Picture this: a gorgeous room, impeccably styled, but the eye is inexplicably drawn to the cold, dark gap of an unused fireplace.
It begs for transformation, doesn’t it? Transforming these unlit alcoves from forgotten spaces into stunning visual features is not just about aesthetics; it’s about reclaiming a focal point in your living environment.
In this guide, you’ll learn to breathe new life into unused fireplaces, turning what might seem like a redundant area into a cornucopia of style and charm.
Whether you’re imagining a cozy hearth with ornamental logs or a sleek modern statement piece, the possibilities are endless.
You will discover:
- Creative empty fireplace ideas such as seasonal displays and candle arrangements.
- DIY tips for personalizing your space.
- How to use this feature for practical purposes like additional storage or an art display.
By the end, not just another corner but a masterpiece that enhances your room’s ambiance awaits your creation. Ready to transform your unused fireplace into a captivating part of your home’s decor? Let’s dive in.
How to decorate an unused fireplace: the basics
- A Fresh Coat of Paint: Transform the fireplace with a new color, whether vibrant or crisp white
- Flea Market Finds: Use unique items like old trunks or birdcages for a decorative touch
- Textile Lining: Add fabric, a small rug, or artificial grass inside the firebox for a colorful makeover
- Stacked Magazines: Utilize the firebox to store design magazines neatly
- Wood, Painted or Raw: Fill the fireplace with neatly stacked wood, painted for added color if desired
- Artwork: Prop up a large canvas or consider vintage paintings for a stylish look
- Plants: Place potted plants in front of the fireplace or use high-quality fake plants inside
- An Oversize Letter: Personalize the space with vintage signage or craft store letters
- Shelving: Install shelves inside the fireplace for storage or display purposes
- Christmas Lights: Create a festive atmosphere with old-fashioned or white twinkle lights
- A Basket of Warmth: Fill the fireplace with cozy blankets and cushions for a functional display
- Candles: Use clusters of real or battery-operated candles for a warm glow and ambiance
Supporting video:
A chimney breast into a home office
Let’s start with the first idea on how to decorate an unused fireplace.
With a couple of additions, you can create a perfect, cozy home office or a lovely dressing table. Some closets are placed in the alcoves made by the hood of a forge. If you built a shelf to the chimney breast, it can turn into an office or a beauty table. Another advantage is that this solution takes very little space.
Disused fireplace
Another way is to adapt the theme of a fireplace to the style of the property. If your house is, for example, near the sea, you can use rustic materials, woven rattan, shells, ropes, a jar of different colored pebbles…
A dramatic bathroom feature
It is rarely a case someone has a chimney breast in their bathroom. This might happen if someone repurposes a bedroom or changes the entire plan of the lower floor. In case there is one, take it as a central element of the room.
You can either make it useful and use it for storing laundry baskets. Or you can decorate it with plants to get a more vivid and organic ambient in the room.
If you like this idea but you don’t have a chimney breast, you can always build an artificial one –just add a wooden mantel. This can be very useful in camouflaging pipes that are not so decorative.
Build with an instant fix
It might not be true for all new builds and some could feel a bit cut off of features. If you want to substitute the TV and you are searching for a different central point, a fireplace surround is a unique and retro option. It will lean to the flat wall for an immediate feature. You can also add a choice of electric stove or hearth for the finishing touch.
Keep things elegant with marble
Marble is a lavish and elegant material. It is a good choice for a fireplace both for aesthetics and practical reasons.
Marble is resistant to high temperatures. Fire won’t damage it, even if it is lit during the entire winter. Marble is a pricey material, but it is a good investment. It is long-lasting and it is good for achieving a polished and refined, more classical design.
Exposed brick
If you inherited a fireplace, check if it has a heating element instead of tearing it apart. Check if you can still safely use it. Exposed brick and the old heating element create effective contrast to the modern living room.
Turned into a storage place
This is also a quick and practical solution at the same time. Imbed a couple of shelves to the interior fireplace to get the extra storage space. You can add some colors to it by gluing a printed wallpaper to the back of the fireplace. This solution is an especially good choice for people living in smaller apartments.
Like flowers
Plants and flowers enable the space and give it vitality, a more organic look. Putting a couple of vases and pots of colorful flowers will boost up the fireplace elegance. It will enrich the fireplace and the entire room with colors and vividness.
As the seasons change, you can switch the flowers in the fireplace. In winter, you can replace vivid flowers with pine branches.
Put a log in the fireplace
Even if it is not lit on fire, a pile of chopped wood in the fireplace can seem decorative. To many, this brings up warm and homey feelings. This is a natural and organic way to upgrade the ambiance. Logs can be in different shapes, sizes, various textures…
Create a personal gallery
Choose some of the dearest pieces of art or photographs. Place them on the fireplace walls or above the mantel. You can make different combinations of frames, formats, colors… It is like creating a 3d collage. This will bring up the feeling of freshness to the ambiance.
As a fireplace is a focal point, to place something distinctive and original will bring up to it on many levels. This will give another dimension to experiencing art, different from usual.
