It’s the ultimate home upgrade trend: the media wall. Clean lines, floating shelves, concealed wiring, big telly, and—of course—a stunning electric fire as the centrepiece. But while media walls look sleek and expensive, building one doesn’t have to cost the earth.
If you’re dreaming of that Instagram-worthy focal point but need to stick to a budget tighter than a tradesman’s tea break, you’re in the right place.
This guide walks you through installing an electric fire into a media wall without racking up unnecessary costs, builder’s stress, or design regrets.
🧱 What Is a Media Wall, Anyway?
A media wall is essentially a custom-built stud wall, typically constructed from timber and plasterboard. Its purpose is to neatly integrate your television, electric fire, shelving, and even sound systems into a single, cohesive unit. This design choice aims to streamline the aesthetics of your living area while simultaneously adding a touch of architectural drama.
Unlike traditional fireplaces, there’s no chimney or flue. Just clever use of space and a good eye for balance.
⚡ Why Electric Fires Are Perfect for Media Walls
- No vent or chimney needed
- Slimline designs fit snug into shallow stud walls
- Flame-only modes let you run visuals year-round
- Safe with TVs (if spaced correctly)
- Low-maintenance and cost-efficient
Essentially, they give you all the ambience without the faff—or the gas engineer.
🛠️ How to Build a Media Wall with an Electric Fire (On a Budget)
When it comes to creating your media wall, you have two main paths: doing it yourself (DIY) or hiring a professional. Regardless of the route you choose, the key to saving money lies in thorough planning, selecting the right materials, and steering clear of common errors that can quickly inflate costs.
1. Choose the Right Fire (and Size)
Before anything-anything!- else, choose your electric fire. The dimensions of your unit will dictate the depth & width of the wall.
🟢 Popular budget-friendly models for media walls:
- Evonic Linnea
- Celsi Ultiflame VR
- Be Modern Qube
- Flamerite Glazer 1500
💡 Tip: Fires over 1.2m wide create a modern, cinematic feel—but they need more stud wall depth.
2. Use Standard Timber & MDF Instead of Custom Panels
You don’t need pricey bespoke builds. 3×2 timber and 12.5mm plasterboard or MDF can create a sturdy structure at a fraction of the cost.
Cost-saving ideas:
- Skip marble/stone facades—go for a clean plastered finish or paint
- Build your own alcoves instead of ordering custom shelving
- Use LED strip lights for a designer look without the price tag
3. Stick to Plug-In Fires Unless You Really Need Hardwiring
A lot of people assume they need a sparkie & permanent wiring. Truth is, most fires just plug into a normal socket.
If you want the socket hidden:
- Install it behind the fire or behind a shelf
- Use trunking or channelled conduits to run cabling inside the wall
💡 Pro tip: Avoid extending ring mains unless absolutely necessary. That’s where costs spiral.
4. Don’t Mount the TV Too High
One of the biggest regrets people have with media walls is putting the TV up near the ceiling. It looks great in pictures, but not so much when your neck’s on strike by episode three of Line of Duty.
Golden rule:
TV centreline = eye level when seated
Fire should sit lower, beneath the telly, ideally with a shelf buffer to reduce heat exposure.
5. Use Heat-Resistant Materials Around the Fire
Even though most electric fires produce minimal heat output at the front, the wall immediately surrounding them should be non-flammable.
- MDF, fire-rated plasterboard or cement board are ideal
- Avoid using chipboard or plastic panelling directly around the unit
- Maintain clearance as per the fire’s manual (usually a few cm top & sides)
💷 Media Wall Cost Breakdown (on a budget)
| Item | Approx Cost (2025) |
| Electric Fire Unit | £300 – £1,200 |
| Timber, MDF, Screws etc. | £100 – £250 |
| Plasterboarding/Finishing | £100 – £300 |
| LED Strips or Shelf Lights | £20 – £60 |
| Paint & Finishing Touches | £30 – £80 |
| Optional TV Bracket | £25 – £70 |
DIY Total: £500–£1,500
With labour: £1,200–£2,500+ depending on region and complexity
🧯 Safety Tips
- Always read the installation guidelines for your specific fire
- Never block vents—fires need airflow
- If hardwiring, get a certified electrician
- Don’t run extension leads inside the wall cavity
- Use a surge protector if possible
🎨 Design Tips for a High-End Look on a Budget
- Keep it minimal – cluttered shelves can ruin the clean aesthetic
- Match your fire size to your TV – symmetry is everything
- Add hidden storage in alcoves or cupboards below
- Use bold paint colours (deep greens, navy, charcoal) for drama
- Include lighting – uplights or LED strips under shelves elevate the look
A media wall is more than just a home trend—it’s a clever way to combine function, design & comfort. And with the right electric fire, it doesn’t have to cost as much as a new kitchen.
From flats to family homes, plug-in to hardwired, there’s an electric fire out there that’ll make your media wall sing. Just plan well, build smart, and leave some budget for biscuits—you’ll need them during installation.
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