15 Clever Ways to Decorate Your Non-Working Fireplace

Live in an apartment or home with a gorgeous but totally non-functional fireplace? We recently received a note from a reader asking us for help on decorating her non-working fireplace and decided to round up 15 of our favorite decor options. Be sure to stay tuned later this week for our own hack on adding a little personality and light to your non-working fireplace.

Log Storage

Not sure what exactly one uses logs for without a fireplace, but we love the rustic look of both of these gorgeous fireplaces. (via Creative Index Blog + Abbey Goes Design Scouting)

Wine Storage

When in doubt, you can always turn to drink ;) (via Freshome)

Books

Magazines: We love the look of these eclectic collections of books, artwork, and magazines. (via Design*Sponge)

Packed Books

More books! If you’ve got a bunch of books you’ve already read, create a cool little matrix under your mantel. (via Apartment Therapy)

Vintage Suitcases

Need a reason to hit the flea market this weekend? (via Modern House Insight + Freshome)

Flower Display

Replace fire with flowers for a romantic setting. (via House to Home)

Fireplace Chalkboard

How cute is this chalkboard? (via Nibs)

Bookcase

Turn a sweet corner fireplace into a shelf for knickknacks and books. (via Decor8)

Fake Fireplace

This one might be the winner! We love the styling in general, but the fake fire is what wins our hearts. (via Brooklyn Bride)

Wallpaper Hack

Oddly enough, this is part of a wallpaper catalog! We dig it. (via Cole & Son)

Color-Organized Books

Color organization always gets our goat, and this adds the perfect amount of play to this living room scene. (via Palm Beach Post)

Pillar Candles

Create your own fire with pillar candles! (via Houzz)

Desk Set

Love this cozy workspace! (via Nibs)

Wallpaper + Bookcase

Now this bookcase looks legit — we especially love the wallpaper contact paper. (via BHG)

Faux Cardboard Logs

And last, its log, log, it’s big, it’s heavy, it’s wood! Oh wait, it’s actually small, light, and made out of cardboard ;) (via Design*Sponge)

Trends come and go, but decor styles can stand the test of time with the right upgrade. Farmhouse modern, for example, has outlasted many home decor trends over the decade (RIP kitschy boho) and even inspired offshoots like cottagecore and coastal grandmother, proving we'll always crush on all things clean and cozy. Alice Arterberry of Austin-based design and architecture firm Arterberry Cooke and interior designer Anna Franklin of Milwaukee-based Stone House Collective helps us refresh the look with a few dos and don'ts... plus check out our style reminders to keep your home decor always on point.

Design: Arterberry Cooke

Mistake #1: Your lighting and fixtures are outdated.

Look for lighting and modern fixtures that suit a space in size, function, and style. “We wanted the design to reflect a timeless and classic look," says Arterberry of this Austin remodel, "that would stand the test of time and wouldn't feel outdated quickly, while still feeling modern and fresh." This kitchen features neutral tones and refined fixtures that can act as a perfect canvas for more color and accessories as trends take shape.

Design: Arterberry Cooke

Mistake #2: Your rugs are too small.

"The home is quintessential Austin with its classic yet contemporary feel," says Arterberry. Her design team decided to use a neutral palette throughout the main level, and the graphic rug enhances the overall aesthetic. Splurge on a generously sized rug for larger areas to tie the room together and create a seamless look. Even the most beautiful rug can look out of place if it doesn't fit properly, giving the impression that you're trying to cut costs. Choose a rug that is large enough to anchor the furniture, ideally allowing the front legs of major pieces to rest on it.

Design: Arterberry Cooke

Mistake #3: Your window treatments look cheap.

Thin, plastic blinds or low-quality curtains can detract from the overall look of a room. Invest in quality curtains, blinds, or shades that complement your decor and dress the windows completely.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #4: Walls are painted in outdated colors.

