Imitating fire in a fireplace: DIY options for a false fireplace
Initially, the fireplace in the house performed exclusively a heating function and only after that the role of interior decoration. Today, a central heating system is used as the main source of heating in an apartment or house. That is why many began to prefer not the classic solid fuel stove, but a more modern variation called a false fireplace. Such models can be bought or made with your own hands from available materials, since they have a purely decorative function.
A fireplace, the imitation of which takes place, can be assembled and designed by the hands of an experienced professional who will be able to recreate the desired image, according to all the wishes and preferences of the customer. imitation of fire in the hearth of such a portal can be done in various ways; real flame is almost never used in this case.
How to light a fire in a fireplace?
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Unfortunately, a fireplace in a house is not like a fire in the forest, and certain rules must be followed to properly light a fireplace. We are not surprised that in order to start a car, we must also follow certain rules and a certain sequence of actions. Otherwise, your car will not move. It is obvious! It is also obvious that if the fireplace is used incorrectly, you will not get pleasure from it.
Build a hut at the back wall of the fireplace from not very thick slivers of dry wood. It is strongly not recommended to do a large pile of firewood at first. Make sure that your fireplace damper is fully open to prevent cold air from entering the room from outside.
Well, now the most important thing is that it is necessary to create an initial draft in the pipe so that the smoke exits through the pipe into the street, and not into the room. To be honest, it doesn’t matter where the smoke comes out; it’s even easier for it to go to your room’s ceiling, because a column of cold air as tall as your pipe prevents it from going straight into the pipe. Contrary to popular belief, draft is not the upward movement of hot air, it is the downward movement of cold air. Cold air is much heavier than hot air, therefore, falling down under the influence of the well-known force of gravity, it “squeezes” warmer air upward, creating the much-needed draft for the fireplace. Make a long torch out of scrap newspaper by first folding and then twisting the newspaper along its long side. For proper lighting of the fireplace, this is as necessary an element as matches. Light one end of this “torch” and bring it as close as possible to the beginning of the chimney of your fireplace. This should be just behind the smoke tooth at the top and back of the fireplace. Although the design of fireplaces may differ slightly from each other, you can always easily find a place in the fireplace where the smoke should escape. Bring the lit newspaper to this place. As a rule, one such torch bundle is enough to create the initial draft in the pipe, and with the remains of this torch you can already set fire to the hut you have prepared in the fireplace.
Sometimes, it is necessary to make a second similar flagellum to help the smoke from burning wood go into the chimney, continuing to burn it near the chimney while the wood is already lit. In exceptional cases, during severe frosts, when the fireplace has not been lit for a long time, it may be necessary to spend some time by the fireplace, burning newspaper torches in the fireplace to create an initial draft. But your patience will be rewarded with excellent play of flames in the fireplace and the absence of smoke and burning in the room. In this case, your fireplace will not be smoked above the firebox, and there will be no traces of soot on the ceiling. After making sure that the smoke and flames from the burning wood chips go up the chimney, you can start heating the fireplace with dry logs. Do not rush to put a large amount of firewood into the fireplace at once. Make sure once again that all the smoke goes into the chimney and does not smoke into your room. If all of the above seems too complicated for you, then classic fireplaces are not for you. Then purchase the now common cast-iron fireplace inserts with glass doors, which will save you from the need to follow a certain ritual when lighting the fireplace. Or get a stoker in your house. Warmth and comfort to you from the fireplace for many years!
Modern methods of creating artificial fire in a fireplace
More realistic were the designs, where to imitate flames, scraps of fabric were used, which also fluttered under the influence of a fan and were illuminated by a lamp. And although this also did not look very much like a real fireplace, such primitive designs with imitation coals and flames became the basis for more advanced models.
As a result, a large number of technologies have appeared with the help of which an imitation of fire in a fireplace is created. Next, we will consider a number of the most popular options.
The simplest solution is to place a fire pattern inside the hearth. A more advanced option is an electric photo frame with a similar image.
