Faux fireplaces are very popular nowadays: they still bring that architectural character and touch of coziness to a home, without the maintenance. But if they’re not well decorated, they can look completely bland! If you have a non-working or faux fireplace at your home, check out these wonderful decorating ideas that will instantly update it!

The perfect antidote to dark, cold and creepy is light, warm and cozy. Candice Olson

Greenery

Greenery can instantly liven up the space!
Greenery can instantly liven up the space! Source: Living After Midnite

One of the easiest ways to liven up the faux fireplace is by filling it with greenery. We’ve already talked about all the benefits that houseplants can offer, so you should definitely consider it! You can use the space to create an indoor garden by arranging mismatched pots, in many shapes and sizes, with hearty (and low-maintenance!) succulents or ferns.

Brick Wall

A brick wall can add an interesting touch to the fireplace!
A brick wall can add an interesting touch to the fireplace! Source: Home Depot

Subway tile became a trend last year and it is only getting bigger. The tiles were commonly seen on the kitchen backsplash, but they can also be a great addition to the faux fireplace. The look adds more architectural interest to the space, making it even more eye-catching.

The beautiful one above is from Home Depot, and you can check out their tutorial for the DIY Faux Fireplace if you want the look!

Covered Faux Fireplace

An antique summer cover can create the illusion of a real fireplace!
An antique summer cover can create the illusion of a real fireplace! Source: Manhattan-nest

If your faux fireplace is too shallow, then maybe adding a summer cover is the way to go. This beautiful fireplace above is from Manhattan-nest, which used a salvaged mantel, a beautiful summer cover, and a piece of painted drywall between the inside edges of the mantel and the cover. Pretty creative, right?!

Shelved Fireplace

A colorful backdrop will update the room!
A colorful backdrop will update the room! Source: Mobmasker

A great way of making a faux or non-working fireplace useful again is by adding shelves inside it. You can use it to display books, trinkets, photos, or anything else that you’d like.

Tip:

That colorful backdrop on the picture above caught your attention, didn’t it? Consider adding a pop of color or a fun pattern to your own fireplace, creating a contrast and making the piece the focal point of the room.

Firewood

A classic design is timeless!
A classic design is timeless! Source: Pepper Design Blog

Of course, we couldn’t make this list without the classical: stacked firewood! While real firewood looks interesting, this faux log stack by Pepper Design Blog is even better. It looks just like the real thing but without any dirt or hassle, and the slim width makes it perfect for shallow fireplaces.

Candles

Candles can bring that lit look that everybody loves
Candles can bring that lit look that everybody loves! Source: Room for Tuesday

Here’s another popular idea that everybody loves: candles! They can make any room cozier just by themselves, but the effect goes to a whole new level when added to the fireplace. The trick to the aesthetic is to choose a variety of shapes, sizes, and bases, as well as luxurious textiles to complement, like this faux sheepskin rug above.

Books

This style may not be for everyone, but it's certainly unique and eye-catching
This style may not be for everyone, but it’s certainly unique and eye-catching! Source: Good Housekeeping

Got a family of booklovers? Then instead of leaving books on boring shelves, use your fireplace to keep them in focus! Keeping all the spines to the inside can create this beautiful retro look above and create a mysterious vibe, but you can also stack the books normally, maybe color-coordinating the spines.

The quirky style will definitely bring up compliments (or questions) from the guests!

Going Graphical

A simple but unforgettable design.
A simple but unforgettable design. Source: Cool Chic Style Fashion 

If you prefer a more minimalist look or if you want to keep the clutter at bay, then try installing a graphic screen in your fireplace. It will cover up any areas of the space that are unsightly and will add a very interesting focal point to the room.

Show Off Your Antiques

Stacked suitcases can be a great fireplace decoration!
Stacked suitcases can be a great fireplace decoration! Source: Jennifer Rizzo

A faux fireplace is one of the best places to display your antiques. No one is expecting to see different things inside a fireplace, let alone antiques, and that’s what makes the space even more special. Assemble your favorite vintage finds in a creative display let them impress the guests!

Artwork

Choose one of your favorite pieces of art to decorate the space.
Choose one of your favorite pieces of art to decorate the space. Source: Real Estate With Heart

If you don’t have enough wall space to show off your favorite artwork, then this idea is perfect for you. Lean a big framed photo, piece of art, or painting within the fireplace, to decorate the space. It will become the focal point of the room and make your faux fireplace even more interesting. Just make sure the piece is big enough so it doesn’t disappear against the interior!

Bonus Tip: Dimmer Lights

A moody and inviting living room is everything you need for winter!
A moody and inviting living room is everything you need for winter! Source: Decorology Blog

A lit fireplace brings that feeling of coziness and inviting that everybody loves and feels more comfortable in, but unless you add candles, a faux fireplace can’t bring that. A trick to achieve the same effect is by installing dimmer lights in your home, which adds a very convenient approach to that moody and romantic feel we all love.

Ready to make your home cozier and more inviting? Then request a free quote to install dimmer lights or to add a fireplace!

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