DIY decorative fireplace made of cardboard. DIY cardboard fireplace: a step-by-step process. New Year's fireplace made from boxes

A decorative fireplace made from boxes with your own hands will help you create a romantic atmosphere in your home, a good mood in winter and comfort all year round. Step-by-step instructions will help you avoid doing “dirty” work in the house, diluting cement and dismantling the roof for the chimney. A fireplace can be created in one evening using scrap materials. So, let’s turn on our imagination, involve children in the work and start creating with our own hands.

How to make a fireplace from cardboard boxes

To build such a fireplace we will need:

Cardboard boxes: small, for example, for shoes (5-6 pcs.) and large (4 pcs.)

Scotch tape: regular and double-sided

PVA glue

Thick white paper or a piece of old wallpaper

Sheets of cardboard or wallpaper with a brick pattern

Ruler, simple pencil.

To prevent the boxes from opening, we tape all the joints together with tape. According to the drawing in the figure, we assemble the base of the future fireplace. We glue the boxes that will make up the parts of the fireplace with tape together. For the side racks we use smaller boxes stacked on top of each other. We make the base of the fireplace and the upper mantelpiece from larger boxes, butted end to end with the short sides.

We cover each part of the fireplace with thick paper or old wallpaper. Boxes must be completely covered with paper. We connect the edges of the paper with tape. Now we glue the parts of the fireplace together with PVA glue. The product is ready, all that remains is to design it.

To decorate the fireplace, we use wallpaper with a brick pattern or sheets of thick cardboard. Four “bricks” can be cut from one cardboard sheet. We cover the fireplace with wallpaper, giving the appearance of brickwork. If we use “bricks” cut out of cardboard, we glue them onto the surface of the boxes, creating rows of bricks and leaving gaps between the bricks, so that it is as similar as possible to natural masonry.

To glue the “bricks” we use PVA glue. The back wall of the fireplace, adjacent to the wall, does not need to be covered. If the cardboard is white, paint it with paints of appropriate shades - from sandy yellow to dark red.

Read the article: Wood-burning stove-fireplace for the home

The fireplace is ready, let's install it in a prepared place in the room, against the wall. We will put decor on the mantelpiece, and we can put natural logs or their imitation in the hole for firewood. Here we rely on our imagination.

Exquisite decorative fireplace from a large box

Let's prepare materials to create a fireplace. For this you will need a large cardboard TV box. You can use thick cardboard instead of a large box. But then you need to be prepared for the fact that it will have to be cut and glued.

You will also find it useful for making a decorative fireplace:

Stationery knife

Scotch

PVA glue

Skirting boards and foam decor

Paint in a can

Ruler, simple pencil.

We transfer the drawing to the TV box. We cut a hole in the middle of the box according to the drawing. This will be the “hearth”. We fold the cut edges and glue them to the back wall of the box. If cardboard is used, we cut out the sheets according to the drawing, taking into account gluing tolerances. We connect them together with glue.
To make the top of the fireplace, take a sheet of foam plastic or plywood, or glue together several sheets of cardboard. Glue the resulting mantelpiece to the fireplace itself.

To ensure that the fireplace is stable, it is better to glue an additional sheet of cardboard or plywood to the base. At a hardware store we will buy a foam ceiling cornice and a couple of decorative elements - foam pylons or rosettes. They will add sophistication and grace to our hearth. Let's glue the decor to the fireplace. To do this, use PVA glue or liquid nails.

We paint the fireplace in two layers with white or other pastel color spray paint. To avoid damaging the floor covering, lay old newspapers or paper on the floor. After painting, let the product dry and install the fireplace. The decorative fireplace is ready.

Firewood for the hearth can be made from cardboard, twisted into logs, or natural branches can be used. If the fireplace is planned in one color, we will paint the firewood with the same paint. You can also place candles in tall glass glasses or an electric garland in the recess of the hearth. Decorating the mantelpiece also leaves room for creativity. Photos in beautiful frames, paintings or flower arrangements and memorable gifts in bright packaging will look great on the mantelpiece.

Photo of a decorative fireplace out of a box

It is very easy to create beauty and comfort in your home with your own hands. Imagine and create, then you can make a decorative fireplace out of boxes with your own hands using step-by-step instructions in the shortest possible time. Your apartment can be decorated with simple decorative items at minimal cost. All it takes is a little time and effort.

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 hearth 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 mantelpiece 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 painting 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 of 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.

False fireplaces made of cardboard have a lot of positive qualities compared to real ones. The main features are:

• mobility – you can change location;
• use of natural materials that are not harmful to health;
• practicality - this interior element fits into any style;
• availability of materials and ease of manufacture;
• original and at the same time aesthetically correct appearance;
• low-cost production;
• huge selection of decorative designs.

There are several options for making a fireplace from cardboard boxes, each of which does not differ in the complexity of the method of constructing the frame. The key to a high-quality result is compliance with all points of the instructions presented in the article.

Preparing for work

Before you begin the actual manufacture of the product, you need to carefully think through everything and carry out preliminary preparations:

If you carry out the preparation correctly and take into account all the nuances, then the process of creating a false fireplace will seem simpler and shorter. Even the most unprepared person can do the job quickly and efficiently.

Where to install

As has already been clarified earlier, the location of the future decorative element determines the basic design requirements, so you should approach this decision with all responsibility and think through all possible options. It is necessary to take into account the possibility of moving the structure.