Imitation of fire can be achieved by placing candles in the fireplace niche. Many people do this, creating a kind of additional comfort in the room. To enhance the effect, mirrors can be placed on the interior walls of the fireplace.
A good option would be to use real logs, which are laid out on a shelf inside the fireplace, and the burning effect is achieved using LED strips.
To simulate fire with your own hands, an electric fireplace or a biofireplace is also suitable. They are placed inside on a shelf and plugged into the network.
Steam generator
More complex designs are also more realistic. A system using water vapor gives a good effect. It consists of the following components:
- fan;
- DMX controller and decoder (these devices transmit digital data and coordinate all elements with each other);
- lamp, preferably LED;
- ultrasonic fog generators;
- distilled water;
- cardboard box.
Fog generators are placed in a box. The water poured into them begins to evaporate and rises under the influence of the fan. The steam is illuminated by a lamp and creates a flame effect.
Electric motor
Models using an electric motor are also popular. A small motor rotates a drum or other shaped part through which light from an LED lamp passes, thereby achieving the effect of a burning fire. Glare and shadows fall on dummy firewood or the screen. Since everything happens in motion, the picture is bright and spectacular. In addition, the design can be made so that the speed of movement and the intensity of light change. However, everything looks rather unnatural and artificial.
This model can be improved somewhat by adding illumination of the internal walls and a translucent screen, as well as a device that will imitate the crackling sound of burning wood. Unfortunately, using a large number of electrical appliances means that they will add their own noise.
TV
Separately, it is worth noting designs based on the use of televisions. To be more precise, a liquid crystal screen , on which the image is displayed. Most often these are tongues of flame. But if you wish, you can use images of beautiful landscapes, etc. A good effect can be achieved by adding an optical system to the screen, including filters, lenses and glass. This allows you to make the image three-dimensional.
3d image
A fire in a fireplace can be created very realistically using holography . For this, a flat image is used, which with the help of special technologies acquires three-dimensionality. If you add an optical system and LED lights, you can achieve a very realistic image of a flame in a small space. In this case, the depth of the picture will exceed the actual depth of the fireplace.
LED technologies
An excellent effect can also be achieved using LED technologies or Real Fire. They are based on the principle of cold fire . An important element of the system is the ultrasonic steam generator for the fireplace. The steam emanating from it is illuminated by halogen lamps. Special filters are used to give the desired color. At the same time, the steam below glows brighter and resembles real fire. Higher up, the light is dimmer, creating a smoky effect. Making an ultrasonic steam generator with your own hands will not be difficult for you.
For fans of traditional fireplaces
Classic fireplace with crackling firewood
A ten-hour version of burning wood in a firebox. Close-up and without musical accompaniment. Only the noise of flames and the crackling of burning logs. Maximum naturalism.
Fireplace with wood in 4K without music
Another version of a simple element of home comfort. Quietly burning firewood in 4K resolution. There is no additional lighting, so it will look very realistic with the lights off.
Decorated fireplace with Christmas tree
A beautifully decorated room with an elegant mantelpiece on which socks and gifts hang. A Christmas tree, a pile of multi-colored boxes with bows, and in the center - a burning hearth.
Burning logs in 4K
A traditional fireplace, in which the wood is just burning. The flame, crackling, becomes stronger, and the logs burn for half an hour, completely burning out at the end of the video. No editing or special effects.
Fireplace with small wood burning to calm music
A beautiful brick fireplace and a pile of small firewood, burning comfortably for about two hours accompanied by pleasant, relaxing melodies on the piano. The video was shot in 4K - turn off the lights, and the fireplace will seem to be in your room.
Wood burning to classic Christmas carols
A two-hour video from Warner Brothers, in which large logs burn in a large brick fireplace accompanied by iconic Christmas songs. The heat is blazing under the grate, a pile of ash has already gathered in the foreground, and it seems that if you stretch out your hand, you can feel the pleasant warmth.
Fireplace from Disney with Christmas tree and gifts
The official Disney version of the Christmas fireplace with a nod to Toy Story. There is wood burning in the fireplace, and next to the decorated Christmas tree there is a whole bunch of gifts waiting for the children to wake up and unpack them.
