Step by Step Guide to Building a Media Wall With a Fireplace

Media walls have cemented their place as the hottest trend in modern living room design, and it’s easy to see why. More than just a place to mount your TV, a media wall with a fireplace is a sophisticated, all-in-one feature that combines stunning aesthetics, clever storage, and the cosy ambience of a fire. It’s the ultimate upgrade for any home.

The magic behind this trend lies in the versatility of modern electric fires. Because they don’t require a chimney or flue, they can be safely and easily integrated into a custom-built structure, giving you complete creative freedom. They provide a warm, inviting glow without the intense heat output of traditional fires, making them an ideal companion for your electronic equipment.

Ready to transform your space? This comprehensive guide will walk you through how to build a media wall, from initial planning to the final styling touches.

---

Step 1: Plan Your Media Wall Layout

Before you pick up a single tool, a solid plan is essential. A well-designed media wall looks intentional and fits the scale of your room perfectly.

Measure and Map Your Space:

Start by measuring the wall where you plan to build your feature. Note the total width and height. Most media walls are built floor-to-ceiling for a dramatic effect, but you can also create a ‘floating’ or partial wall. Consider the depth of the fall – how far it will project into the room. A typical depth is around 300-400mm, but this depends on the depth of your chosen fire and TV.

Learn More: How to Pick the Right TV Size for Your Media Wall

Decide on Fireplace and TV Placement:

The relationship between your TV and fireplace is crucial for both aesthetics and safety. The most important rule is to ensure a safe clearance between the top of the electric fire and the bottom of the television. Most electric fires have a fan heater that directs heat forward or downward, but you must always check the manufacturer’s installation manual for the minimum recommended distance. A gap of 200-300mm is a standard guideline.

Explore Popular Layout Options:

• TV Above Fireplace: This is the classic and most popular media wall layout. It creates a single, central focal point. The key is ensuring the TV is mounted at a comfortable viewing height.

• Side by Side: For a more contemporary, asymmetrical look, consider placing your TV and a vertical-style electric fireplace side by side. This is an excellent option for wider walls.

• Floor-to-Ceiling with Alcoves: Frame your central TV and fire with built-in shelving or alcoves. This adds depth, character, and valuable storage for speakers, consoles, or decorative items.

Read Our Guide: Media Wall Layout Ideas for Living Rooms: Design Inspiration for Every Space

Tip: Avoid this Common Mistake! Many DIY media walls suffer from the same problem: mounting the TV too high. A television placed far above a fireplace forces you to crane your neck, leading to discomfort. As a general rule, the centre of your TV screen should be at eye level when you are seated.

---

Step 2: Choose the Right Fireplace for Your Media Wall

Your choice of fire will define the entire project. As mentioned, electric fires are the go-to solution for their safety, ease of installation, and stunning visual effects. Here are the best types for a media wall design:

• Inset/Built-In Fires: These are designed to be recessed into the wall, sitting perfectly flush with the final surface. This creates the seamless, integrated look that media walls are famous for.

• 3-Sided/Panoramic Models: For a truly immersive and modern feel, a 3-sided fire offers a captivating view of the flames from the front and sides. This adds depth and makes the fire a spectacular feature from any angle in the room.

• Wall-Mounted Fires: Although not built-in, ultra-slimline wall-mounted fires can be a budget-friendly alternative. You can build the stud frame around the fire to give it a semi-recessed appearance.

When choosing, look for features like low-energy LED flame effects, realistic log or crystal fuel beds, multiple flame colour options, and smart controls via a remote or app.

Find your perfect match: Shop our top-rated electric fires for media walls and filter by size, style, and brand.

---

Step 3: Frame the Wall (Studwork & Support)

The frame is the skeleton of your media wall. It needs to be strong enough to support the plasterboard, the fire, and a heavy television.

Materials:

The frame is typically built from either timber (like 2x4-inch CLS timber) or metal studs. Timber is generally easier for DIYers to work with. The frame is then covered with either plasterboard (for a smooth, paintable finish) or MDF (which can also be painted but is heavier).

