False fireplaces made from boxes with gates. DIY cardboard fireplace made from boxes. How to make a fireplace from cardboard boxes

31.10.2019

A false fireplace made of cardboard boxes is a common interior item in city apartments and photo studios. There are several ways to make such a structure yourself, but all of them do not require construction skills or serious financial investments.

A decorative fireplace is a solution for those who want to create an atmosphere of comfort and warmth in their home, but it is impossible to install a real fireplace. A false fireplace can be built without difficulty and expense from ordinary cardboard boxes.

Options for decorative fireplaces

There are many tips on the topic: “How to make a decorative fireplace from boxes with your own hands?” This article will discuss the three most common options for creating a false fireplace from cardboard:

fake wall fireplace;
fake corner fireplace;
Christmas hearth.

Making a fireplace from boxes is a simple and inexpensive process. The installation of such a piece of furniture takes no more than 2-3 hours.

Creating a wall fireplace

A fake wall-mounted fireplace made from boxes is very often found in the apartments of city residents. To make such a piece of furniture, you need to prepare the following materials and tools:

Step-by-step instructions for creating a false fireplace from boxes:

First, a sketch of the future structure is made on paper. Craftsmen without imagination can find a fireplace diagram on the Internet. The dimensions of the parts are indicated in the figure.
For convenience, the installation layout is transferred to a cardboard box. To make it easier to work, all main lines are drawn with a pen or marker, auxiliary lines - with a pencil.

At the bottom of the box, a stationery knife (cutter) is used to make a rectangular fire hole for the “fire”. The cut off blades of the box are glued to the back wall of the package. If the box is very large, then the excess part is simply cut off.

After creating the main frame, finishing work begins. The surface of the box can be covered with wallpaper, film or tracing paper. Many craftsmen apply Chinese ornaments using special prepared templates. If you plan to make a classic version of the fireplace, then most often they resort to the following decoration technology. Individual pieces are cut out of foam borders to create decorative decorations. They cut the foam at an angle of 45 degrees, so that later the parts can be easily assembled into squares/rectangles.

Advice! You can buy parts for decorating the fireplace (curbs, baseboards, etc.) at any hardware store.

Squares and rectangles are made from the cut out strips on the walls of the future fireplace and glued to the surface of the box. Typically, the figures are placed symmetrically to each other, two rectangles on each side relative to the combustion hole and directly above it. The place for the “hearth” can also be decorated with such borders.

Advice! As decoration, some use foam plastic parts in the form of angels, flowers, etc.

At the top of the decorative fireplace made from boxes you need to glue the baseboard. It forms a mantelpiece and gives the structure a finished look.

Important! The mantel is made from thicker foam or plywood.

The material under the shelf is glued to the top of the fireplace.

Next we start painting the box. The most commonly used water-based paint is white. If you plan to make a decorative false fireplace in an antique style, then instead of coloring compounds, use ordinary putty for drywall. It is applied to the future fireplace and dried with a hairdryer.

Advice! The paint is applied in several layers using a brush; in hard-to-reach places, a sponge is used to cover.

The wall-mounted fireplace made from boxes is ready, all that remains is to decorate the structure. To simulate fire, you can glue a photograph of a live fire to the inner wall of the fireplace. You can put homemade “firewood” in the firebox or put candlesticks. It all depends on the flight of fancy of the master.

Master class on creating a corner fireplace from boxes

A corner false fireplace is most often installed in small rooms. The creation of this design takes place in several stages:

Selecting a location, taking measurements.
Place a cardboard box in a suitable corner. It is advisable that its parameters correspond to the parameters of the corner space - this will make it easier to make a fireplace.

A semicircular slit is made in the front wall of the package so that it can be folded inward.
At the top of the cut part, two arcs are made so that it takes the shape of a triangle. The resulting part is fixed with tape or glue between the sides and front of the fireplace.
The back wall of the box is cut off and the structure is “adjusted” to an angle.
The walls of the box are glued together with tape.
The resulting false fireplace from the boxes is wallpapered or painted. The “hearth” covered with paper or film “like a brick” looks impressive.
The fireplace tabletop is made of plywood or thick cardboard, glued in several layers. The shelf is covered with paint or pasted over to look like wood.

The mantelpiece can be made of lightweight building material - plywood, thick cardboard, etc.

You can decorate a corner decorative fireplace made from boxes using any attributes - candles, garlands, figurines, etc.

Homemade fireplace from boxes for Christmas

To create a festive “hearth” you will need three cardboard boxes - one large and two smaller. They are glued together - the big one is in the center, the small ones are at the edges.

New Year is a holiday of magic and miracle. Both children and adults are looking forward to it. It is on this holiday that there is an opportunity to get at least a little into a fairy tale, hear warm words and wishes, spend time with family, loved ones and friends. The New Year requires thorough preparation - from gift wrapping to decorating the festive table. The main place in the pre-holiday bustle is home decoration. The presence of a fireplace in the house creates a special warmth and mood. According to tradition, New Year's gifts usually lie near it. Therefore, a beautifully decorated fireplace can be the highlight of your home this holiday.