Millennial pink, tangerine, light yellow, violet, and bright red are out, while more earthy tones are in, like this beautiful statement wall Franklin and team had painted in Shade Grown by Sherwin Williams. It adds a moody vibe that feels rich and modern, albeit farmhouse-inspired.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #5: Using typographic signs in lieu of artwork.

Rustic typographic signs hint of a farmhouse decor past. "Although once a staple of farmhouse decor, replace typography signs with beautiful artwork that depicts a rural, landscape scene. In addition to being much more chic, these pieces will add a touch of color to an otherwise neutral aesthetic," says Franklin.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #6: Decor lacks authenticity.

DIY farmhouse decor like the faux-antique window pane with chicken wire or mason jars glued to faux-distressed barn board can scream a little too country. "Instead opt for vintage, antique finds with a rustic flair," says Franklin. Look for a high-quality cream vintage rug; handmade, weathered pottery; and solid wood furniture. "Make a statement and incorporate an authentic, solid wood farmhouse dining table made of exposed wood. These dining tables are typically the star of the space, and will age beautifully over time," adds Franklin.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #7: Clutter is everywhere.

A well-designed home, no matter what style, feels as good as it looks when the room is clean, comfortable, and clutter-free. Pare down to the basics and then add in warm features, like a rustic console and earthy lamps. For toys and things that always end up where they don't belong, invest in natural baskets and containers that suit your style.

Mistake #8: Your entry gets no love.

First impressions matter. Give your entryway a little love with a wood console table, a modern mirror at eye level, a durable rug, and simple accessories, like a vase with branches, small containers for keys and things, and coffee table books.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #9: Plants look a little sad or overgrown.

Plants, large and small, can help clean air and bring the outdoors in, ultimately making a room feel alive. Be selective and think about scale. These plants play a subtle yet decorative role in a spare office -- the perfect spot for clear thinking and productivity. Plants to look out for include olive trees, ficus elastica, pilea, snake plants and calathea.

Design: Stone House Collective

Mistake #10: There is no symmetry and balance.

Multiples like these twin accent chairs add symmetry to a design, making a room feel more balanced. A rug large enough to reach all of the furniture makes a great impact too while adding to the balanced, cozy vibe.

Finally, add personal touches that make your home feel like you (vs. following the latest IG decor playbook). Bring in books you love, art that gives you all the feels, and personal mementos (travel souvenirs, family photos, etc.) to make a house, farmhouse or otherwise, a home.

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Fans of Fourth Wing are on pins and needles because Rebecca Yarros just announced she's finished writing the third book in the Empyrean series! It's us, we're fans — along with over half of BookTok.

We can't believe we're getting closer to reading more about Violet Sorrengail's journey, but we know you have a ton of burning questions about the release date for Book No. 3.

We may not have all the answers, but we've done a little digging to share as much as we can because who doesn't want to know what Rebecca Yarros has been up to?

I'm new to the Empyrean series. Are "Fourth Wing" and "Iron Flame" really worth reading?

Amazon

I'm not going to lie to you. The editorial team, including myself, are extremely biased about Fourth Wingand Iron Flame. From my perspective, I think these are great books for anyone who had the pleasure of growing up during the great Harry Potter era and moved on to watchingGame of Thrones and House of Dragons.

Did she announce the name of book no. 3?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

YES! Book No. 3 is titled Oynx Storm.

Knowing what we do about the manifestation of Violet's powers, I think this could hint she's going to play an even larger role in the series. According to a fan theory shared on TikTok(via Empyrean Riders), it's believed that Violet and Xaden Riorson are actually gods. Stay with me here.

Empyrean Riders noted that Violet's last name means heavenly and that she's able to control time thanks to her connection to the young dragon Andarna (I love her so much!). That sounds pretty god-like to me.

And when asked which two Taylor Swift songs describe Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros chose "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" from The Tortured Poets Department and "So It Goes..." from Reputation. "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" is one of Taylor's most powerful songs and definitely translates the idea that Violet's powers are going to be stronger than ever, while "So It Goes..." is equal parts suspense and seduction, and is TOTALLY about "all the pieces fall right into place" to get together with the right person.

