, we get a pleasant appearance and a light pine aroma.
• Beautiful stones, fir cones, and real firewood are often used.
• Ultimately, you can always put beautiful candles inside and a candelabra next to the faux fireplace.

Corner false fireplace

Preparatory activities The design of a false fireplace, be it corner or rectangular, usually requires the presence of two basic elements: a portal and an apparatus inside. A portal is a massive structure designed to imitate a stove, and the apparatus can be a bio-fireplace burner or an electric fireplace. In principle, you don’t have to install the device inside, then the firebox can be easily decorated with firewood, candles, fir branches or other decorative elements.

The most reliable, strong, but at the same time easy-to-handle material from which you can build your portal, fireplace frame, is plasterboard. This material is easy to use, light in weight and versatile.

In the future, any decorative coating can be easily attached to a plasterboard base: tiles, mosaics, gypsum stucco, plastic panels with imitation brickwork, whatever. Before starting work, it is advisable to select suitable place, where a false fireplace would fit perfectly. Many people choose a corner fireplace because it takes up less free space. Great solution will be placing a dummy opposite front door in an unused corner. With this arrangement, the fireplace immediately becomes the main accent in the interior of the room, the center of attention.

A simple sketch of a future fireplace

At the final stage of preparation, you should collect the tools necessary for construction and suitable building materials. Let's briefly go over the materials, you will definitely need:

• Metal profile for the construction of a frame for drywall.
• To make a durable structure, you will need metal and wood screws to secure the drywall.
• Drywall for covering the frame and creating the shape of a false fireplace.
• Plaster will be required to level the corners and recesses from self-tapping screws.
• To prepare for tiling, you will need a primer. It is also better to prime the drywall before painting.
• At the preparation stage, you should decide what will be produced finishing and purchase the appropriate material: tiles, plastic panels, mosaics.

Additionally, various decorative elements may be needed: corners, moldings and more.

Successful placement of an imitation of a real fireplace

To make a corner fireplace from plasterboard, you will need construction tools:

• For marking you will need a pencil or marker, ruler, tape measure, level, plumb line.
• For basic work you will need a screwdriver, hammer drill, jigsaw, construction knife, metal scissors, pliers, screwdriver, hammer.
• Other tools may also be useful, it all depends on the complexity of the structure and the methods of finishing it.

Step-by-step instructions will help you navigate the construction methodology:

Fastening the metal profile to the floor and wall

• At the first stage, we need to make markings on the floor and wall, based on a drawing or sketch of the fireplace made on paper. To better see the markings, use a marker, and for accuracy, use a ruler and level. It is very important not to make serious mistakes when marking.
• If you plan to install a false fireplace inside the corner portal electrical appliance, then it is necessary to supply electricity to the corner. The easiest way is to make an outlet behind the fireplace, where an electric fireplace or other built-in device will be connected.

The fireplace takes on a general shape

• The markings are ready, we will carry out further work with our own hands. Let's take it metal profile and build from it necessary design. We use the floor and walls as the basis for fastening. If necessary, make rounded elements, cut the profile and bend it.

Drywall-clad fireplace frame

• When the frame is built, we begin to work with drywall. We need to cut the large sheet into small pieces according to the dimensions on the drawing, and then attach these pieces of drywall to metal frame. As we have already said, when making a corner fireplace from plasterboard with your own hands, you need to carefully monitor the dimensions so as not to waste material. Note that the self-tapping screws should be screwed in completely and even sunk a little into soft drywall so that their heads are not visible later.

Finishing the fireplace with suitable decorative materials

• When the drywall is fixed, you need to take putty and modify the image of the fireplace and its shape. You should cover the recesses of the screws, make straight corners and joints. When the putty dries, you can use a knife and sandpaper to make the surface more ideal. Finally, it is necessary to treat the drywall and putty with a primer to make it easier to attach the finishing materials, or to paint the resulting false fireplace.

The exterior of the fireplace is finished

• Having built the base of the structure, you can proceed directly to its external and internal decoration. It's better to start with the firebox. If you plan to install any device inside, you should do the appropriate finishing. For example, if you are installing a bio-fireplace burner or real candles, then you should strengthen the base by placing the tiles down, and inner part decorate the fireboxes with heat-resistant material, asbestos, and steel. If the firebox is empty, finishing can be done at will from any materials.

Exterior view of the corner fireplace in the room

• After the firebox, we move on to the main external part. To decorate a corner fireplace, you can use ceramic tiles, stone or its imitation, plastic panels, siding, there are many options. Decorative material is glued to the frame using glue. This glue usually dries in about a day.
• On top part frame, a table top should be installed; you can choose a wooden or stone option, depending on your preferences. You can later place decorative items and souvenirs on this tabletop.