Advice! If the boxes are of different heights, they are trimmed and made the same size.

In the central box, the front wall is removed and a combustion hole is obtained. Visually it is distinguished using a foam border or plinth. To make a fireplace “like a brick,” small rectangular pieces of the same size are cut from cardboard or polystyrene foam and glued to the surface of the boxes in a checkerboard pattern like brickwork. The fireplace is primed in several layers so that all parts are the same color. Next, the installation is painted brown, and the borders are painted yellow. To make the “bricks” more textured, gold paint is applied pointwise to them using a sponge. The finished decorative fireplace is decorated with New Year's tinsel, toys and garlands. We advise you to study the material in more detail and add the article to your bookmarks.

You can easily make a decorative fireplace from boxes with your own hands. Such a structure will make the room warmer and more comfortable.

We all want the interior of our home to be stylish and beautiful. To achieve this goal, designers around the world have come up with a great variety of decorative elements. Among them, not the least place is occupied by the fireplace. But what to do if the dimensions of the apartment do not allow you to install a full-fledged fireplace complex or you simply don’t want to spend money? There is a solution - you can make a decorative (fake) fireplace from cardboard boxes with your own hands!

Yes, yes, you heard right - from the most ordinary cardboard boxes, which are often left over after purchasing household appliances. To make such an imitation fireplace, you don’t even need any special knowledge or construction skills - it’s easy and simple to make! How? Read on!

Materials

To make a fireplace with your own hands from boxes you will need the following materials:

Naturally, one or several large boxes - depending on what kind of fireplace you want to get in the end;
Wallpaper (one roll is enough) or white paper;
Stationery glue or PVA glue;
Three types of tape - regular, masking and double-sided;
Paint brushes, sponges, rags;
A stationery knife, scissors, a ruler, a pencil, as well as a tape measure and a building level;
A sheet of drywall or plywood to create a mantel;
Depending on the type of decoration chosen, you will also need:

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a roll of wallpaper with a “brick” pattern or red cardboard – if you want to decorate your fireplace “like a brick”;
a roll of self-adhesive film with a pattern imitating natural stone, marble or malachite;
a can of white paint, ceiling plinth and foam moldings (columns, capitals, rosettes, moldings, etc.) - to create a more classic, elegant decor;
“liquid” volumetric wallpaper - to achieve the effect of embossed marble chips on the surface of the fireplace;
acrylic paint in bronze, silver or gold color - for special decoration of fireplace decor elements.

Kinds

Surprisingly, from cardboard boxes you can make not only a home false fireplace, which can perform an exclusively decorative function, but also build a portal for an electric fireplace! Of course, such a portal excludes the installation of a gas burner or bio-fireplace, since there is an open flame and a fire can occur. It is also impossible to install a heat exchange fireplace with a water boiler and casing in it - due to the bulkiness of this design and, of course, the danger of the cardboard igniting from overheating. You also cannot install electric fireplaces with an open firebox and a built-in heating function - for the same reason. An electric fireplace with a closed fireplace insert and flame imitation (on an LCD screen or using a backlight) can be inserted into a structure made of cardboard boxes.

According to style directions, the following types of fireplaces (fireplace portals) made from boxes are distinguished:

In modern style. This design style for a fireplace portal involves a variety of textures and colors, a combination of modern forms and ancient decorative elements (stucco molding, rosettes, etc.). This fireplace will fit well into almost any interior;
In high-tech style. It would seem that the high-tech style implies a kind of futurism, the use of such ultra-modern materials as steel, plexiglass - what does cardboard boxes have to do with it? However, even from them you can make a fireplace in this style - just make it of an interesting geometric shape and paint it black or steel, and insert a mirror into the firebox. Alternatively, you can place the glass on the mantelpiece;
In a classic style. As you know, classics are always in fashion. Strict lines, a minimum of additional decorations - such a fireplace can be installed in absolutely any apartment;
Country style. The “rustic” style loved by many. They differ in that such fireplaces are made of brick and natural stone. To give a boxed fireplace this look, just cover it with self-adhesive film or wallpaper with a brick or stone print. Be sure to put firewood in the firebox.

