The History of Media Wall Fires
Many people think of media walls as being relatively new, growing in popularity or trending, however, there have been some rather big steps made over the past few decades to get to this point. Today, when we refer to a media wall, we’re often talking about the wall in your living room or lounge where you have a TV mounted, however, this could include so much more – perhaps some inbuilt speakers, shelving, an electric or gas media wall fire, ambient lighting. In this article, we’re going to take a closer look at the technological advancements made, and to make it as comprehensive as possible we’re going to be going all the way back to the 1960s!
It’s time for a timeline…
1960s – 1970s: A new focal point
While the first televisions were invented in Britain by John Logie Baird in the early 1920s, it was in the 1960s when they started to take pride of place in living rooms, and for some households, this included vinyl storage and space for a record player. We also saw many bold and bright colours freshening up living spaces, such as Blood Orange, Copper Blush and Orange Fizz. This personality and vibrancy we became accustomed to during this time was often paired with integrated storage for the rather boxy televisions, radios, record players, books, records, plants, ornaments and artwork. There was also often a gas or electric fire close by – it was around this time they began to boom in line with many other technological advancements. Ultimately, this was the start of what we now call media walls.
1980s: Gearing up for more gadgets
While home computers and fax machines began to boom in the 1980s, they were never going to be a great fit for a media wall. That said, there was certainly space for a Sega Master System, VHS Player, larger televisions, video cassette recorders (VCRs) and Hi-Fis. It’s a decade we look back on fondly with media walls packed with home theatre technology, as well as plenty of shelving for all of those VHS tapes.
1990s: Symbolic of size and style
You could argue that a lot of the evolving technology became bigger and bulkier during this time – TVs certainly did, however, there were some smarter ways to conceal the technology and create some form of minimalism – with Oak TV cabinets, also known as entertainment centres. These cabinets, which often took up the entire wall and took 5 people to position them, certainly felt minimalistic because you’d have doors which would open to show the TV, books, stereo, CDs, VHS tapes and game consoles. Then when you were all finished with your night’s entertainment after a long day’s work, you’d simply close the cabinet doors and have a tidy living room once more.
Not many people believe us when we tell them, but HDTV technology was actually introduced in the very early 1990s! Whilst flat screens were nowhere to be seen as yet (not for most homes in the UK), there was more of an obsession with ‘big screen TVs’, and we all know this remains the case for many people today. The 1990s saw this integration of digital media, and some media walls started to accommodate personal computers and early internet connections.
2000s: Fast Forward to Fireplaces and Flat-Screen TVs
With thinner and lighter television screens becoming available as we shifted into a new millennium, homeowners had more freedom and flexibility to create the media wall that was right for them, their lifestyle and tastes – all whilst being more streamlined. Smart technology was kicking into gear around this time, and media was shifting away from physical to digital. To put this into perspective, we had camera phones, USB sticks, Bluetooth devices and iPods. It was a decade where possibilities really opened up with the integration of electric fireplaces into media walls. These fireplaces delivered a cosy ambience without the need for traditional chimneys or extensive installations. They became – and remain – a popular choice for adding warmth and character to modern living spaces.
2010s: A Big Leap Forward For Media Wall Fires
As media walls evolved into multi-functional hubs that were primed for entertainment, comfort, and connectivity, the proliferation of smart home devices was well underway. From voice-activated assistants to interconnected lighting and heating systems, media walls now offered seamless integration with a variety of smart technologies. Electric fireplaces became even more advanced during this period, featuring customisable flame effects, various heat settings and energy-efficient models. The design trend shifted towards minimalism, with media walls featuring clean lines, hidden wiring and built-in shelving. This not only created a clutter-free aesthetic but also improved the use of space in living areas, making rooms appear larger and of course, tidier. With the rise of streaming services, media walls adapted to accommodate new devices like smart TVs, soundbars and advanced surround sound systems. These systems provided an immersive viewing experience, turning living rooms into home theatres. Media walls began to serve multiple purposes, often incorporating workspaces, display areas, and storage solutions. This multi-functional approach made them an essential feature in modern homes, providing both practical and aesthetic value.
2020 onwards: Virtually limitless opportunities
Media walls have continued to evolve. With advancements in technology and design, gas and electric media wall fires have become more versatile and sophisticated, providing options for every room and architectural style, whether that’s a modern apartment or a traditional townhouse. These media walls create the perfect ambience, blending seamlessly with any decor while offering unparalleled connectivity. Enhanced internet speeds ensure that streaming, gaming, and smart home integrations are faster and more efficient than ever. Media walls now add significant value to homes, transforming living spaces into high-tech, stylish hubs of comfort and entertainment. Whether you’re looking to create a cosy retreat or a cutting-edge media centre, the possibilities are truly endless. If you’d like to discover the endless potential of media walls by exploring our live displays. Visit our showroom or contact our friendly team to see how we can help you transform your home into a perfect blend of style, functionality and comfort.