Construction Tips:

• Build the Frame: Construct a base frame on the floor and secure it firmly to the floor, ceiling, and existing wall.

• Create Recesses: Build specific openings (recesses) in the frame for your fire and TV. When framing a media wall for an electric fire, precision is key. Measure the exact dimensions from your fire and TV manuals and add a few millimetres of tolerance for an easy fit.

• Ventilation: Some electric fires require ventilation gaps. Check the manual and incorporate any necessary air gaps into your frame design to ensure proper airflow and prevent overheating.

• Cable Management: Plan your wiring now! Decide where your sockets will be. You can have them inside the wall for a clean look or outside for easy access. Cut small holes in the studs to route cables for the TV, soundbar, and fire, keeping everything hidden from view.

---

Step 4: Install the Fireplace and TV

With the frame built, it’s time to fit your appliances.

• Build the Fireplace Housing: Construct the lower section and recess for your electric fire first. Ensure the platform it will sit on is level and strong.

• Add Insulation (If Required): Some installations may benefit from heat-resistant plasterboard or insulation around the fire recess, especially if you have a fire with a higher heat output. Always follow the manufacturer’s guide.

• Mount the TV Bracket: Securely fix your TV wall bracket to the wooden studs in the frame – never just to the plasterboard. Use a spirit level to ensure it’s perfectly straight. This is the support for your expensive TV, so use the correct heavy-duty fixings.

• Route Your Cables: Feed all your HDMI, power, and audio cables through the pre-drilled holes in the studwork. Leave enough slack to connect them to your devices easily.

Safety Note: Before you cover the frame with plasterboard, place the fire in its recess, plug it in, and test it. Run it on its highest heat setting for 20-30 minutes to ensure adequate ventilation and prevent surrounding timber from becoming excessively hot. Most media wall fires are designed to run at a safe temperature, but it's best to be sure!

---

Step 5: Finish & Style the Media Wall

This is where your media wall truly comes to life. Once the frame is covered with plasterboard and skimmed for a smooth finish, you can get creative.

Finishing Options:

• Paint: The simplest and most popular option. Paint it the same colour as your other walls to blend in, or use a bold, dark colour to make it a dramatic accent.

• Venetian Plaster: Creates a luxurious, textured finish with depth and movement.

• Wood Slats: Vertical wood slats are a huge trend, adding warmth, texture, and a high-end Scandinavian feel.

• Panelling: Shaker-style or reeded panelling can add a touch of traditional or Art Deco elegance.

• Shelving and Alcoves: If you built in alcoves, now is the time to finish them. Paint them a contrasting colour or add custom-cut shelves.

• Lighting: Don’t underestimate the power of lighting. Install LED strip lighting in your alcoves or behind the TV for a soft, ambient glow. Ceiling downlights can also be used to wash light down the face of the wall.

• Trending Colours for 2025/26: For a contemporary look, consider deep forest greens, earthy plaster pinks, sophisticated greige (a blend of grey and beige), or a dramatic charcoal grey.

Get Inspired: Fireplace Wall Colour Ideas: Shades That Make Your Electric Fire Pop

---

Step 6: Test, Style & Enjoy!

The hard work is done! Before you sit back and relax, do a few final checks. Test all your electronics, ensure the remote controls are functioning correctly, and verify that everything is secure.

Now for the fun part: styling.

• Place decorative objects in your alcoves. Think about balance – a mix of books, small plants, and personal items works well.

• Integrate your soundbar. Many people build a custom-sized slot for their soundbar directly below the TV for a clean look.

• Decide on symmetry vs. asymmetry. A symmetrical layout with matching alcoves exudes a formal and balanced feel, while an asymmetrical design can convey a more modern and dynamic aesthetic.

Show us your work! We love seeing your finished projects. Tag @DirectFireplaces on Instagram to show us your media wall makeover and inspire others!

---

What are the Best Electric Fires for a Media Wall?

Choosing the right electric fire is the most exciting part of planning your media wall. The best models offer a combination of stunning visual realism, flexible installation options, and a size that complements your television.