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How to do it yourself: step-by-step instructions

First, determine the location of the future fireplace. This can be either a wall (frontal location) or a corner (corner location). If you need to disguise any defect on a wall or in a corner, a correctly positioned decorative fireplace will do just fine;
At the installation site, take all the necessary measurements to clarify the parameters of the future box using a tape measure and a building level;
Develop your drawing carefully. Paint the fireplace onto it in as much detail as possible, with decorative details, observing all proportions. Carry out the drawing in color, so it will look more natural and, as a result, it will be much easier for you to understand what the original result will look like;
We are preparing materials. First, we select a box or several boxes. The ideal option would be a whole box for a widescreen flat-screen TV, but if you don’t find one, you can use sheets of cardboard, previously cut from other boxes and fastened together with tape;
We free up space in the room and lay out our materials. Carefully draw out all the details on the box. Follow the rational use of materials - for example, it will be easier for you if the corners of the proposed fireplace coincide with the corners of the box;
The main parts of the fireplace are the podium (base), the portal and the top shelf. Installation begins from the podium. Since it will have to withstand the weight of the entire structure, it is necessary to strengthen it. This is done by inserting special cardboard inserts (the so-called stiffeners) inside the prepared base. Place them perpendicular to the floor, securing them with tape. The height of the ribs is equal to the height of the side edge of the podium. By the way, you can strengthen the sides by gluing them with a couple more layers of cardboard. The base is usually made a little wider than the portal, about 8-12 centimeters;
Next, we create a portal.

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There are two ways to assemble a cardboard portal - frame and with a back wall:

To make a portal on a frame, we take a pre-prepared sheet of cardboard, which will act as the front panel of the future fireplace portal. We mark the entrance hole of the fireplace, cut the upper part of it using a stationery knife, and then cut the window in the center. We bend the resulting flaps inward; these will be the side walls of the fireplace. Next, we cut out a rectangular strip, equal in width to the internal walls of the portal, and in length equal to the width of the hearth. Let's get the ceiling of our fireplace, which we secure with tape. To strengthen the structure, we glue frame panels inside it; they must first be glued together from several layers of cardboard. We place the resulting portal on the podium, glue it with masking tape or strips of white paper coated with PVA glue. We wait some time for the glue to dry and check the strength of the joints;
As for the second option for making a portal - with a back wall - it is much simpler than the previous one. Basically, it's just a big box. The hearth is formed as follows: we transfer the prepared drawing to the front wall of the box, cut out a window with a stationery knife, just like in the first option, the flaps are bent inward and glued to the back wall of the box. The upper part of the fireplace is formed from a separate sheet of cardboard. That's it, the portal is ready for installation on the podium.

Installing a fireplace mantel. To make it, you can use drywall or a sheet of plywood, or glue it together from several cardboard sheets. The shelf is attached to the portal with double-sided tape. Like the podium, the shelf can be slightly wider than the portal;
We begin finishing work. Carefully paint over all joints and unnecessary color spots on the surface of the box using several layers of paint. If it is not possible to use paint in a spray can, an ordinary water-based emulsion will do. If desired, you can pre-glue the resulting structure with white paper, or you can even putty it with drywall solution;
The last and probably most enjoyable stage of making a fireplace is decorating it. It all depends on your imagination. You can cover your new fireplace with self-adhesive film or wallpaper in marble, brick or wood colors; cover with elements of gypsum stucco. You can use liquid wallpaper - and then your fireplace will have the rough structure of marble chips. Decorate the fireplace hearth with fake firewood (they can be made from cardboard or twigs); use a garland or a flickering lamp to imitate a flame. You can also light candles there from time to time, however, this method of decorating the fireplace is not entirely safe, since cardboard is still not a fireproof material. Remember this and do not leave an open fire unattended. Place photo frames, figurines and other nice decorative items on the mantelpiece.

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Making a corner fireplace is easier than making a front fireplace. The materials used are the same, only the method of forming the box is different. Plan for its implementation step by step:

We draw a drawing and select a corner of the house in which the future fireplace is supposed to be located;
We will need a large cardboard box from which a flat canvas is formed, which is then joined in such a way that the side folds of the box perfectly coincide with the corners of the future location of the fireplace. As a result, you should end up with a triangular structure, which must be secured with masking tape;
For stability and strengthening of the structure, stiffening ribs are formed at the top and bottom. They are made like this: measure approximately 12 centimeters from the top and bottom of the fireplace and make small cuts with a stationery knife. Lines are drawn along the inside of the box that connect these marks. Next, the same stationery knife is lightly drawn along the drawn lines to form an even bend of the cardboard, after which these strips are bent, everything unnecessary is cut off and glued together at the joints. Thus, stiffening ribs are formed at the top and bottom of the fireplace;
In the center on the front of the fireplace we cut out a hole for the firebox, the bottom must be rectangular, the top can be rounded like an arch. We do not cut off the lower part of this rectangle, but bend it inward, forming a right angle and forming the bottom of the firebox. We cut off everything unnecessary, fix the bottom with masking tape;
Creating the side walls of the fireplace. We take cardboard sheets, equal in height to the inlet of the firebox, and in length equal to its depth. You can install them in a triangle, simplifying your task; you can form a right angle on each side - then you will have to additionally glue the missing places of the firebox with sheets of cardboard. We fasten the structure using masking tape. To form the top of the firebox, we also take a cardboard sheet and adapt its shape to the existing structure, also carefully gluing the joints;
Now we need to attach the mantel and the bottom to our portal. To make them, you will need two triangular sheets of cardboard, which must be glued with PVA glue;
Let the structure dry thoroughly and begin decorating our fireplace. Its methods are identical to the methods of finishing a front fireplace, so we will not repeat it.