There's so much more to unpack so I suggest grabbing a yummy snack while you fall down the rabbit hole. All I'm sure of is that Onyx Storm is going to leave our emotions in shambles just like Fourth Wing and Iron Flame did.

When did Rebecca Yarros announce she's done writing book no. 3 in the series?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

On June 17, Rebecca Yarros shared this image of her laptop to indicate she'd finished the third book in the Empyrean series.

She wrote, "(Pic from one of the very many locations in which this book was written)," towards the end of the caption before adding a few relevant hashtags to it.

When will Onxy Storm be available for purchase?

Rebecca Yarros/Instagram

Rebecca Yarros exclusively told Good Morning America that fans can expect the book to hit shelves January 21, 2025! That gives us a little over six months to prepare our emotions for what's sure to be a storm of a book.

She said, "There will be politics, new adventures, old enemies and of course, dragons." There's no way she could forget the dragons because I'd willingly riot over them. They deserve to have their stories told forever.

As luck would have it, Cosmopolitan received an exciting first look at what's to come in Onyx Storm. The excerpt begins with Violet realizing the Venin have found their way into Basgiath War College and are wreaking havoc. Alongside Rhiannon, Sawyer, and Ridoc, she races to stop the Venin from releasing Jack Barlowe from his prison cell.

However, Violet's shocked when she discovered one of the "dark wielders" has a long silver braid that closely resembles her own. Before she can fully react, the woman disappears. According to Screen Rant, there are possible theories about why Violet saw her and what this means for her growing power.

Towards the end of the excerpt, Violet discovers the Venin want to capture her too. Also, Xaden makes his long-awaited appearance and it's clear their playful banter in the face of danger hasn't changed. That he hasn't fully changed into the Venin Violet's used to seeing.

I officially can't wait to read the rest of the book in January!

Has Rebecca Yarros revealed the cover for Onyx Storm?

Today/Bree Archer, Elizabeth Turner Stokes for Entangled Publishing

Onyx Storm

Yes!

TODAY received an exclusive look at the cover for Onyx Storm and it doesn't disappoint! Unlike its predecessors, it appears Rebecca Yarros is hinting that darker events will take place.

Fans of the Empyrean series aren't the only ones who are excited to see what fate has in store for our favorite characters though. In a statement to TODAY, Rebecca revealed how elated she is to be working on the series again. "It's amazing to be back with these characters again. She also said, ""I can't wait for readers to see what Violet, Xaden, and the rest of the quadrant have in store for them in Onyx Storm!"

Are you excited for the release of Onyx Storm? Follow us on Facebook for more entertainment news!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Can you imagine a world without coffee tables? Not only would we be missing out on the joy of resting a full cup of joe within arms reach, but we’d be down a majorly decorative element in our living rooms and dens. From ultra-modern and colorful to boldly basic, scroll on to see just how much flair a knee-tall table can add to your space with these 40 insanely beautiful coffee tables. Find one for every budget + style below.

Anthropologie Targua Inlay Coffee Table ($1,248)

Inlaid bone has been used to decorate furniture surfaces for centuries and we see why: it adds instant luxury to your space atop a cylindrical brass base.

Pottery Barn Folsom Rectangular Coffee Table ($799)

There's something to be said about the beauty of simplicity. This solid pine wood coffee table is elegant, casual, and practical all at the same time. Try it in your coastal decor.

Anthropologie Brass Starburst Round Coffee Table ($998)

Beaming rays of antique brass on a rosewood base turns this coffee table into a conversation piece.

UO Aria Coffee Table (was $599, on sale $419)

A wavy wood base with a tempered glass adds a creative flair to your living room.

WE Monti Lava Stone Coffee Table ($599)

We love that this organic coffee table, made of lava stone, can be used indoors or out.