To help you find the perfect centrepiece, we’ve selected five of the best electric fires for media walls from our collection, catering to a range of budgets and styles.

Best Budget-Friendly Option: Gazco 85R Radiance Inset Electric Fire

For those seeking a sleek, contemporary ‘hole-in-the-wall’ look on a tighter budget, the Gazco 85R Radiance is an exceptional choice. The fire offers a sophisticated, frameless design that allows it to blend seamlessly into your wall, creating a minimalist focal point. While it’s a more compact, 1-sided fire, it delivers a high-end aesthetic with a choice of amber or blue flames, perfect for smaller media walls or for pairing with TVs around 32 inches.

• Price Category: Budget-Friendly
• Visible Fire Width: 855mm
• Glass Front Display: 1-sided inset
• Why We Love It: It proves you don’t need a huge budget to achieve a clean, modern and integrated fireplace. Its frameless design provides a genuinely high-end ‘hole-in-the-wall’ appearance at a fraction of the cost of larger panoramic models, making it perfect for stylish, compact spaces.

Best Value for Large Walls: BlazeBright Oxford Deep Lux 1800

For those with a large television (75 inches or more) and a grand vision, finding a fire that matches in scale can be expensive. The BlazeBright Oxford Deep Lux 1800 shatters that expectation. At an incredible 1800mm wide, this fire makes a dramatic statement and ensures your fireplace doesn’t look undersized beneath a large screen. It offers full 1, 2, or 3-sided viewing and a deep fuel bed for a highly realistic effect, representing phenomenal value for its size.

• Price Category: Best Value
• Visible Fire Width: 1800mm
• Suitable for TV Size: Up to 80-inch
• Glass Front Display: 1, 2, or 3-sided installation
• Why We Love It: You get a massive, impactful fire with complete installation flexibility for a price that is typically associated with much smaller models. It’s the ultimate choice for making a big statement on a sensible budget.

Best Mid-Range All-Rounder: Evonic E-Lectra 1500

The Evonic E-Lectra 1500 hits the sweet spot for modern media walls. Its 1,500 mm width is perfectly proportioned for popular TV sizes, such as 65 inches, creating a balanced and harmonious look. As part of the E-Lectra range, it comes packed with features, including multiple flame animations and smart home compatibility, allowing you to control the fire with your voice or phone. With 3-sided glass as standard, it delivers the complete contemporary package.

• Price Category: Mid-Range
• Visible Fire Width: 1500mm
• Suitable for TV Size: Up to 65-inch
• Glass Front Display: 1, 2, or 3-sided installation
• Why We Love It: It combines the most popular size with advanced smart features and the versatile 3-sided design, making it a future-proof choice that excels in both aesthetics and technology.

Premium Feature-Packed Choice: Evonic Volante 1500

Stepping into the premium category, the Evonic Volante 1500 is for those who want one of the most realistic flame effects on the market. Paired with Evonic’s award-winning e-smart cloud app, the Volante offers unparalleled control over the flame effects, lighting, and sound. The ‘Black Edition’ adds a sophisticated touch, ensuring the fire looks just as good when it’s off. It’s an investment in a truly immersive and luxurious fireside experience.

• Price Category: Premium
• Visible Fire Width: 1500mm
• Suitable for TV Size: Up to 65-inch
• Glass Front Display: 1, 2, or 3-sided installation
• Why We Love It: The focus on a hyper-realistic flame effect and advanced app control make it stand out. It’s more than a heater; it’s a dynamic piece of digital art for your living room.

The Ultimate Luxury Statement: Solution Fires LUX2000

For those designing a truly grand and expansive media wall, the Solution Fires LUX200 is an exceptional choice. At an impressive 2 metres wide, this fire is designed for large spaces, creating a breathtaking focal point. Solution Fires are renowned for their high-end technology, offering highly realistic flame scenes, integrated crackling fire audio, and a premium, non-reflective glass front. It represents a premier option for a deeply immersive and customisable fireside experience.

