Easy How to DIY an Electric Fireplace Surround

March 4, 2021
nicole

Hi! I'm Nicole

Interior Designer. Fearless DIYer. Sharing interior design tips and building project tutorials. Let’s design and build something beautiful together. For more design tips, projects and behind the scenes, follow me @designtobuild.nicole

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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been sharing my master bedroom electric fireplace surround tutorials. As always, I like to provide a landing spot for all of these posts to come together in one seamless, easy to find location.

I have always wanted a fireplace in my bedroom. How romantic and cozy, right? Let’s just say, if you don’t have one-you need one! And these easy to follow step-by-step tutorials will give you all of the information you need to build your own electric fireplace surround.

Master bedroom with electric fireplace surround and comfy chair

Of course, first things first, you’ll need an electric fireplace. I went with this one from Amazon and have loved it! The flames are authentic looking and it really heats up our bedroom well! It’s perfect! (Amazon Affiliate Links Included)

Phase One is building the base for your electric fireplace surround. This post will show you exactly how to do it and all you need are 2×4’s! Of all the steps this one is probably my favorite. It’s like playing with Legos. And when you’re finished you’ll have a solid base for your electric fireplace to sit on…..

Fireplace insert placed on top of build a fireplace base

In Phase Two, we’ll build the encasement. This post will show you how to build a strong structure around your electric fireplace to ensure it stays securely in place. With this step, we can really start to see it all coming together! So exciting!

2x4's built around electric fireplace insert

And finally Phase Three! Yep, THREE easy phases is all it takes! In this post, I’ll show you how to easily add the finishing touches with the hearth and the mantel.

Paint and stain and add your decor and that’s it! You have a beautiful, cozy fireplace in your bedroom. How perfect is that!??

Limewash faux brick fireplace in master bedroom

One last step that’s completely optional is painting the lining on the inside of your fireplace insert. The wallpaper lining the inside of my electric fireplace was faux red brick. I wasn’t real wild about how this looked in my master bedroom. Unfortunately, it didn’t really match the style of my room so I decided to limewash it and give it a softer look. I love it! Exactly the look I was wanting. You can duplicate this look by following the step by step tutorial in this post. Super easy.

wipe off excess limewash to limewash faux brick

As always if you have any questions regarding how to build an electric fireplace surround, please don’t hesitate to comment below. I love helping you guys through these projects.

And because he’s just too cute to not include. Doesn’t Teddy look so cozy in front of the warm fireplace?

Goldendoodle in front of electric fireplace surround in master bedroom

Designer Tip: When It Might Be Time to Bring in Help

If you’re working on your home and things still don’t feel quite right, you’re not alone. Many of our clients start exactly where you are now. They’ve gathered ideas, saved inspiration photos, and maybe even purchased a few pieces, but the space still doesn’t feel cohesive. That’s often the moment when having a designer can make all the difference. We help homeowners create a clear plan so every decision works together. From layout and furniture placement to finishes and lighting, the goal is a space that feels thoughtful, comfortable, and complete.

If you’d like a little guidance with your space, you can learn more about our interior design services below.

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Until next time,

Happy Building, Friend!!

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Want to see my projects in action? Come follow me on Instagram. You can check out the full tutorial video of this post in my Instagram highlights at the top of my profile page. 

Other related posts:

How to Limewash Brick Exterior-A Complete Makeover

Three Easy Steps to a Fixer Upper Worthy Fireplace

Fireplace Makeover From Contemporary to Modern Farmhouse

 

 

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16 Comments

  1. Jennifer

    I’m trying to figure out how much space you need behind the heater? Does it need space between the wall and heater?

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi Jennifer,
      Great question. I actually just went by the recommendation from the manufacturer of the electric fireplace I bought. For mine, it was about 5 inches. Hope this helps.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  2. Fallon

    What are the total dimensions?

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi!
      The dimensions are 61″ long; 22 5/8″ wide; 59″ tall.
      Let me know if you have any other questions.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
      • Debbie

        I love this ! I’ve been wanting to build something like this for my electric heater. I think I can do this

        Reply
        • Nicole Nigg

          Hi Debbie!
          That’s awesome! I’m glad you found it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions along the way. The fastest way to reach me is via my instagram. :)
          Best of luck on the project! I would love to see pictures when you’re finished, if you don’t mind sharing!
          ~Nicole

          Reply
  3. JW

    What are the final deminsions of the fireplace

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi!
      Total Dimensions are: 61″ long; 22 5/8″ wide; 59″ tall. If you go into phase one of the tutorial, they’re listed out for you there too.
      Hope this helps!
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  4. Jessica

    Can you share where your insert is from??? It’s so realistic looking, exactly what I’m looking for!

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi Jessica!
      Here’s the link… https://amzn.to/3G1Uo1b You’ll probably have to copy and paste it in your browser. My links don’t usually go through as hyperlinks in my emails. Let me know if you have any issues finding it.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  5. Sammi

    Hi! Are you still happy with the insert you have?
    I really want to put a fireplace in our master, but most of them look so dumb…

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi Sammi,
      Yes! We love our fireplace insert. It looks very real and puts out really good heat. You can adjust it to different settings (I.e: height of flame; color; speed of flame). I would highly recommend it. Hope this helps.
      ~Nicole

      Reply
  6. Kacie G.

    Love this tutorial! Which size fireplace insert did you use? The 36”?

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi Kacie,
      Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it! Yes, I used the 36″ insert.
      Have a great week!
      Nicole

      Reply
  7. Margeè

    I have premade oak fireplace mantel/ surround, been trying to figure out how to put electric fireplace into it.

    Reply
    • Nicole Nigg

      Hi Margee,
      If you would like, you’re welcome to send me a picture of your space and I can see if I have any ideas/suggestions.
      ~Nicole

      Reply

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