CB2 Santoro White Quartz Coffee Table ($1,099)

This statement coffee table has a polished round of solid white quartz over three acacia wood legs. Its timeless look feels super high-end without a crazy price tag.

Rove Concepts Sienna Coffee Table ($1,200 member price, $1,713 retail)

Here's another example of basic but not boring. This pedestal coffee table's soft curves made from concrete anchor your room in refined minimalism.

Etsy Turqueta Coffee Table ($315)

The shipping on this beautiful handmade coffee table will run you about $200 (it's made in Spain) but it will be worth it. This versatile piece will go anywhere in your space, even as you grow out of it.

CB2 Bovisio Square Smoked Glass Coffee Table ($1,500)

This 70s-era coffee table designed by Italian designer Gianfranco Frattini features a grey smoked glass top over tubular legs. CB2 reintroduced the classic design, made in Italy — just like the original.

Anthropologie Swirled Drum Reclaimed Coffee Table ($1,398)

Crafted from naturally fallen trees, the blond wood veneer of this drum coffee table is stunning and adds an organic vibe to your space.

Perigold Magari Kompei Coffee Table ($570)

Who says you need to go round or rectangle? This geometric coffee table shows off the natural warmth of the wood-grain base, topped with a dramatic midnight gray color.

Homary Lift-Top Coffee Table Set with Storage + Ottomans ($760)

This affordable modern coffee table comes with its own ottomans (that stow away underneath) and storage unit, perfect for your small-space needs!

Article Skane Coffee Table ($449)

This indoor-outdoor coffee table may look minimal and light but it's actually made of powder-coated metal. We love the idea of a colorful coffee table too.

Pottery Barn Terry Round Coffee Table ($759)

The cuffed neck and conical base of this solid, kiln-dried wood coffee table stands out as one of a kind.

Article Kera Coffee Table ($699)

Covered in ceramic tiles, this blocky piece is durable, splash-resistant (so you can use outdoors), and quietly demands attention.

Modern Drum Coffee Table In Sintered Stone ($499)

A stone tabletop with a beaded edge adds interesting details that keep this gorgeous coffee table from getting overlooked.

The Novogratz Voler Coffee Table ($106)

We love that you can score a Scandi-style piece like this (made from engineered wood in light oak finish) at an amazing price.

Modern Clear Acrylic Coffee Table ($225)

This transparent acrylic coffee table opens up your space while looking classic and modern. It's perfect for small spaces and works outdoors too.

Triangle Coffee Table, Walnut ($472)

This Noguchi-style coffee table is a design classic, available in walnut and natural finish.

WE Sintra Coffee Table ($349-$748)

Add an edge to your cozy living room with a metal frame in a bronze finish. This set of coffee tables is made in a Fair Trade Certified factory too.

WE Graphic Stripes Coffee Table ($1,449)

We never met a stripe we didn't like, paired with antique brass legs and we're in love.

Etsy Colorful Unlimited Design Coffee Table ($226)

These multi-functional tables come in a bunch of fun colors and can be a round coffee table, a long coffee table, or shelving in one. Take your pick!

Zeke Round Brushed Oatmeal Coffee Table ($400)

Seek a sleek coffee table for your modern decor? These legs posts curve around the table for a clean, minimal but cool design effect. We also like these rounded edge for family-friendly decor. Also available in oval.

Schoolhouse Andy Coffee Table ($849)

This round Saarinen-inspired table has an earthy, satin finish in two woody options on a cast aluminum base.

WE Solstice Coffee Table ($599-$799)

This bestseller is made with raffia over engineered FSC-certified wood (so it has a unique texture) in a water-based whitewash finish. We envision little dinner parties around it.

Blu Dot Circula Small Coffee Table ($895)

For when you want a pop of color in your living room, this sophisticatedly simply table does the trick and comes in a slew of stunning colors.

Hay Tray Coffee Table ($295)

Perfect for hosting, this bestselling coffee table has a removable tray top.