Upon completion of all work, we install the fireplace in the chosen location.

If you wish, to decorate your fireplace, you can make your own fake firewood from scraps of cardboard (corrugated is best). So let's begin:

To begin, we prepare everything you need: sheets of corrugated cardboard from which the smooth top layer has been removed, a stationery knife, sharp scissors, white paint and a thin rope;
In order for our future firewood to be in perfect harmony with the fireplace insert, it is necessary to measure its parameters and, based on this, calculate the optimal size of the firewood;
Measure the required dimensions of the “log” on the prepared sheet of cardboard and cut the strip. Roll it up. The thickness can be different, it depends on what you want to get in the end - a “log” or a “twig”. You can make “knots” into the firewood, this will give it a natural look;
After rolling the cardboard sheet into a roll, its edge is well coated with glue, tied with a rope and left to dry. Make several blanks of different sizes;
To make “knots,” we form a thin “twig” from cardboard, glue it and dry it, and then cut it with a stationery knife at an angle and glue it to the “logs” using glue and masking tape;
After the glue has completely dried, our “firewood” needs to be painted. To begin with, they are thickly coated with white paint, and then you can tint them to match the color of any wood. If you don’t want to bother, then put a few black strokes on a white surface - and “birch firewood” is ready;
Gouache is well suited for coloring “logs”.

Many people want to make the interior of their house or apartment original and impressive. Today on the Internet you can find a great variety of truly original and interesting ideas and ideas. Among them, not the least popular decoration is the fireplace. However, not everyone has the opportunity to install a wood-burning stove with a chimney indoors. That is why, as an alternative, you can make a decorative fireplace from boxes. A fireplace made from boxes is one of the most budget-friendly and attractive solutions.

Yes, you can make a fireplace out of boxes with your own hands. To do this, you will need packaging from various household appliances and electronics, which you can always find on hand at home. So how do you do this? Read further in the article!

Selection of materials

Before making a fireplace, we will need to select suitable materials for the manufacture of such a decorative structure. In order to assemble a false fireplace with your own hands, we will need to acquire:

In boxes. There can be many different shapes and sizes, or just one or several large ones. Boxes can be not only different sizes, but also shapes;
Wallpaper or plain paper. If you are going to use wallpaper to decorate the portal, one tube will be enough for you;
To glue boxes, wallpaper, paper together, you will need to buy an adhesive base - it can be silicate or PVA glue;
Scotch tape (regular, masking and double-sided);
Paint brushes, sponges and rags;
For basic work we will need a stationery knife and a simple pencil. Additionally, you can get a ruler and scissors, a tape measure and a building level;
If you are going to equip the fireplace portal with a shelf or tabletop, you will need a sheet of plasterboard or plywood.

It is also worth purchasing the necessary materials for decorating the fireplace portal in advance. This can be wallpaper with a print imitating the classic brick surface of a fireplace. A fireplace made of cardboard can be decorated with self-adhesive film, the surface of which imitates natural minerals, such as marble, sandstone or granite. Classic volumetric patterns represented by various columns, plaster elements, baseboards, and foam decor look beautiful and stylish. The surface can also be painted with simple paint from a can or bucket.

If you want the final result to be a rougher and more uneven surface, it is recommended to use liquid wallpaper, which has a corrugated structure and a rather uneven surface. All kinds of acrylic compositions are very popular. This paint is practically odorless, dries quickly and has interesting shades and tones (gold, silver, bronze, sparkles, mother-of-pearl).

Getting to know the varieties

A fireplace, the portal of which has a purely decorative function, may have more advanced functionality and a number of additional features. Such a false fireplace will be an excellent addition and decoration to the electric fireplace firebox. Electric fireplace will be an excellent alternative to a wood stove and can even be installed in an apartment.

Since cardboard and boxes are classified as flammable, it is unsafe to install a biofireplace or gas fireplace in it. For the same reasons, it is strictly forbidden to install a fireplace with a water circuit.

Installation of such fires is impossible not only because of the strong heating of the housing, but also because of the rather large mass. It is also not recommended to install open fireboxes and an electric fireplace with a heating function.

The best option is a modern electric fireplace with 3D with the effect of a burning flame and high-quality sound visualization and lighting.