• Price Category: Luxury
• Suitable for TV Size: 98"+
• Visible Fire Width: 2000mm
• Why We Love It: Its impressive scale is matched by its advanced flame technology. This makes it a standout selection for a high-end, bespoke media wall where the fireplace is intended to be a powerful and commanding feature of the room.

---

Ready to Build Your Perfect Media Wall?

Feeling inspired? Now that you have the answers, it's time to find the perfect fire to be the heart of your new media wall. Our collection features a stunning range of sizes, styles, and flame effects designed to integrate seamlessly into your project and bring your vision to life.

And once you've found your ideal fire, let us take care of the rest. Our professional installation service provides a complete solution, from construction to the final touches, ensuring a flawless and stress-free result.

Explore Our Media Wall Electric Fires ▸

Learn More About Our Expert Installation Service ▸

---

Media Wall FAQs

We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you plan.

Q: Can you build a media wall in a small living room?

A: Absolutely! A media wall can actually make a small room feel more organised and less cluttered by consolidating all your media into one streamlined unit. Opt for a slimmer depth and a lighter colour to keep it from feeling overwhelming.

Q: How much does a media wall with a fireplace cost in the UK?

A: The cost varies widely. A DIY project using standard materials could cost between £500 and £1,500 (excluding the fire and TV). A professional installation by a joiner or builder can range from £2,000-£5,000 depending on the complexity, materials (e.g., Venetian plaster or custom joinery), and electrical work involved.

Q: What’s the safest distance between a TV and an electric fire?

A: There is no single universal rule, as it depends on the fire’s design and heat output. Always refer to the fire’s installation manual. However, a standard safe distance is a minimum of 200mm (approx. 8 inches) between the top of the fire and the bottom of the TV.

Q: Can I build a media wall without a chimney breast?

A: Yes! That is the primary advantage of this design. Media walls are constructed using a stud frame, allowing you to create a false chimney breast that can be installed on any flat wall in your home.

Q: Where does the soundbar go in a media wall?

A: You have a few stylish options, but the most popular is a custom-built recess. The best place for a soundbar is typically directly beneath the TV. During construction, you can create a perfectly sized recessed slot for the soundbar to slide into. This keeps it flush and fully integrated for the cleanest possible look.

Q: Do I need to add vents to my media wall?

A: It depends entirely on the specific fire, but it is a crucial consideration. While many modern electric fires are designed to vent all heat from the front, some models may require ventilation within the studwork to prevent heat buildup and ensure longevity. Always check the installation manual for your chosen fire; it will specify the exact ventilation requirements, if any.

Q: How do I hide all the cables for the TV and soundbar?

A: Clever planning during the build is key to a cable-free finish. Before adding the plasterboard, run plastic conduit or trunking from the TV recess down to where your other devices will be located. This creates a hidden channel to pass HDMI, power, and other cables through. A ‘brush plate’ wall outlet is a great finishing touch, allowing cables to pass through the wall neatly without leaving a gaping hole.

Q: How deep should a media wall be?

A: The depth is a balance between your aesthetic goals and practical needs. It is primarily determined by the inset depth of your chosen electric fire (check the manual!). A typical media wall is between 300mm and 600mm deep. A shallower depth gives a more streamlined look, while a deeper build allows for more storage, larger soundbars, and deeper decorative alcoves.

Q: What happens if I need to access the back of my TV or fire?

A: This is an integral part of the design. For the TV, use an articulating or pull-down TV bracket that allows the screen to be pulled forward and away from the recess for easy access to cables. For the fire, it is installed as one of the final steps and can be removed for servicing by reversing the process. Ensure no permanent fixtures block its removal.

Q: How can I add lighting to my media wall?

A: LED strip lighting is the perfect way to elevate your design. Popular places to install it are inside recessed shelving, around the back of the TV to create a backlight halo, or along the bottom to give the entire unit a ‘floating’ experience. For the most professional look, use aluminium LED channels with a diffuser cover, which prevents visible dots and creates a smooth, even glow.