Filling the fireplace insert with decorative elements

Note that in addition to expensive finishing materials There are also quite budget options. For example, a fireplace in the corner of a room can simply be painted with paint of a suitable color; the simplest option is white. Drywall, even primed, absorbs moisture well, so it will have to be painted in two layers. You can paste over the frame self-adhesive film with a suitable pattern or color. The film is not the best practical option, besides, we recommend choosing a German manufacturer, since the Chinese one has too much big problems with quality (at the joints and in the corners it constantly peels off).

Exterior view of a corner false fireplace in the living room

Upon completion of construction, the necessary parting should be installed in the firebox: a bio-fireplace or an electric fireplace. An interesting option is to place a photo frame inside the firebox, on which there will be an image of a real fire.

Candles in the firebox are always appropriate; they can be real or artificial, for example, in the form of a kind of garland that gives a pleasant flicker. Decorative firewood fits perfectly into this concept, which you can also make yourself or buy ready-made options.

You can build a corner false fireplace with your own hands not only from plasterboard, they are very popular simple options, when the structure is made from ordinary cardboard boxes.

Cardboard version

Recently, false fireplaces made from cardboard, in particular from suitable cardboard boxes, have become very popular. It is very convenient to make yourself a decorative New Year's fireplace from boxes, which will maintain the festive mood, and then will be disassembled.

The best material for creativity is considered to be large boxes, for example, from under a TV, furniture, refrigerator or other large household appliances. Making a corner version is a little more difficult than a simple rectangular one, because here you have to rack your brains a little, developing the technology for cutting and gluing the box.

As always, the Internet will be a great help, where you can find relevant pictures or look suitable video. If we briefly consider the technology for constructing such a structure, it does not differ much from that described above.

Instructions for creating a cardboard corner fireplace

• At the first stage, we prepare a suitable box, cut it in the right places, bend it and secure it with tape or masking tape.
• Next we paint in desired color, or wrap it in paper to give the structure a monochromatic look.
• Decoration can be done again using paper, it is permissible to use polystyrene foam, plastic elements. If you have the ability to draw, then it is quite possible to apply suitable graphics to the outer part of the fireplace.
• By placing appropriate decorative elements inside and around the false fireplace, we get a finished look.

To recreate the flickering of a fire, you can put a garland inside an improvised firebox. Artificial firewood, which can be made from the same cardboard by rolling it into a tube, will help hide it. For greater realism, glue cardboard knots to the firewood. You can hide a bright garland using natural decorative materials, for example, by placing fir branches and cones in the firebox, and additionally arranging candles.

As a last resort, you can simply draw a fire on paper and put this drawing in the firebox. It won’t be entirely elegant, but this idea will help support the overall concept of comfort.

False fireplaces in the interior (60+ photos)

Do-it-yourself false fireplace made of plasterboard

Living room in black and gold with a carved false fireplace

A modern interior will be complemented by a fireplace in a traditional style using stucco.

A place for read books - an empty fireplace opening

Natural materials will add warmth and comfort to even the most ascetic interior

An original solution - having a fireplace in the bathroom

On the fireplace shelf there is a collection of nesting dolls, photographs and grotesque paintings, and inside the firebox there is a wicker vase with branches

Fireplace niche as a closet. Can hold shoe boxes in it

You can place something unusual in the fireplace niche, for example, an antique chest

Logs for a false fireplace, painted in different colors, in the tone of the room

A disco ball will help fill the room with additional light. Place it in front of a window or lamp so it gives off glare

A small wall niche stylized as a fireplace hearth

A little trick to imitate a fireplace opening filled with logs

Symbolic false fireplace (painted fireplace)

It's more of a drawing on the wall than a full-fledged structure. It can be made from ordinary ceiling skirting boards, indicating only the form, without depth.

If you still have sheets of polystyrene foam used for packaging household appliances, don’t rush to throw them away - they will be useful for creating a small New Year’s fireplace. Not real, of course, but during the holidays this hearth will become the highlight of your interior. Gift boxes, souvenirs, and candles will look great around it. It’s easy to make a fake fireplace made of polystyrene foam with your own hands for the New Year, without having any special accessories other than those listed below.

To make a decorative fireplace from sheet foam with your own hands you will need:

• foam sheets, size is not important, but larger ones are better;
• toothpicks;
• PVA glue;
• textured braid;
• sharp knife, you can use stationery;
• primer or putty;
• acrylic paint for decoration, preferably “gold” or “silver”, but other shades are also possible.