You can make a false fireplace with your own hands in one of the following styles:

The category of modern fireplaces includes fireboxes in the Art Nouveau style. The direction is distinguished by its originality of shapes and sizes. It is possible to have and use contrasting shades, bright, catchy and cold tones;
A false fireplace in a high-tech style will look stylish and original. To create the necessary image, you can decorate the portal in one fairly calm and muted shade (black, gray, white, silver, metallic). Complete the look with a mirror or glass decor;
The classic style is always appropriate and will be relevant even in ten years. A classic fireplace is a wealth of patterns, ornaments, voluminous decor, and expensive decoration. It is fashionable to complement the frame with columns, candlesticks, and shelves;
Rustic style or country motifs will make the fireplace and atmosphere in the room as cozy and homely as possible. Natural and environmentally friendly materials are always used for finishing in this direction. However, for a false fireplace you can use photo wallpaper with a pattern and texture of stone. You can decorate the combustion chamber with firewood.

DIY step-by-step assembly

As it turns out, you can make a fireplace with your own hands quite quickly and on a budget. To do this, you will need to use the following step-by-step guide:

First of all, decide on the room and the specific location in which the structure will be installed. A false fireplace can be island, corner or wall-mounted. The smallest are the corner portals. Also, with the help of a fireplace you can hide some wall defects;
Using a building level, first apply all the necessary marks to the floor and walls and carry out a control check;
The quality of the pre-drawn drawing and sketch of the fireplace plays an important role. Make it as detailed as possible, indicate the dimensions and features of the firebox, portal and each decorative element;
The base can be either several separate boxes glued together, or one large box from under an LCD TV. Double-sided tape is used to glue several boxes together;
We remove unnecessary decor and things that interfere with work from the room. Apply the marks indicated in the drawing to the box using a pencil;
The basis of any false fireplace is a podium, which is responsible for the stability of the structure. The podium must first be strengthened. For this purpose, its sides are supplemented with special cardboard inserts. The ribs must be installed in a perpendicular position to the podium and secured with tape. Each rib has a height equal to the side edge of the pedestal. Also, the sides of the pedestal can be strengthened using several layers of cardboard, which are secured with tape. To ensure that the structure is as stable as possible. The podium is made wider and larger than the portal itself by 80-100 millimeters.

Do-it-yourself portal for a false fireplace

A fireplace in an apartment made of cardboard or boxes can be made of either a frame type or have a back wall. Fireplace instructions or step-by-step assembly guide:

If you want to assemble a frame frame, you need to prepare cardboard, which will become the front of your fireplace. We make marks in the area where the hearth will be located and make an incision in the upper part. For this we need a stationery knife. It is also necessary to cut the central part of the portal. We bend the cut sections, they will become the sides of the combustion chamber. A rectangular strip is cut out, the width of which will be equal to the sides of the frame, and the length will be equal to the width of the combustion compartment. After this, we fix the ceiling part with tape and strengthen the inside with frame panels consisting of 2-3 layers of glued cardboard. The frame is installed and secured to the podium using glue;
A portal with a back wall is easier to implement. It can be formed from just one large box. Incisions are made in it, the upper and combustion parts are formed and folded. Next, the portal is installed and secured to the pedestal.

You can complement a false fireplace and make it more functional with the help of a mantelpiece. It can be assembled from one sheet of drywall or plywood. Also, a fairly high-quality shelf is obtained by gluing 2-3 layers of cardboard together. To secure the shelf to the frame, use double-sided tape.

Before you begin cladding the portal, you need to prepare the surface. To do this, the cardboard is pre-painted with water-based paint, acrylic from a spray can, or puttied. This is necessary to obtain a uniform shade and get rid of contrasting spots. As an alternative, you can cover the surface of the portal with several layers of white paper, the so-called papier mache.

For surface cladding, you can use photo wallpaper simulating brickwork, marble, or granite. The rough surface formed by applying liquid wallpaper looks advantageous. You can simply paint the frame or apply self-adhesive film.

The firebox can also be decorated at your discretion: with firewood, garlands. Above the fireplace you can place a mirror, a clock, a picture. On the shelf there are various candlesticks, candles, figurines, photo frames.

Corner false fireplace

You can also make a corner false fireplace with your own hands. To do this, you will need the following step-by-step guide:

We find the most advantageous angle for placing the fireplace in a room with good visibility;
We make a podium from one large box. We cut the sides and shape them in such a way that they perfectly match the shape of the selected corner in the room. For fastening we use masking tape;
To strengthen the structure, we equip the sidewalls with stiffening ribs. To do this, we make small dimensions on the sides using a stationery knife. The optimal distance between cuts is 10-15 centimeters. The marks will connect on the inside and bend the cardboard. Next, all excess and remnants of cardboard are removed and gluing is performed;
A size for the firebox is made in the center of the portal. Recommended shape: square or rectangle. The top may have a slight rounding of the pores, similar to the arch principle. The lower part is not cut off, but folded inward to form a firebox. Secure with masking tape and trim off all excess;
At the next stage it is necessary to form the side walls of the portal. To do this, take two cardboard sheets, the height and length of which are equal to the dimensions of the combustion compartment. We cut them to shape and secure them with masking tape. The top of the fireplace is also formed from one cardboard sheet;
We equip the mantelpiece portal from two sheets of cardboard connected to each other with PVA glue;
After the glue has dried well, we line the frame with the selected materials.