UO Inet Coffee Table ($499)

Looks like a contemporary art piece to us, you? This glass top is easy to clean and perfect for small spaces too.

Grovehill Round Coffee Table by Everly Quinn ($1,050)

This coffee table echoes an era gone by but feels totally modern too. Love the blue hue.

Wendall Coffee Table (was $499, on sale $299)

This eclectic-modern piece features a circular glass top with colorful curved legs.

Juliette Coffee Table ($599)

This circular coffee table has a lift-up top where you can store blankets, books, remotes and more.

Sonali Oval Coffee Table ($1,498)

This sculptural design is functional art and will make a room standout.

Crispin Coffee Table ($499)

A little bit rustic with a whole lot of chic, this tripod table gives your decor a woodsy yet contemporary edge.

Carlo Coffee Table ($800)

This coffee table is a modern take on the farmhouse-inspired style with a leaf-like inlaid chevron pattern.

All Modern Xavier Coffee Table ($610)

This industrial-inspired coffee table has a wooden top on a steel asymmetrical base. So cool.

Derel Coffee Table ($640)

This slate coffee table is super durable with a feminine vibe.

Mid-Century Modern Mini Swing Coffee Table ($112)

Magazine lovers will enjoy the handy storage pocket on this sleek swing coffee table, which is made of environmentally friendly rubber wood. The price is pretty lovable too.

Heavan Coffee Table ($112)

Add just a touch of gold to your small space with this sweet piece.

LAZZO Rattan Coffee Table ($88)

Coffee tables with storage are perfect for clearing clutter instantly. This one has great style and an amazing price!

Check us out on Pinterest for more home favorites, plus decor hacks to upgrade your home!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Kate Winslet is THE Hollywood actress to me. Not only has she starred in box office smashes like Titanic and Avatar: Way of Water, but she's proven her acting chops in breakout indie flicks and provided mothers and daughters everywhere with eternal Christmas movie nights thanks to The Holiday. But the actress' consistently viral kindness, her dedication to embracing her natural beauty, and her sophistication don't mean she always feels confident. Kate Winslet just spilled on the one movie from her career that had her "sh—ing" herself, and I just had to dive in.

Here's what Kate Winslet had to say about her scariest movie experience ever.

  • Kate Winslet made a name for herself with Titanic, Sense & Sensibility, and The Holiday.
  • However those movies aren't the film she wants fans to ask about!
  • The actress spills on the movies she's proud of, and the one job that had her "sh—ing myself."

Talking to Vanity Fair for her newest film Lee, Kate Winslet revealed one project she wishes fans asked about more is Iris. The 2001 film stars Kate as a young Iris Murdoch against Judi Dench's older counterpart. And for Kate, nothing was more terrifying than working with such a wonderful actress.

"People don’t really ask me about Iris. It’s such a delicate film," she says. "It was the first thing I had done after having my daughter. Going to work with a baby, I’m playing Iris Murdoch, looking to Judi Dench’s older Iris Murdoch — I was sh—ting myself."

Considering how nervous I get when I meet my heroes, I can only imagine what it was like to meet Dame Judi Dench. Talk about a dream! Another film Kate loves is Revolutionary Road, and not just because she got to reunite with Leonardo DiCaprio.

"The thing that people say is, 'You got to work with Leo again.' Then they go off on the whole Leo tangent, which I totally understand," she says of the film, which follows an ambitious couple who find themselves trapped in the reality of 1950s suburbia. "But Revolutionary Road — f—king hell, it just knocked us all sideways. Unbelievably difficult material. I was very proud of that film and what Leo and I were able to create as Frank and April. It was so brutal."

The process for getting Lee into the world sounds equally brutal, considering Kate started working on it over a decade ago. As producer, Kate tells Vanity Fair she doesn't mind the fact she's done more for the film than if she only had an acting credit. "That has felt very necessary for this film. But it’s also just really important to me," she says. "It’s important to me that people know that it’s out there and might feel compelled to go and see it."

