June 27, 2025

How to Build a Media Wall Around a Chimney Breast

Short answer: Yes, building a media wall around your chimney breast is a brilliant idea—and it looks hot, especially with a Media Wall Fire glowing! It’s smart, stylish, and seriously space-saving. Want to turn that old chimney into the star of your living room? Keep reading—we’ve got the blueprint.

Why Build a Media Wall Around a Chimney Breast?

Making Use of an Existing Feature

Let’s be honest—chimney breasts can be awkward. They jut out. They break up wall space. Sometimes they’re just plain useless. But they can also be a hidden gem if you think creatively.

By turning a chimney breast into a media wall, you're making use of what's already there. No need to rip anything out or start from scratch. Just build on it. It's a perfect blend of old meets new.

Creating a Natural Focal Point in the Room

Every living room needs a centrepiece. For decades, it was the fireplace. Then it became the telly. Now? It's both—merged into one stunning media wall that commands attention.

When friends walk into your lounge and see a sleek TV flush-fitted above a glowing Media Wall Fire, the effect is instant. It's stylish. It's cosy. And it naturally draws people in, whether you're watching Match of the Day or enjoying a glass of red on a quiet evening.

Cost-Effective Compared to Building from Scratch

Here’s the truth—building a media wall entirely from scratch can cost a fair bit. But if you've got a chimney breast already in place, you're halfway there.

Instead of building outwards with timber and plasterboard, you're simply working around an existing feature. That cuts material costs, labour time, and potential stress. A win for your wallet and your weekend.

Design and Planning Considerations

Assessing Your Existing Chimney Breast

Before you jump in, you’ll want to take stock of what you’re working with. Is the chimney in use? Is it purely decorative? Is it solid brick or just a plasterboard stub?

It matters more than you’d think. A working fireplace might mean you'll need to consider heat resistance. A capped chimney? That’s more straightforward. Either way, a quick inspection helps you avoid surprises later.

Integrating a Fireplace: Electric, Gas, or Log Burner

Adding a fire to your media wall takes the design up a notch—both visually and literally in terms of warmth. If you're after drama without the faff, an electric Media Wall Fire is ideal. Easy to install, plug-and-play, no flue needed.

Prefer something more traditional? A gas fire can still work, but it’ll need proper ventilation and a Gas Safe engineer. If you’re dreaming of a wood burner, it’ll need clearance, chimney access, and heat-resistant materials—plus it might limit what sits above.

Designing for Your TV and Other Media Devices

Let’s talk telly. Your TV needs to fit the chimney breast comfortably—both in size and height. Stick it too high and you'll strain your neck every time you watch the news.

Don't forget the extras. Soundbars, consoles, streaming sticks—they all need homes too. That’s why many homeowners go for shelving or hidden units below the TV, keeping things tidy without sacrificing access.

Step-by-Step Construction Guide

Building a Stud Wall Around the Chimney Breast

Start by measuring out your space. Then, using timber battens, build a frame around the chimney breast. This will create cavities for wires, devices, and anything else you want hidden away.

Secure your frame to the wall with masonry fixings or screw into studs if the chimney is hollow. Make sure it’s level—it’ll save headaches later.

Recessing the TV and Fireplace

Want that clean, built-in look? You’ll need to create recessed sections for both your TV and fireplace. The goal is a flush finish—no bulky brackets or gaps.

Measure your devices carefully, allowing room for ventilation and access. This step gives your media wall that polished, designer feel you see in glossy home magazines.

Cladding, Plastering, and Finishing

Once your frame is up and recesses are set, it’s time to close it all in. Use plasterboard for the main structure—fire-rated board if you’re adding heat.

Then get skimming. Once dry, the fun begins. Add paint, wood panelling, marble tiles or LED strip lights. Choose finishes that suit your home’s personality—modern minimalism, rustic charm, or full-blown luxury.

Cable Management and Access

No one wants a spider's web of cables dangling behind the telly. That’s why planning cable routes early is crucial.

Run trunking inside your frame or use recessed channels. Keep access panels discreet but easy to open—future you will thank you when it's time to change a HDMI cable or reset the Wi-Fi box.

Media Wall on a Chimney Breast: Inspiration and Ideas

Media walls don’t have to be boring or cookie-cutter. In fact, they’re a great way to show off a bit of flair.

Some folks go monochrome with matte black and bright whites—modern, minimal, effortlessly cool. Others play up the cosy factor with soft lighting, wood accents, and a warm Media Wall Fire crackling beneath the screen.

Want something bold? Try geometric cladding or a pop of colour behind the TV. Prefer Scandi style? Pale wood slats and floating shelves do the trick. No matter your taste, there’s a media wall look out there to suit it.

Final Thoughts

So, should you build a media wall around your chimney breast?

Absolutely. It’s a brilliant way to refresh your space without starting from scratch. You’ll gain storage, style, and a stunning focal point for your room. Best of all, it's a project that combines modern tech with classic architecture—and that's a blend worth investing in.

With the right plan, a bit of patience, and maybe a few YouTube tutorials, your living room can go from drab to designer. And once the fire’s on and the TV’s glowing, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Ready to transform that chimney into the hottest spot in your home?

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