As an addition, you can make decorative firewood for the fireplace with your own hands. To do this, take cardboard and remove the first smooth layer. We determine the length and thickness of the logs so that they look harmonious with the fireplace insert. To form firewood, you need to cut a strip, which rolls up and can be supplemented with small knots. To form logs, after rolling, it is necessary to glue the edges of the workpiece well with PVA glue and additionally secure it with thread. For small branches, it is enough to cut out a small and very thin strip of cardboard, glue it, dry it and stick it to the main log. Next, the surface is painted with white paint and, after drying, repainted with a suitable color. To make birch logs, the original color can be left white and after the paint has dried, apply a few strokes or stripes with black paint.

For painting you can use acrylic, oil or gouache.

Anyone can make such a decorative fireplace from cardboard boxes. At the same time, the design and design of a false portal can be very diverse. The advantages of a false fireplace made from boxes include mobility, light weight and environmental friendliness.

In this video you will learn in more detail how to assemble a fireplace with your own hands from boxes or cardboard for an apartment or house. The video shows a Christmas fireplace for the New Year:

Since childhood, after books about knights or Sherlock Holmes, the concept of “fireplace” has become synonymous with comfort and warmth for us. For those who live in their own home, if they have money and free space, it’s easy to call a team, choose a suitable fireplace and soon enjoy a live flame. But in high-rise buildings (and private houses, you know, are also different, in some you can’t even put an extra stool) there is no way to accommodate the necessary pipe, and you can’t allocate much space for a fireplace. So, to satisfy your craving for romance and desire for comfort, all you have to do is make a fireplace out of cardboard with your own hands.

Selecting a Layout

Start by deciding for yourself exactly where you would like your fireplace to be. Compared to the real one, the fake one has the advantage that it can be mounted anywhere and made into any shape. You can put a fireplace made of cardboard with your own hands even in a corner that there is nothing to force, but the fireplace will fit harmoniously. Next, figure out what height and width your product will be. It should not conflict with the furniture in the room, it should not overwhelm it, but you should also not allow the fireplace to get lost against the background of, say, bulky cabinets.

Selecting a base

In principle, you can build a fireplace out of cardboard with your own hands and only from this material. For the simplest things, even a fairly large box of furniture or office equipment will do. But keep in mind that cardboard is not a very durable material. If you want to get something more solid at the end, spend a little and order a chipboard frame for the base of the fireplace. Calculate how many sheets of paper you need for your dimensions and what size they should be. In principle, this will be the only part of the process of creating your fireplace that will require outside input. But the “stove” will turn out to be more stable and strong.

The simplest option

The easiest way to make a false fireplace is from cardboard using a packaging box. To do this, all the joints of the box are glued so that the lid does not open and the walls do not fall off. Draw the hole of your “stove” with a pencil, then cut it out with scissors. You can decorate the fireplace at your own discretion. The fastest option is a self-adhesive film with a brick or wild stone pattern. If you don’t like this method, let’s say you want to paint your cardboard fireplace differently, it’s better to cover the box with white paper, and when the glue dries, apply the intended design. Even if you draw the same bricks, you can give them a more real look, of course, if you have a penchant for drawing.

Pasting with paper is necessary, firstly, because the packaging cardboard is usually brown, and you will not get the desired color. Secondly, there are always some inscriptions, emblems, etc. on the boxes. They can be visible even through several layers of paint. However, if you want, the pasting can be replaced with a primer - it can be bought at stores that sell goods for artists.

The inside is important too

It would also be a good idea to paint or paste over the inside of the box, otherwise a fireplace made of cardboard, made with your own hands, will not look very believable. You can cover the inner wall with a dark cloth and put a bright red one on the bottom.

For better stability, a “mantelpiece” should be placed on top of the box. For it, you can use chipboard or fiberboard, only treated or covered with the same self-adhesive wood or marble. If you don’t have suitable scraps at hand, you can glue together several sheets of the same cardboard (for example, from another box). You will have a mantelpiece, however, it will not add stability to the structure.

Based on chipboard

If you opted for a more monumental option, you will first have to knock down the frame brought from the workshop. If the fireplace you have designed has a stand-podium, you need to start assembling the base from there. If not, first the fireplace body gets knocked down, and then its pipe.

Since we planned to build a fireplace out of cardboard with our own hands, we will not talk about other finishing options (plasterboard or artificial decorative stone). For finishing, sheets of cardboard can simply be glued onto the chipboard, but if you think the cardboard is too thin, you can glue the sheets together (cutting out the parts that fit the fireplace) and put them under a load overnight. The next morning, the fireplace itself is upholstered with smooth, thick cardboard. Then it is given the desired look (similar to how it was done with the box).