How to make a fireplace from polystyrene foam with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

Depending on the size of the foam fireplace, you need to cut out its main parts. In my case, with a decorative fireplace height of approximately 40-45 cm, the details are as follows:

• 2 sides (I have a size of 45 by 20 cm);
• 1 back wall(60 by 45 cm);
• 1 front wall (60 by 45 cm);
• fireplace cover (can be replaced with a cardboard cover if there is not enough foam), size 70 by 25 cm.

CLUE. The dimensions can be changed depending on the size of your foam sheets. The decorative fireplace will not suffer from this.

Diagram or drawing of a foam fireplace

The fireplace diagram is approximately the same as in the figure below, use it as a guide.

Before cutting out the surfaces of the fireplace according to the drawing, make markings on a sheet of foam plastic with a pencil. For cutting, use a sharp knife, but a stationery knife is better - it is thinner and crumbles the foam less.

On the front wall, you additionally need to cut out a rectangular or round arch.

Connecting the foam fireplace base

It is difficult to glue polystyrene foam; almost no glue “takes” it, so use toothpicks to connect the parts. Pierce through both parts at the joints, pushing the toothpick all the way inside.

Box for decorative false the fireplace is ready. Prime the surfaces special attention paying attention to the joints.

How to putty a foam fireplace

There are, of course, special mixtures for puttying foam. But in our case, there is no point in buying them; for priming, you can use not only special primer. Any putty will do, even ceiling paint if it has thickened to the point of sour cream. As a last resort, use PVA glue in several layers, letting them dry for 1-4 hours.

Design of a portal for a decorative fireplace made of polystyrene foam

To make the fireplace look elegant, glue braid along the edge of the arch. It can be of any color, the main thing is that it has convex details. To glue the tape, first soak it in PVA glue and then place it along the cut of the arch. PVA will not only glue, but also replace the primer.

Let it dry for at least two hours. In the corners of the arch I added roses made of cold porcelain. Can be attached to joints beautiful buttons or other decor.

Then, using an almost dry brush, paint over the surface of the braid with gold paint, thereby leaving gilding on the relief.

If there is no gold paint, use any suitable one - blue, green or another color - you need to emphasize the relief parts of the braid. You can even use nail polish.

Use the same paint to paint the open sections of the arch and the end parts of the fireplace cover. Let dry for a couple of hours.

How to cover a foam fireplace for the New Year

To decorate a decorative New Year's fireplace made of polystyrene foam, use decoupage techniques. Simply put, stick on beautiful New Year’s pictures, braid, pieces of bright fabric or paper snowflakes. I cut out snowflakes from regular table napkins and glued them onto the fireplace base using PVA. And to decorate the arch I used textured braid.

How to glue paper pictures onto foam plastic

If you are using napkins to decorate your fireplace, first separate them into layers. Napkins come in two and three layers. You only need the design layer.

Cut out the desired design along the contour, attach (dry!) ​​to in the right place and spread PVA glue over the picture with a wide brush. Smooth the napkin over the surface and let dry.

You can shade the contour of the glued picture with acrylic paints. I did it with the same gold along the joints of the fireplace surfaces.

How and with what to paint a foam fireplace

If you don’t want to use pictures, you can paint the fireplace. However, it must be taken into account that polystyrene foam is a material to which paint does not adhere well. Gouache, watercolor, even acrylic roll into lumps on the surface. Best option– first prime the surfaces of the fireplace made of polystyrene foam, using, if not a special primer or putty, then at least regular glue PVA. And only after that start painting. Ideal option— acrylic paints: they are odorless, dry quickly, and non-toxic.

CLUE. If there are no colored acrylic paints, buy regular acrylic varnish at a hardware store. I always have “Interior acrylic varnish, colorless semi-gloss” on hand. Add gouache, pearl powder, pigment to it - experiment with what you have at hand. And paint the already primed foam with this mixture.

Final assembly and decoration of an artificial fireplace made of polystyrene foam

Place the lid on the finished foam fireplace base and pin it in place using toothpicks.

Place candles (do not light them, only for decoration), pin tinsel, beads, Christmas tree balls and other New Year attributes.

Install the fireplace on a chest of drawers, on a windowsill, on coffee table– the room will become more comfortable and there will be somewhere to put gifts.

The finished foam fireplace is pictured below.

Interior false fireplace made of polyurethane or foam

Using the techniques described above and adding polyurethane moldings and other decorative elements to the materials, you can make a false fireplace out of foam plastic with your own hands in full size. And not only for the New Year, but in general to decorate the interior of your home.

Here are examples of fireplaces made of polystyrene foam. Pictures taken from the Internet.

