Sparking Interest with Nonworking Fireplaces
by Samantha Schoech · 13 photos · 10 comments
Fill it with wabi-sabi decorative logs. They hint at coziness, aren't too formal and require no matches.
by Marcus Gleysteen Architects
Birch, aspen and gum all have lovely white bark. A symmetrical stack of logs is a design element and a nod toward coziness.
by Reynaldo Gonzalez Design 
Felt logs - $27.00 [ Link ]
These felt logs are a true no-mess option. They also have a certain handmade design cachet. Plus, they're just kind of funny.
by Etsy
Tree of Life Fireplace Screen - $295.00 [ Link ]
A decorative spark screen could be all you need.
by gardendeva.com
Cover it up and then paint it with chalkboard paint. There is something very Parisian looking about this. And it can change with your mood, bearing everything from love notes to to-do lists.
by Home & Harmony
Candles create a feeling of warmth and light without the pesky smoke.
by Jeanette Lunde
This horizontal stack of boards is both "design-y" and logical. It echoes the horizontal lines in the rest of the room, and it's a clever nod to traditional fire stacks.
by Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.
Paint it with an accent color and use it as a nook.
by Jenn Hannotte / Russet and Empire Interiors
A vertical stack of books is linear and design savvy. You can also pile books in willy-nilly for a more eclectic, natural look. But no book burning allowed.
by usona
A screen serves as a piece of art and also covers the cavernous black hole of an empty fireplace.
by Shannon Kaye
You can fill a fireplace with knickknacks. Here they used shells, but there is no reason this couldn't be a display spot for all sorts of collections. A vintage typewriter lived in ours for a while.
by Artisan Custom Interiors
And you can always just block off the fireplace with wood or sheetrock, keeping the mantel as a focal point and design element.
More:
Make Your Fireplace the Focal Point
Mantel Mania: Sprucing the Space Above Your Fireplace
by Melissa Lenox Design More:
Make Your Fireplace the Focal Point
Mantel Mania: Sprucing the Space Above Your Fireplace
Comments
CJ Sebert says:
These are all so different. I love those felt logs. This is a photo from my parents house, they keep a painting in front of the fireplace when it's not being used. Sorry, it's so hard to see, the house was set up for Christmas dinner.
3 months ago ·
Like
karicolwell says:
I love the chalkboard and the book stacking ideas. I'm so afraid it's going to look cheesy in my home. I don't have those other strong design elements in my living room. Although I can't say the plastic I put on there in the winter looks good. ;-) It does keep the room warmer. Any ideas?
3 months ago ·
Like
martenw says:
There are gelburning firecasettes that will give a nice feeling but no smoke or heat.
3 months ago ·
Like
Design says:
some years ago in Australia we were renovating a Federation house in Sydney and uncovered a disused fireplace. We created this glass mosaic fire in its place...
1jennalpfaff says:
I love the look of birch logs but have had a terrible time finding any to use. Anyone have a good source?
3 months ago ·
Like
rgillenwater says:
Design: Such a wonderful idea for an unused fireplace - using tile to mimic fire!!!!
3 months ago ·
Like
iluv2decor8 says:
Added bookcases and this totally faux fireplace to a 13' bare wall!
3 months ago ·
Like
Madison Modern Home says:
We put a candelabra in a non-working fireplace in this Spanish style home. The wrought iron ties into the home's character and its branch design creates a dramatic silhouette against the white plaster. http://www.houzz.com/photos/273921/Spanish-Style-Living-Room-Fireplace-mediterranean-living-room-los-angeles
3 months ago ·
Like
Today's Articles