When we make a fireplace from cardboard on a chipboard base, we shouldn’t forget about its “insides” either. Still, it will be illuminated from the inside, and the wooden frame will become clearly visible.

Only cardboard, not box

If you don’t want to bother with plywood, and the boxed version seems too simple, there is another way to make a fireplace out of cardboard. It is also suitable if you need a “stove” of an unusual shape, for example, triangular in cross-section or tall but flat.

First you need to make a “pattern”. All details are calculated very carefully so that your decorative fireplace made of cardboard does not turn out lopsided. The cardboard is glued together in several layers to make it more rigid. It will lie under the load the longer, the more sheets you glue together. Then, according to the drawings made, individual parts are cut out. You can fasten them together with tape, or by gluing them with paper strips. By the way, if you decide to stick with tape, take paper tape for covering windows. To ensure that the corners of the fireplace are rectangular, at least during assembly it is worth using the corners - plastic ones are sold in construction stores, they are quite suitable. And ideally, it would be good to leave these corners inside the structure forever. They won’t be visible, but they will definitely add strength.

Since such a fireplace is assembled from parts, its inside can be processed before assembly. It is still more convenient to paint or paste over cardboard when it lies on a table or on the floor, and not when it stands vertically. And the holes in the firebox come in different sizes; if you choose a small one, you will have to show miracles of acrobatics for the interior decoration of the assembled fireplace.

The outer side can also be finished before assembly, but in this case the pattern may not match when gluing individual parts, and the gluing of the corners will be visible. So the outside will have to be painted and pasted on the finished fireplace. Not only that, if you choose to paint, you may need to prime the surface first to hide the tape.

Lighting options

Any fireplace requires the presence of a flame. It is clear that cardboard does not allow the use of real fire. You can buy or make your own lamp that imitates a fire. An alternative is to draw a fire on paper, cut it along the outline and attach it to the hearth. A dim lamp is placed behind it, and a very believable imitation of an open flame is obtained. The disadvantage of this method is that thick paper will not be visible through the light bulb, and thin paper will fall forward or backward. The solution could be a wire frame, but it will need to be bent as accurately as possible along the contour, otherwise it will be clearly visible when viewed through the light.

You can put electric candles or a garland in the hearth. It is better to buy both of them with batteries, so as not to make a hole in the fireplace for the cord to the outlet.

For any choice of “flame”, twigs, branches or logs must be placed in the firebox for authenticity.

Fireplace care

All that remains is to ensure that the fireplace pleases you for as long as possible. If you chose self-adhesive as a finish, your “oven” will not require special care - such films are usually moisture resistant and can be wiped with a damp cloth. But if the fireplace has been painted, then in order to be able to maintain it later, you will have to varnish it. Then it can be wiped clean from dust or accidental dirt.

Now in the evenings you can sit in front of an almost real fireplace and feel like a medieval feudal lord.

Not everyone in their house, and especially not in their apartment, has a fireplace. And sometimes you want to create a festive mood (to have somewhere to put gifts) or you just want to make the room more cozy and intimate. In this case, you can create an imitation. The simplest option is a fireplace made of cardboard. Typically used are packaging boxes from large equipment.

False fireplace made of cardboard: models

A false fireplace made of cardboard, like a real one, can be wall-mounted or corner-mounted. In both options, the portal can be straight or arched. Whatever you prefer. If we talk about the practical side of the matter, straight is easier to make and easier to finish. Even a beginner can handle it.

A wall-mounted fireplace is great if you have a decent amount of free space on the wall. It looks great in the wall between the windows. If the walls are all occupied, but there are corners, you can build a corner model.

What materials are needed

The best material is cardboard boxes. The easiest way to make a fireplace out of cardboard is if you have a box for a large monitor or TV. All you need to do is cut out the portal and glue the side walls.

It will be a little more work if you only have small boxes like shoe boxes. But from them you can assemble a more interesting model in shape.

You will also need:

These are all the materials and tools that will be required. Of the entire list, questions may arise only regarding adhesive tape. Why paper? It is good in any finish. Including when painting. So the option is universal. If you are not going to paint the fireplace, you can use regular adhesive tape.

You will also need finishing material, but we’ll talk about this later, since a lot depends on the finishing method.

Assembly options

If there is a big box

A large cardboard box will make a fireplace with a rectangular portal. Determine the size yourself, but the optimal height is about 80-90 cm, the width is about the same, and the depth is 6-15 cm. But there are models that are wider, narrower, taller, and lower. Everything is to your taste. For example, here is a drawing of a cardboard false fireplace with dimensions.

We begin assembling the imitation fireplace from cardboard from the central part. We form the columns first. Cutting rectangles to size is no problem. The problem is to make even folds in the right places. Take a large ruler or a straight bar and a hard object with a rounded end. For example, a ballpoint pen will do, or you can take a spoon or fork and use the pen. The idea is as follows - along the line where the fold should be, apply a ruler/bar, draw the back of a ballpoint pen or the handle of a cutlery along the bar, pushing through the cardboard. But be careful not to tear it. The sheet bends easily along the drawn line.