Every person strives for coziness and comfort. The hearth and warmth of home is what warms the soul. What could be better than an evening spent with family by the fireplace in the living room? Owners country cottages and houses are able to afford this luxury. What should city residents do?

The solution would be to install false fireplace- this is a unique design, the design of which repeats in full or in part the appearance of a real fireplace. Don't think that this is a difficult task. experienced master, and an ordinary person, easilywith herwill handle it.

What is it for?

The lack of special ceilings and chimneys in the apartment does not allow building a real fireplace. But there is a way out, because you can make a false fireplace with your own hands, and without having any skills in repair and construction activities. The master class will help you with this.

A false fireplace in the interior is multifunctional decoration, demonstrating a privileged class. Fire inside it is not necessary at all. In addition, creating such a design is an entertaining job that leaves room for flights of imagination. As a result, a false fireplace for the living room will become an exclusive thing, which you can be proud of, in addition, it will give the interior the highest class.

Advantages of artificial fireplaces

False fireplaces have a whole range of advantages:

• The decorating process involves budget-friendly, but beautiful and unusual materials.
• A fake fireplace can be made from many types of building materials that are available to everyone.
• A false fireplace is inexpensive way decorate the living room space in the apartment. You only need money to purchase the necessary building materials, and installation can be done carry out independently.
• There is a unique opportunity to periodically change the decor of a false fireplace, be it painting or adding a new part.

Read also: Making a fireplace for the New Year with your own hands from cardboard

Types of decorative fireplaces

Depending on the structure and shape, false fireplaces can be divided into three types:

• Symbolic. Constructed from simple available materials. But their specific feature is that they are strikingly different from conventional fireplaces. This includes pictures on the wall, beautiful stickers with various ornaments. The purpose of this variation is to abstractly imitate, but without performing the main function.

• This type of fireplace must have projections relative to the living room wall. They are decorated in their own way desire and taste. Place firewood in the fire hole or fill it with candles. To achieve realism, in front of the firebox an original forged grate is placed. It will create fictitious protection from flying sparks.

• The false fireplace has genuine dimensions and completely imitates a real fireplace. Its design principles are the same. Install in the middle of the combustion space. It will create a stunning fire effect in the hearth. The false fireplace is characterized lack of a chimney. All other parameters clearly reproduce the proportions of a real fireplace.

What is it made from?

To build a false fireplace, they resort to watching a master class. You will also need ordinary building materials sold in any specialty store. A craftsman who is interested in construction and repair will find homes necessary materials such as:

• medium thickness plywood;
• a certain class of chipboard;
• plain cardboard;
• foam;
• brick;
• drywall.

If desired, you can use individual parts of used furniture. It would be a shame to throw it away, but it would be just right for making a false fireplace.

Polyurethane model

How to quickly and easily build a false fireplace from polyurethane? You will need to purchase a polyurethane base and study master class. The main difficulty of the process is drawing up a work plan. In addition, you need to prepare drawings for a false fireplace, think over its style and dimensions that correspond to the parameters of the living room. All the rest of the work will take away minimum time and effort.

Read also: Electric 3D fireplaces with steam

Before proceeding with installation, prepare following materials:

• high-quality putty;
• polyurethane;
• contact glue;
• elements intended for finishing the internal firebox.

Installation procedure

A step-by-step guide will help you assemble a false fireplace with your own hands. instructions master class:

• A false fireplace is best installed in the living room. A side wall will do. The corner option would also be ideal, because it will not interfere with the passage and will not reduce the space of the living room. If you wish, you can watch on the Internet how a master builds a false fireplace.
• If you plan to install an electric fireplace or lighting, you need to think about an additional outlet and wiring.
• For the frame of the combustion hole, several wooden blocks are taken. The walls are constructed using plasterboard or a sheet of plywood.
• Next you can install a portal made of polyurethane. It is carefully attached with contact glue. All gaps between the portal and the internal firebox are removed with putty.
• The final stage of finishing. White The material can be decorated in various ways.

The portal is also made of wood. It looks exceptionally harmonious in an ethnic interior. Of course, it is more expensive than polyurethane, but it allows you to create a real masterpiece and show the highest class of craftsmanship.

Modification using foam plastic

How to make a false fireplace in the living room from polystyrene foam so that it has an aesthetic and original appearance, but at the same time is simple to implement and safe? The answer will not surprise you - you need to carefully think through the progress of the work, everything the smallest details procedures, calculate the dimensions of the structure.