There are several main types of fireplaces regarding placement:

• Closed type;
• Corner structures;
• Wall-mounted;
• Island;
• Collapsible;
• Portable.

If the space of the room allows, then you can use any of the types, but if space is limited, it is better to choose the wall-mounted type. The design of such an object can be varied, as well as its size. Can be supplemented with auxiliary parts - shelves, niches, secondary surfaces.

An original solution in interior design will be a corner fireplace. The disadvantage of this location is that the structure has a unique shape, which means that if necessary, the “firebox” can only be moved to another corner.

The installation location must meet the following requirements:

1. The floor surface must be level.
2. If the model is portable, then it can be installed on the carpet. Otherwise, there should be no textured floor covering.
3. The wall must be smooth and free of potholes.
4. It is better if the place is not cluttered with other pieces of furniture.
5. The fireplace looks good in the central part of the wall, which is immediately visible when entering the room.

If you plan to move the fireplace throughout the year, then you need to think about a special screen on the wall and part of the floor on which the base will be attached. If you plan to have an additional shelf, then it is better when the wall is decorated in light pastel colors. Thus, elements for decoration (vases, figurines) will not be lost against its background.

If the space of the room allows, then you can use any of the types, but in case of space restrictions, it is better to choose the wall-mounted type

Dimensions and materials

The dimensions of the decorative “firebox” directly depend on the area of ​​the room and the desired result. If the false stove is the central decoration, then the dimensions must be appropriate. When determining the parameters, it is necessary to take into account that during the formation of the frame certain parts may be cut off.

In addition to cardboard and finishing material, the work will also require auxiliary materials, which are often forgotten or their need is not taken into account.

These are:

1. Construction tape;
2. Adhesive for finishing works;
3. Putty or putty;
4. Water-based paint;

In addition to the standard materials necessary in any case, auxiliary ones are also needed, which are used for decoration:

1. Wallpaper with a certain texture and relief.
2. Decorative stone.
3. Foam curved skirting boards.
4. Sea pebbles.
5. Wooden plates.
6. Self-adhesive or wood-look film, plastic.

Basically all of the above can be used individually or combined together. But don't use too many different textures. This will make the thing too artificial and overloaded with special effects.

When determining parameters, it is necessary to take into account that during the formation of the frame certain parts may be cut off

Manufacturing instructions

Making a fireplace from cardboard can be done in several independent ways. At the same time, each of them differs insignificantly from the others. Let's look at the main options.

Manufacturing method for a standard oven:

To prevent the shape of the “stove” from becoming deformed, it is better to attach the body of the product to the wall. This can be done in several ways. In order not to spoil the wallpaper or plaster of the wall, you can secure the box with self-tapping screws.

Such a fireplace can be installed and dismantled without problems as many times as you like throughout the year. But in winter this interior detail is almost irreplaceable.

Corner fireplace:

1. First the form is set– isosceles triangle.
2. The space for the firebox is demarcated, which will subsequently become an additional fastening element of the entire structure.
3. The cardboard at this point is cut out in the shape of a triangle. so that the resulting figure tightly supports all sides of the “oven” and the back wall.
4. The shelf for this type of structure is usually made made of wood or table top.
5. The rest of the procedure is the same, which is necessary when making a standard fireplace from cardboard.

The advantage of this type is that it is more stable and takes up little space. It can be installed in a room of any size, and it will fit harmoniously into the interior design. The very shape of the product gives it extraordinary originality, which is quite valuable in the modern art of home decoration.

Such a fireplace can be installed and dismantled without problems as many times as you like throughout the year.

Adding effects

An integral part of the fireplace is the flame. Without this part, it is almost impossible to recreate naturalness. But of course you can’t start a fire in a flammable material, so I simulate a flame.

There are several such methods:

1. Usually the fire is replaced by candles, which are previously placed in semi-closed candlesticks of an interesting design. This method is the most common, and most importantly cheap.
2. To simulate a fire for a short time, you can use dry fuel, which is ignited in a bowl. In this case, you should carefully monitor the combustion process.
3. The cheapest way is photo wallpaper, which is glued to the back wall of the case. The main thing is to choose the most realistic picture with good print quality.
4. There are electrical appliances that completely imitate a flame in a fireplace or smoldering. This is quite expensive, but very realistic, since the device is mounted in a fireplace, some models have sound.

To make everything look very natural, you should add additional decorative elements: firewood, for example. Logs can be purchased at any hardware store. In addition to the visual effect, there will be a subtle smell of wood, which is beneficial in the design of this element. If photo wallpaper is used, then it is not advisable to use firewood here, as it will stand out sharply against the background of the picture.

The fireplace is also decorated with other elements:

• The firebox is limited by glass;
• A cylinder with pokers is installed next to the product;
• The firebox is covered with forged grates;
• Figurines, boxes, candlesticks and other trinkets are placed on the shelf;
• A mirror is installed on the back of the firebox, which will shade the fire of the candles installed in it.

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:

1. 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;
2. Wallpaper or plain paper. If you are going to use wallpaper to decorate the portal, one tube will be enough for you;
3. To glue boxes, wallpaper, paper together, you will need to buy an adhesive base - it can be silicate or PVA glue;
4. Scotch tape (regular, masking and double-sided);
5. Paint brushes, sponges and rags;
6. 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;
7. 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 bio-fireplace 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:

1. 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;
2. Using a building level, first apply all the necessary marks to the floor and walls and carry out a control check;
3. 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;
4. 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;
5. 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;
6. 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:

1. 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 compartment. 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;
2. 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 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: