Replacing a Media Wall Fire: What are Your Options?

Media walls have become a defining feature in modern UK homes, seamlessly blending entertainment hubs with the cosy allure of a fireplace. They create a stunning focal point, declutter living spaces, and offer a sophisticated way to enjoy both your favourite shows and a warming glow.

But what happens when your once-loved media wall fire starts to feel outdated, inefficient, or no longer matches your style?

Changing an integrated fire might seem like a monumental task. Still, with careful planning and an understanding of your options, it’s an achievable upgrade that can breathe new life into your living space. This guide will walk you through the considerations and choices involved in replacing your media wall fire. 

Why consider replacing a media wall fire?

Several reasons might prompt you to think about replacing a media wall fire:

• Outdated Design: Fire technology and design trends are constantly evolving. Your current fire might look dated compared to newer, sleeker models. 
• Improved Flame Technology: Modern electric fires offer incredibly realistic flame effects, from customisable colours to varying speeds. 
• Enhanced Features: Newer models often come with smart controls (app or voice-activated), thermostatic heating, timers, and more fuel bed options. 
• Energy Efficiency: Upgrading to a newer electric fire can be more energy-efficient, especially for the flame-effect-only settings, which often use low-energy LED lighting. 
• Change in Room Aesthetics: You might be redecorating and want a fire that better complements your new style. 
• Repair vs. Replace: If your current fire is malfunctioning, depending on its age and the issue, replacement might be a more cost-effective long-term solution. 
• Different Size or Orientation: You may want a larger, more impactful fire or switch from a front-facing to a two-sided or three-sided model for a more panoramic view (although this often requires more significant structural changes to the media wall). 

Assessing your current setup 

Before you even start browsing for new fires, a thorough assessment of your existing media wall and fire is crucial. 

1 - Understanding your existing fire

• Type: Most media walls feature electric fires due to their ease of installation, safety, and ability to operate with a flame effect only. If you have a gas fire in a media wall, replacement will be more complex and will require a Gas Safe registered engineer. 
• Dimensions: Accurately measure the height, width, and depth of your current fire. Note the dimensions of the visible fire area and overall unit size that’s recessed into the wall. 
• Integration: How is it built in? Is it a simple inset, or does it have a specific trim or frame that’s part of the media wall’s design? 
• Power Supply: How is the electric fire powered? Is it plugged into a hidden socket, or is it hardwired?

2 – Evaluating the media wall structure 

• Integrity: Is the stud wall structure sound? Can it support a new fire, especially if the weight or dimensions differ?
• Material: Media walls are typically constructed from timber or metal studs and plasterboard. 
• Access: Are there any access panels? How easy will it be to remove the old fire and install the new one? Consider cable routes for the TV and other media devices. 
• Aperture: The existing opening will be a key factor. Are you looking for a fire that fits the current hole, or are you prepared to modify the media wall?

3 – Defining your needs and desires for the new fire

• What’s Lacking? What is it about your old fire that you want to change?
• Must-Have Features: List the features you want in a new fire – e.g., ultra-realistic flame, specific fuel bed (logs, crystals), heat output, smart controls, quiet operation, and particular dimensions. 
• Aesthetic Ambitions: What style are you aiming for? Modern and minimalist, or perhaps something with a rustic beam effect?

Options for your new media wall fire

Given that media walls are predominantly designed for a sleek, integrated look and often have TVs mounted above, electric fires are overwhelmingly the most popular and practical choice. 

Electric fires: The versatile choice 

Modern electric fires have come a long way, offering stunning realism and a host of features. 

Inset Electric Fires: These are designed to be built into a wall or a dedicated opening, making them perfect for media walls. They offer a flush, seamless finish. 

• Pros: Sleek, integrated appearance; wide variety of sizes and styles. 
• Cons: If the new fire’s dimensions differ from the old, modifications to the media wall aperture will be necessary. 

Three-Sided Electric Fires: With glass on the front and two sides, these fires offer a panoramic view of the flames, creating a striking visual impact. 

• Pros: Highly contemporary, visually impressive, and features a wider viewing angle. 
• Cons: Replacing a standard front-facing fire with a three-sided one will require significant alterations to the media wall structure to expose the sides. 

Two-Sided (Corner) Electric Fires: Similar to three-sided fires, these feature glass on the front and one side, making them ideal for fitting into a corner of a media wall design or creating a unique feature. 

• Pros: Unique design element, suitable for specific room layouts 
• Cons: Requires specific media wall construction or modification 

Key features to look for in modern electric fires

Here are some of the main things to look out for when choosing your new media wall fire:

Flame Technology:

• LED Flame Effects: Energy-efficient and capable of producing a wide range of colours and intensities. 
• Holographic/Projection Technology: Some high-end models use advanced projection to create incredibly realistic, three-dimensional flame effects. 
• Optimyst Technology: Creates a fine mist that is illuminated to mimic flames and smoke, offering a very realistic effect. 
• Customisable Flames: Many fires allow you to change flame colours (e.g., traditional orange, contemporary blue, or even multi-colour cycles), brightness, and speed. 
• Ribbon/Rotiserrie Effects: Often featured in Evonic Fires media wall fires, ribbon technology uses a combination of textured ribbons and LED lighting to create a deep and rich flame picture that flickers and dances. The rotisserie flame technology utilises movement to produce tall, swaying flames, creating a hypnotic and realistic 3D appearance. 

Fuel Bed Options: Choose from realistic log sets (some even made from real wood), contemporary crystals, or pebbles to match your style. 

Heat Output: Typically, electric fires offer 1 kW to 2 kW of heat, which is ideal for supplemental warmth or taking the chill off a room. Most can be operated on a flame-effect-only setting without heat. Look for thermostatic controls to maintain a consistent temperature. 

Smart Controls: Wi-Fi connectivity, dedicated smartphone apps, and compatibility with voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home are becoming increasingly common. 

Energy Efficiency: Look for the most energy-efficient models. These often include features like open window detection, adaptive start control, and daily timers. 

Size and Aspect Ratio: Landscape (wide) formats are the most popular for media walls, often chosen to complement the width of the TV. Standard widths range from 800mm to over 2400mm.

Gas fires 

While some media walls can incorporate gas fires, these are generally more complex and expensive to install and change. They require a gas line, a flue (often a balanced flue system for modern landscape designs), and mandatory installation by a Gas Safe-registered engineer. Gas fires also cannot typically operate on a flame-only setting without producing heat. If you currently have a gas fire in your media wall and are considering a change, consulting a Gas Safe Engineer is your first step. 

The replacement process: What’s involved?

Replacing a media wall fire can range from a relatively straightforward swap to a more involved project, depending on whether the new fire is a direct replacement or requires structural changes. 

1 – Planning and Preparation

• Accurate Measurements: Double and triple-check the dimensions of your chosen new fire against your existing aperture or planned modifications. 
• Manufacturer’s Instructions: Obtain the installation manual for your new fire before you start any work. This will detail specific clearance requirements, ventilation needs, and fixing methods. 

2 – Removing the Old Fire 

• SAFETY FIRST! For electric fires, ensure the power supply is completely disconnected at the mains. If you have any doubts, consult a qualified electrician. For gas fires, this must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. 
• Careful Deconstruction: Remove any surrounding trims or fascia panels carefully. Screws or brackets usually secure the fire unit itself. Refer to its original installation manual if you have it. 
• Disposal: Dispose of the old unit responsibly, following local council guidelines for electrical waste or scrap metal. 

3 - Preparing the Aperture for the New Fire

• Like-for-Like Swap: If the new fire is the same size, this stage may simply involve cleaning the opening and verifying the electrical connections. 
• Modifying the Opening: If the new fire is a different size or shape (e.g., changing to a three-sided model), you’ll need to adjust the studwork and plasterboard. This might involve cutting existing materials, adding new timber or metal studs for support, and then re-boarding. 
• Clearances: Ensure all manufacturer-specified clearances around the new fire (top, sides, back and front) are strictly adhered to. This is crucial for safety and to prevent overheating of the fire or surrounding materials, including the TV. 
• Electricals: Verify that the existing wiring is suitable for the new fire alarm system. If the new fire has a higher wattage or requires a dedicated circuit, you may need an electrician to upgrade the wiring or install a new fused spur. 

4 - Installing the New Fire

• Follow Instructions: Meticulously follow the manufacturer’s installation guide for the new fire. 
• Securing the Unit: Fix the fire securely into the prepared opening using the supplied brackets and fixings. 
• Connections: Connect the fire to the power supply. If it’s a plug-in model, ensure the socket is accessible (though ideally hidden). For hardwired installations, this should be done by a qualified electrician. 
• Testing: Before finalising any finishing work, test all functions of the new fire – flame effects, heat settings, remote control, smart features, etc. 

5 – Making Good 

• Repairs: Repair any damage to the plasterboard around the new fire using filler or new plasterboard sections. Sand for a smooth finish. 
• Decorating: Repaint or re-wallpaper the media wall as needed to blend in the new installation. 
• Re-install Peripherals: Re-mount your TV, soundbar, and any other media devices. Ensure all cables are neatly managed and hidden. 

Key considerations when choosing a replacement 

• Size and Fit: Is it a direct swap, or are you prepared for structural work? Ensure the fire is proportionate to the TV and overall media wall. The most popular fire width for a media wall is typically around 1,500 mm.
• Style and Aesthetics: Match the fire to your room’s décor. Modern fires can be minimalist, while others might suit a more traditional or rustic media wall design, perhaps incorporating a non-combustible beam above the fire. 
• Heat Output: Is the heat for ambience or a genuine contribution to room heating? Most electric fires offer up to 2kW, suitable as a secondary heat source. 
• Features & Realism: Prioritise what’s essential – flame realism, fuel bed type, remote/app control, timer functions, colour options, sound effects. Viewing fires in a showroom can be very helpful. 
• Budget: Factor in the cost of the fire, potential installation fees if not DIY, and any materials for modifying the media wall. Electric fires for media walls can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds. 
• Noise: Some electric fires have a fan to distribute heat, which can produce a low level of noise. Check reviews or listen to a demonstration model if possible. 

DIY vs. professional installation 

Should you contact a professional to install your new media wall fire, or can you do it yourself? We weigh up the options: 

DIY Route

• Pros: Potential cost savings on labour 
• Cons: Requires good DIY skills, the right tools, and a solid understanding of basic electrics and construction. It can be time-consuming, and mistakes can be costly or dangerous. Modifying studwork and plastering requires a certain skill level. 
• When is it feasible? A like-for-like electric fire swap where no structural or significant electrical changes are needed might be manageable for a competent DIYer. 

Professional Installation

• Pros: Ensures safety, compliance with regulations, and a high-quality finish. Essential for any gas work (a Gas Safe engineer is a legal requirement) or complex electrical modifications. Saves you time and effort. Many installers will also handle the removal and disposal of the old fire. 
• Cons: Higher upfront cost. 
• Finding a professional: look for experienced joiners, builders, or specialist fireplace installers. For electrical work, ensure they are a qualified electrician. Check reviews and ask for portfolios of previous media wall work. 

Let us help you find the right installer here.

Future-proofing your choice 

• Timeless Design: Opt for a fire with a classy, versatile design that won’t quickly look dated. 
• Quality Build: Invest in a reputable brand known for reliability and good after-sales support. 
• Technological Longevity: While smart features are appealing, consider how quickly such technology may become outdated. Core flame effect quality and heating performance are often more enduring. 

A fresh focal point for your home 

Replacing a media wall fire is more than just changing an appliance; it’s an opportunity to significantly enhance the style, ambience, and functionality of your living space. While it requires careful thought and planning, the reward is a refreshed focal point that you can enjoy for years to come. 

Whether you’re seeking the latest in flame technology, smarter controls, or simply a new look, the perfect fire to revitalise your media wall is out there. Check out the range of media wall electric fires available at Direct Fireplaces.