Don't forget about the installation location. After all, to build a false fireplace with your own hands, you do not need the specific knowledge that an experienced craftsman possesses. All it takes is desire. Corner option placement is most preferred. Modern design solutions in most works they represent precisely corner mounting method. To get a complete picture, you can sketch it on paper.

For step-by-step installation you will need a special equipment and materials:

• measuring instruments;
• pencil, paint brush, water-based paint;
• putty;
• polypropylene mesh, counters, special glue, knife for construction needs;
• ordinary cardboard;
• directly the foam itself.

IN winter time there is a desire to create an atmosphere of comfort at home, comparable to the warmth of the hearth. This is due to the cold outside and lack of comfort. This task is being implemented in different ways, but there is one that is low-cost from any point of view: building a New Year's fireplace from polystyrene foam, which is accessible to everyone. The construction of a structure of this type is not difficult. A certain amount of diligence and small expenses for the purchase of materials are enough to realize your plans.

Creating a hearth that is defined as decorative is available from a variety of materials, but the cheapest option is when foam and cardboard are used.

As a result, you can get a product with many advantages:

• aesthetics of appearance;
• unusualness;
• long period of operation;
• ease of installation;
• minimal costs for purchasing materials.

The implementation of the proposed project for the installation of a false fireplace is possible only if there is:

• a sufficiently large cardboard box;
• polystyrene foam (2 sheets);
• water-based paint;
• putties;
• construction tape;
• foam molding and other similar elements;
• assembly adhesive;
• painting knife;
• brushes

After everything has been provided according to the above list, you can proceed with direct installation, following the instructions:

If the installation of the structure is timed to coincide with the New Year, then it is advisable to use fir branches or a wreath with bells for decoration. This will create the required holiday atmosphere.

Retro style

Let's look at how to make a retro-style fireplace out of polystyrene foam with your own hands, following the recommendations below:

The portal is attached at an angle to a small board, to which a longer block is then nailed. To directly fix the portal on the wall, appropriate holes are made in the long strip. The plank is secured with screws, and the entire frame with dowels.

1. The next stage of the master class assumes that the tabletop will be assembled and installed in place.
2. Close the gaps that have formed between the wall and the portal. In practice, this is realized through special strips. You first need to paint them to match the portal.
3. Engage in the design of the structure being constructed. Variability is possible here in accordance with the riot of imagination. If you prefer a vintage style, you can choose aged wood, old newspapers, and the like to decorate the interior of the fireplace.

A portal aged with paint will look original. This is implemented quite simply. We paint the surface with a pale gray color, wait for it to dry and scratch it with any hard object. After which we apply paint again, but in a darker tone. The result of this work is the image of an ancient hearth.

1. Paint with matte paint and start decorating the firebox. For example, consider placing an antique wooden chest filled with birch logs. If you also put a New Year’s attribute such as a garland on top, then the appropriate surroundings will be provided.
2. The final touch to this guide would be to frame the wall above the fireplace to create a cohesive composition. Family photos framed in wood, false windows, complemented by wooden shutters, etc. are suitable for this.
   
   
   
   

Foam plastic

To simulate a hearth, only foam plastic can be used as the main material for constructing the frame. This makes it possible to add a festive feeling to the interior for little money. The process of arranging a fireplace composition looks like this:

Corner option

A fireplace as an imitation, where the manufacturing material is polystyrene foam, does not require serious knowledge to build it, and experience is also not needed here. The only obligatory condition is the presence of the corresponding desire.

A good option is a fireplace in the corner. Many designers share the same opinion, preferring the corner method of its installation. To fully understand how everything will look, you can make a preliminary sketch of the future design on paper.

In any case, you will need:

It is easier to implement the expected scope of work if the proposed step-by-step information is correlated with it:

1. Creating a frame. Manufacturing material – cardboard. All necessary parts are marked with a pencil. A knife is used to cut cardboard. From the obtained parts, a base is formed by gluing, which is then attached to the wall.
2. Pasting the frame. Styrofoam parts are being prepared. The tool for cutting them out can be a stationery knife. After this, the cut parts are glued to the frame.
3. Giving the product strength. The corners are aligned and then secured using counters. Then reinforcement is carried out, which is provided by a mesh made of propylene.
4. Coloring. Application of water-based paint as the final stage of the work.

Since the hearth cannot be without a flame, you should take care of this. In our case, open fire is unacceptable due to the high flammability of the materials used. You can create something like an electric fireplace using an electronic frame, electric candles, etc.

Conclusion

Polystyrene foam is a material that makes it possible to create an imitation of a fireplace. It's cheap and very simple. It does not require any skill or special knowledge. At the same time, the atmosphere of the room changes, which is filled with spiritual warmth.