We glue the central part or paint it right away. Then it will be too inconvenient. You can paint it black, as in the photo. Another option is to imitate brickwork. Looks good too.

It is convenient to glue the parts together with tape (the type of tape has already been discussed). We glue each connection on both sides. We don't regret scotch. This cardboard fireplace was painted, so the columns were covered with white thick paper. You can use a primer and apply paint over it.

We make a shelf above the fireplace from several pieces of cardboard using the same technology. If you plan to install something, it is advisable to make stiffening ribs - several partitions. If the entire structure turns out to be strong and stable, you can make a shelf from a piece of plywood, for example.

If the cardboard is thin, you can use polystyrene/foam. It is sold in construction stores. You can take the slabs that are used to finish the ceiling. They have processed edges and a pattern is applied to the front surface. In general, it might turn out interesting.

Next comes the finishing touches. In this version, “bricks” were cut from paper of suitable colors. They decorated the portal opening. This is where you will need PVA glue. Don't forget to leave seams between the “bricks”. In the presented model they are painted with a base color, but you can make them, for example, black or white.

The rest of the surface of the false fireplace is painted, and foam plastic (polystyrene) is glued on top.

Moldings can be glued before painting. You need to cut them with a sharp stationery knife. Then the cut will be smooth. Glued with PVA or special glue. Wipe off any remaining residue immediately, otherwise the paint will lie unevenly.

The same structure can be covered with brick or wild stone wallpaper. Self-adhesive film is also suitable. But you have to work with it carefully - you won’t be able to peel it off.

If the boxes are small

Small cardboard boxes are no more difficult to work with. They can be the same or different sizes, thickness and width. Based on the existing set, the structure is assembled.

There are two ways:

The second option takes less time, but the design is unreliable. If the dimensions are large, it may sag and sag.

To give a fireplace made of cardboard boxes a presentable look, we paint it “like a brick.” To do this, cover the surface with thick grayish-brown paper. This color will be the background.

To paint, you need reddish-brown paint and a large foam sponge. It can be cut to the size of the brick - 250*65 mm. Pour the paint into a flat bowl, dip a sponge into it, apply it to the paper and lightly press it, draw the bricks.

When working, you need to make sure that the “seams” between the “bricks” are the same width. This is not an easy task - you get distracted a little, and the size is not the right one. You can do it simpler - cut the masking tape into narrow strips, stick it on, and draw “bricks”. After the paint has dried, remove the tape.

The top part had to be reduced because our fireplace was too wobbly. It is better to use whole boxes.

Fireplace with round portal

Its assembly is more labor-intensive: you will have to glue the vault well. This fireplace required 4 large boxes (like TV boxes).

The base was glued separately. Stiffening ribs were glued to the inside of polystyrene. The weight turned out to be solid and the base sagged without reinforcement. The strips were installed approximately 5 cm apart. They were glued with masking tape, then the base was taped on all sides.

Then we cut out the front part and decorated the back wall. It’s better to decorate it right away, before it’s glued together. We transfer the arched cutout onto a sheet of cardboard. We cut out “bricks” from cardboard and glue them so that the edges do not extend beyond the “arch.” When the glue dries, we assemble the main part of the portal. We also install several stiffening ribs in the portal - at a high height, the cardboard can “play”, and this way everything turns out strong and rigid.

The next stage is making the lid. It is multi-layered - cardboard, polystyrene foam, cardboard. Everything is coated with glue, the weight is installed. When the glue had dried (after 14 hours), the lid was secured to the structure with tape. NEXT - finishing work.

To smooth out any unevenness caused by the tape, we cover all surfaces with thick white paper. You can take A4 sheets, or larger ones.

Next you will need a roll of paper towels and PVA glue. We dilute it 1:1 with water and pour it into a spray bottle. We wet the napkin and lay it down, squeezing it a little. Wet thin paper itself gives a relief; we just correct it a little, achieving a better effect. We process all surfaces in a similar way, excluding “bricks”. We wait until it dries.

We take red-brown and ivory paint (in this case). We paint the “bricks” brown, and the rest of the surface light. The cardboard fireplace is almost ready. The finishing touches remain.

After drying, we go over everything with a brush slightly dipped in gold paint. We dip the brush, squeeze it out, and once again remove the remaining paint on the sheet of paper. Using a semi-dry brush, we go through the “seams” between the bricks, lightly touching the “bricks” themselves. Next, using the same technique, we emphasize the texture of the surface. It is important not to apply too much paint. That's it. The cardboard fireplace is ready.

Ideas for decorating a fireplace made of cardboard in photo format

You can make an imitation of a fireplace from cardboard of any shape. Several ideas are collected in this section. You already know the assembly principles; you can come up with the decor yourself or use ideas from photos.