Candles
Candles can provide you with a similar effect of warmth as a lit fireplace. However, without too much work and tumble. Candlelight creates a warm and romantic effect and goes well with any kind of home or fireplace. It is good to combine with any style.
It is also practical for some people who have allergies and can’t sit around the burning wood. They can enjoy themselves and won’t be bothered by respiratory issues.
Display wares
An empty fireplace can be seen as a framed spot for a bust, sculpture, or any artistic object. You can choose any object that has special value to you. It can be a souvenir from a trip to a foreign country, a large planter, a trophy, different ornaments, oversized bowls filled with flowers, or pine cones.
You can also use it as an open cabinet space. With the difference of it being on the floor in this case.
Concealing or hiding a fireplace
If a fireplace does not look good and cannot be repaired, the only solution is to cover it. The best choice is to seal it up somehow.
Fill the firebox with plywood and color the exterior of the wood so it matches the colors of the room.
Some other options are adding mosaic tiling. Combine it with wood for different colors and textures. You can also use decorative fabrics, fabric papers, decorative metals… Use anything, options are limitless.
Decorative display
And here comes the last suggestion on how to decorate an unused fireplace.
If there is a fireplace in the room, the room is in most cases oriented towards it. That is very important to know when choosing a decoration for an unused fireplace. It has to mirror and express the style and the design of its surroundings.
If there is no mantle, add one. It can be useful for creative displays without too much effort. There is a term – “mantle scape”. It refers to adding different organic, elements of nature to create a “landscape” across the mantel.
For a more elegant and posh design, add a couple of beams of shiplap above the fireplace. This can give a gentle texture against the all-white walls.
Some people are not fond of charred brick looks from the fireplace when it’s not in use. If that’s the case, hang a curtain to cover it up until the next winter.
FAQ On How To Decorate An Unused Fireplace
What can I place inside an unused fireplace to make it look attractive?
Start by considering a display of ornamental logs or a stack of beautiful old books. For a more whimsical touch, artfully arranged candles or an assortment of plants can add life and light to the nook, turning it into an eye-catching feature.
Are there any creative ways to use candles in an unused fireplace?
Candles offer flexibility and ambiance. Arrange various heights and sizes for a layered look, or place them in lanterns for added sophistication. During the holidays, mix in garlands or fairy lights to create a warm, festive feel without the need for a real fire.
How can I use an unused fireplace for storage?
Think outside the box—transform it into a chic wine storage area, or add shelving to turn this once-empty space into a stylish book nook. Ensure the interior is clean and add baskets or decorative boxes for a tidy and trendy look.
What are some seasonal decoration ideas for an unused fireplace?
In autumn, think pumpkins, dried leaves, and rustic elements. Winter calls for evergreen boughs, twinkling lights, and perhaps some snowy decor. Spring benefits from fresh flowers and pastel colors, while summer vibes come with nautical themes or vibrant, lush greenery.
Can an unused fireplace function as a space for an art installation?
Absolutely! An unused fireplace is a perfect frame for showcasing sculpture, pottery, or standout art pieces. It naturally draws the eye, providing a unique backdrop that highlights the beauty of artistic works without the distraction of competing elements.
Is it advisable to paint the interior of an unused fireplace?
Painting the interior can brighten up a dark, unused fireplace. Choose a high-heat resistant paint if you ever plan on using it again, or go bold with vibrant colors to turn the fireplace into a standout feature of the room.
What safety considerations should I keep in mind when decorating an unused fireplace?
Ensure the chimney is sealed off to prevent drafts and small animals from entering. If you’re using candles, always use fire-safe holders. Regularly inspect the fireplace for any structural issues, even if it’s no longer in use for burning wood.
How can I incorporate modern elements into an unused fireplace decor?
Focus on sleek, minimalistic designs. A faux fireplace heater or electric candle setup can mimic the feel of a real fire without the hassle. Adding modern art pieces or contemporary geometric shapes inside the space can also reinforce a modern aesthetic.
What are budget-friendly ways to decorate an unused fireplace?
Stick to DIY elements: hand-paint tiles to line the backdrop, use thrifted vintage items for a retro vibe, or craft your own decor like macrame or paper art. Reuse holiday lights and fabric scraps for an eclectic, yet cost-effective approach.
How can I convert an unused fireplace into a focal point without a major overhaul?
Install a decorative fire screen that complements your room’s decor. This simple addition can change the whole look of a space and serves as a beautiful art piece, without the need for structural changes.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey of how to decorate an unused fireplace can dramatically transform a dormant space into a vibrant centerpiece of any room. The process is not just about filling an empty spot but about crafting an area that reflects personal style and enhances the overall ambiance of your environment.
- Infuse creativity with ornamental logs, captivating art pieces, or shimmering candles.
- Explore practical adaptations by converting it into unique storage or a sophisticated wine niche.
- Embrace the change of seasons with decor that harmonizes with the time of year, from autumn leaves to summer blooms.
Remember, each choice made in this creative endeavor not only reclaims an unused area but also reaffirms your flair for thoughtful and expressive home design. Turn that abandoned alcove into a testament of style and innovation, making it unmistakably yours.