Doctor Who fireplace
Digital, but also a good video of the Thirteenth Doctor's hearth. The mantelpiece is decorated with a TARDIS garland, a Christmas tree stands nearby, and a bright fire flickers for two hours.
General description of popular methods
One of the most difficult methods is to create artificial fire using generated water vapor, so we’ll start with this method.
To create a steam unit inside your raised fireplace, you will need certain components and electrical skills. You can look for a ready-made solution, but finding it will be difficult.
To build a steam generator we will need the following components:
- small quiet fan;
- DMX controller and DMX decoder are devices that allow you to transmit digital data and balance the operation of all generator systems;
- light-emitting diode (LED);
- ultrasonic fog generators;
- pure water;
- suitable box, boxing.
The principle of operation of the steam system is very simple. Fog generators are installed in a suitable box or box. Pure, distilled water is poured into them, which, under the influence of a fan and an ultrasonic vibration generator, begins to gradually evaporate. Note that the evaporation of water occurs at room temperature, and the steam itself is cold. The rising steam from the evaporation of water is illuminated by an LED lamp, which creates the effect of a real flame in the fireplace.
To make the fire look more realistic, a diaphragm should be installed over the entire structure. A diaphragm with holes of different diameters will allow you to vary the speed of the air around you, and therefore create more realistic flames.
If we take a deeper look at the processes taking place, we should remember Bernoulli’s law, which tells us that the smaller the hole, the higher the speed of air flow.
The components are selected according to the main characteristics of the fireplace, while at the same time, at the assembly stage, we plan the final result. You can buy such elements in stores that sell electric steam fireplaces, or in companies that sell equipment for concerts; there are also steam engines here. The design diagram can be easily found on the Internet.
After assembling the elements together, we need to get a machine that works on the principle of cold glow discussed above. This imitation of fire will be very impressive, very similar to real flames. Pay attention to the dimensions of the system and the fireplace insert; they must match each other.
It is worth noting that Real Fire professional technologies are based precisely on this principle. The main device in such devices is an ultrasonic steam generator, designed specifically for use in a fireplace. It is this that creates the steam that is illuminated properly. The vapor density at the bottom is greater, which means it glows brighter, reminiscent of a real flame. Higher up the color becomes duller, which allows you to create a smoke effect.
Textile
Imitation of fire through fabric is actively used in theatrical productions, so this option can be proudly called “theatrical”. This method is also great for home use, so we will consider it.
To make an imitation of fire in a false fireplace with our own hands, we will need:
- a certain amount of white silk fabric;
- halogen lamps with reflectors;
- small but powerful fan, preferably quiet;
- several color filters with the main colors of fire - red, orange, blue;
- container or box for assembling all the elements together.
Assembling the system is simple, the following step-by-step instructions will help you with this:
- We select a box that is suitable in size and decorate it properly on the outside.
- We place a fan or cooler in the box, which can be taken from the computer.
- We attach halogen lamps with colored filters above the fan and point them upward. The distance from the filters to the lamps should be a couple of centimeters.
- When placing color filters, we adhere to the following sequence - blue in the middle, and red and orange at the edges. With this arrangement, the fireplace fire will be bright, rich and natural.
- We cut the silk fabric into various pieces, which we attach to the box on different sides of the fan. To achieve a high level of realism, cut the silk into triangles.
Flame control
Manufacturers of gas fireplaces have achieved complete control over fire. The flame can be of different heights and intensity. The flame is controlled using a remote control: gas fireplaces have convenient and simple controls.
The biofireplace has several combustion modes: normal and economical, with low intensity, which allows you to increase the burning time of the fireplace.
The fire in a wood-burning fireplace with an open firebox is left to its own devices: it burns as long as there is fuel in the firebox and there is draft. Such fireplaces are the warmest, but burn on one fireplace for no more than 2-3 hours, therefore they are considered decorative.
