The built-in electric fireplace is a device for creating comfort and a modern element of the interior of any room. Fireplaces decorated in a classic style are very popular. They can also be made in the fashionable directions of hi-tech and minimalism.
Types of electric fireplaces
Depending on the installation method, electric fireplaces are divided into several groups.
Hanging or wall mounted
Mounted models are characterized by compact dimensions, small dimensions, which do not require much space for placement. Hanging fireplaces are mounted using special brackets. They look great in spacious living rooms and small rooms. Most often they have a narrow rectangular or square shape.
Mini
Compact appliances, which due to their size, are great for placement in small apartments. Such fireplaces can be built into cabinets under the TV, cabinets. These are desktop devices that can be installed on any horizontal surface.
Without frame
Such models look like open furnaces. They have a modest design, can be installed in the center of the room and against the walls.
The design includes a portal and a hearth. The portal is a frame of various types of building material, it turns out a niche in which the equipment is mounted.
Styles of electric fireplaces
Ready-made portals for electric fireplaces are offered in a variety of styles. You can choose the most suitable option depending on the interior of the room.
Classical
Classical design options are characterized by the presence of curly carvings, cornices and porticoes. Such portals are made of MDF or wood. The rich color scheme emphasizes the majesty of the style.
Country
Country style combines home comfort and warmth. Electric fireplaces presented in this direction are unpretentious. They are characterized by large sizes. Traditionally, designs are made using frames made of sandstone, limestone, artificial stone.
Loft style
For interior design in the loft style, fireplaces with stone portals are perfect. The surface texture can be smooth or porous. Preference should be given to smooth, as it is easier to care for.
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- Classic style
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- Loft style
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- Country
Right choice
To choose the right built-in electric fireplace, you need to consider a number of criteria:
- Installation location - focusing on this item, you need to select a device that is suitable in size.
- Type of installation - the fireplace can be mounted on the wall or installed in a special niche.
- Price category - you can buy the fireplace itself more expensive, and make a portal for it yourself, which will save money.
An important role is played by the functions of the fireplace. Some models carry only a decorative load. If you plan to use the device as a heater, you need to consider this fact.
Advantages and disadvantages
Built-in electric fireplace has undeniable advantages, and a number of disadvantages. The positive points include the following points:
- Safe operation - the fireplace portal does not heat up during operation, therefore such a device is safe in a house where there are small children.
- Ease of use - for the operation of the fireplace you only need to connect to the mains.
- By installing an electric fireplace, you can decorate the interior and provide the apartment or house with heat.
- The artificial origin of fire eliminates the need to harvest firewood, clean chimneys and furnaces.
- A large selection of compact models allows you to find a fireplace for any room, even for the smallest room.
- Variety of portal finishes.
- Since the fire is not alive in the fireplace, the risk of carbon monoxide emission is excluded.
The disadvantages of the built-in models are much less than the positive points. The disadvantages of purchasing an electric fireplace are:
- Additional costs for electricity consumption. But this applies only to models that work for heating. The power consumption of decorative devices is much lower.
- Due to the high popularity of electric fireplaces, many fakes have appeared on the market.
To purchase high-quality equipment, you need to contact only trusted manufacturers.
Installation Rules for Built-in Electric Fireplaces
Installation of electric fireplaces built into a niche is not very difficult. Installation consists of several stages:
- Choosing the right place for installation, it should be close to the outlet.
- Creation of a profile design for drywall, based on the dimensions of the equipment.
- The design is installed in the manufactured niche, all wires are removed into it.
- The front part is finished with the selected material.
After completing all work, you can connect the equipment to the mains.
Do-it-yourself framing
Stationary portals can be stone and plasterboard. Their difference lies in the fact that the first option is made at the stage of finishing the room. Drywall base can be installed after finishing work. It can be made independently from a metal frame sheathed with sheets.
The manufacturing technology of the frame is the following types of work:
- creation of a sketch in accordance with the size of the equipment;
- drawing the main lines on the walls and floor;
- mounting the frame from profiles;
- fastening it to the wall and floor.
Drywall can be decorated in any way depending on the requirements of the interior. For cladding, you can take ceramic tiles or paint the portal. One of the most effective finishing methods is MDF sheathing. They can be matched to wood or stone. The material does not deform when heated, so it is well suited for fireplaces.
If the owner of the fireplace decided to make a framing of the fireplace on his own, it is recommended to pay attention to the ready-made portals of polyurethane. From this material decors are created in various styles. Parts made of polyurethane are easy to attach to the portal on glue or screws.
The method of decorating polyurethane has many advantages:
- unlike gypsum structures, elements are resistant to mechanical stress;
- the material is resistant to high temperature, can even be used to frame fireplaces with a live flame;
- A large selection of elements allows you to finish to any style.
You need to try on equipment to the portal regularly during the work process to avoid alterations.
Electrical safety requirements
Before using the electric fireplace, you should carefully study the instructions for the device. Failure to comply with safety requirements may lead to a fire hazard.
During operation, the electric fireplace heats up. To prevent burns, do not touch the heating surface. It is important that all flammable objects are at least a meter away from the device.It is strictly forbidden to cover the fireplace.
Cleaning equipment is permissible only when disconnecting it from the network. If the device is not used for a long time, it is also recommended to disconnect it from the outlet.
Special measures should be taken when using a fireplace in a house with children. You should not be allowed to arrange games near the appliance.
The built-in fireplace can only be used inside the living room, it cannot be installed in rooms with a high level of moisture, for example, in the bathroom.
Do not connect an electric fireplace immediately after transportation. He must stand for at least one hour.
Popular brands
Built-in electric fireplaces are very popular due to space saving. They effectively fit into any design decision. They can be built into the wall, cabinet, cabinet. The most popular models include:
- Dimplex Viotta are fireplaces from the manufacturer from Ireland. A distinctive feature is the arrangement of the device with a realistic flame. The device can work both with and without heating function. Due to the possibility of separation of the regime, energy is saved. Simulated fire consumes no more than 120 watts per hour. The fireplace is completely safe for children and animals, since the front wall does not heat up. No toxic substances are released during operation. Management is carried out remotely.
- RealFlame 3D FireStar 33 is a model with 3D flame display technology. Using the remote control, you can adjust its height. Halogen lamps create the effect of flickering coals. The power of the device is 1500 W, this is enough to heat the room at least 30 square meters. The device is equipped with two heating modes. A big advantage is the presence of a protective automatic shutdown function.
- Glenrich Premier S14 - model of built-in electric fireplace of Russian production. Thanks to the use of modern technologies, manufacturers managed to achieve a realistic effect of live fire. With a power of 2 kW, the device can heat a room of 20 square meters.
Built-in electric fireplace - a successful addition to any interior, capable of effectively heating the room.