A glass-ceramic damper helps control air flows and ensure smoldering mode: the fire is visible, but the heat is controlled. When the valve providing traction is partially closed, the fire burns less intensely (the access of oxygen decreases) and takes longer - up to 4-5 hours.
DIY fireplace replica: TV instead of a fireplace
Another easy way to create a non-natural flame in a fireplace is to use a flat-panel LCD TV. But this method is considered the most expensive, since such equipment is expensive. Special LCD TVs have been developed that are produced specifically for artificial fireplaces.
You need to choose a TV for a false fireplace so that the screen fits inside the fireplace. After that, find a video with the effect of a burning flame and record it on the TV, for this it must have USB
They contain video footage of:
- Playing tongues of flame;
- With smoldering coals;
- With a bright fire.
This recording goes on in the hearth of the false fireplace. Sometimes a TV can be supplemented with special optics, which consists of light filters. With its help, the image of fire will be the most expressive and voluminous. In addition to this optics, it is possible to use a mirror system. They are located in the corners of the fireplace, and the picture turns out to be more realistic; such lighting looks very beautiful. In rare cases, it is possible to use holographic installations. But this is not quite profitable.
For people with a good sense of humor
Nick Offerman drinks whiskey by the fireplace
A monumental video with the famous comedian Nick Offerman, who is well known to many of us from his memes. For ten whole hours, he sits calmly in a chair next to the fireplace, drinks whiskey and, sighing, looks intently into your eyes.
Burning Darth Vader
In the film, the scene with the burning of the dead Sith Lord took less than a minute, but devoted fans turned it into a five-hour video and added a new audio track. Now it can be used instead of traditional rollers with a burning fireplace.
Burning Eye of Sauron
Fans of “The Lord of the Rings” also did not stand aside and created a similar video with the Eye of Sauron, the heat of which, as you know, is hotter than any fireplace. For five whole hours, the Lord of Terror will look at you from the screen to the sounds of crackling fire.
Salt lamp
The use of salt lamps in decorative fireplaces to create an artificial flame is considered the most useful and effective method.
Salt lamp
A salt lamp is a special lamp whose lampshade is made of raw salt crystal. Inside such a lampshade there is a standard light bulb. When the lamp is connected, the lampshade heats up and begins to emit negative ions into the air. They bind positive ions (emanating from household appliances), which negatively affect the human body, thereby promoting better well-being for all household members. The disadvantages of this method include the fairly high cost of salt lamps, and the advantages are the ease of installation. Using lampshades of different colors, you can effectively and very easily make an artificial fire in the fireplace with your own hands. In addition, using several lamps of different sizes at once, you can create an imitation of a fire.
How to decorate a fireplace: a selection of fresh ideas for the New Year 2021
You can decorate your fireplace for the New Year 2021 according to your taste: we have already told you a little about DIY decorative methods. Look at several options in the photo - imitation white or red brick, snow-white trim or improvised stucco. All these ideas can be easily implemented at home using available materials - colored paper, old wallpaper, paint, leftover drywall.
A little imagination and festive decor, and a chic fireplace for the New Year 2021, made by yourself, will delight you and your loved ones. See how you can transform a false fireplace for the New Year and Christmas holidays.
It’s simply incredible how such beauty is born from ordinary materials! Decorate the Christmas tree, light the candles, turn on the New Year's garland and enjoy the cozy holiday atmosphere.
See also 6 cool ideas on how to wrap a gift for New Year 2021.
Imitation with salt lamps
Not the most spectacular, but the most useful imitation. A salt lamp is a lamp whose lampshade is made from a single, unprocessed salt crystal. Inside the lamp is a regular light bulb. When heated, the crystal emits negative ions, which are so beneficial for our body. They bind harmful positive ions emitted by household appliances, neutralize tobacco smoke, their influence has a beneficial effect on the atmosphere of the house and the well-being of residents. In addition, pinkish Pakistani salt crystals, illuminated from the inside, resemble warm small lights or large hot coals, and, folded into a whimsical composition, will create an original lighting in your fireplace.
These are the simple ways to decorate your home, make it cozier and more original.