Because it turns out, commercial success or stardom on its own doesn't actually help your movie get made! "It doesn’t matter who you are," she says. "No one’s going to go, 'Oh, I’ll just back that pony because she was in Titanic.' It doesn’t happen that way, and I never expected that. That’s really important to say."

"I've gotten older and I’ve learned more and felt more confident in myself about whether or not I could actually do it," she adds. "It’s not something I would’ve done had I not felt so passionately about the subject, and Lee was just—she wouldn’t let me go."

Let us know your favorite Kate Winslet movies in the comments, and since we've officially entered cozy season, check out Why The Holiday Movie Ending Is The Most Important Scene while you're at it!

Marvel movies are known for their heroes and their hopeful outlook on the world. But in 2025, we're getting a brand new team: the Thunderbolts. This team is made up of antiheroes and former villains, and it's sure to be the wackiest and strangest, as well as one of the most memorable, superhero movies we've seen in recent years.

Keep reading for the latest news on Thunderbolts* before it hits theaters in 2025.

Marvel Studios/YouTube

Thunderbolts* comes out this May, and the cast just showed off some brand new footage at the D23 convention — and thanks to the new 'Celebrating 85 Years' spot, we have the first look too!

We get a look at Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, John Walker, and Ghost. Plus, Yelena Belova, of course. This heartbreaking detail about Yelena's new look connects Florence Pugh's Yelena to Scarlett Johansson's Natashaand I'm WEEPING.

Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios

And at D23 Brazil, we got a brand new look at my new favorite team. "There’s something in this film, in terms of superpowers and superheroes, that shows that our superpowers lie in how ‘broken’ we are," David Harbour said at the event. "As if our superpowers came from our relationships.”

What is the plot of Thunderbolts?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Plot

Consider Thunderbolts* to be The Avengers' edgy younger sibling. The movie follows Yelena Belova (who we know off the bat is a "depressed assassin" thanks to a Marvel Studios press release). She's joined by Bucky Barnes, The Red Guardian, and John Walker. Based on a leak, it looks like we'll see this group of misfits team up against Valentina Allegra de Fontaine after she sends them on a deadly mission.

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Jesse Grant/Disney

Thunderbolts* Release Date

Thunderbolts* hits theaters May 2, 2025.

Who's on the Thunderbolts team?

Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

Thunderbolts* Cast

Thunderbolts* stars Florence Pugh, Geraldine Viswanathan, Lewis Pullman, Hannah John-Kamen, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Sebastian Stan, and David Harbour.

This is a huge cast, and Viswanathan just revealed how crazy the first day of filming was. “My first day didn’t feel real," she tells Vanity Fair. "I felt this extra pressure of, ‘Know your lines, babe. You can’t really play around like you usually do.’"

Historically, sci-fi fans haven't been kind to actresses in their favorite projects (remember when Star Wars fans bullied Kelly Marie Tran off social media?). But Viswanathan is already thinking ahead. “If it’s overwhelming, I’ll log off. But I like discourse around pop culture,” she says. “[Thunderbolts*] felt a little bit edgier and fresher, more existential and dark.”

Jesse Grant/Disney

The rest of the cast also enjoyed working together. “Everyone is going to f—kin’ love me! It’s really, really, really fun to be with a group of actors that you have a good time with," Wyatt Russell says at Comic Con (via Variety), while David Harbour adds, “Florence Pugh [is] just electric to work with. There’s warmth and humor, but there’s also a lot of pathos.”

“This is why we can't stop laughing together, because we genuinely just had such a wonderful time with each other and we've loved working with one another," Pugh tells People. “I feel like this is something that we've never seen before from Marvel...it's a very open and honest and truthful idea. And I'm just really excited for people to watch it.”

Are you excited for this brand new chapter in the MCU? I really feel like Thunderbolts* will usher in a whole new generation of fans and I, for one, CANNOT WAIT! Let us know your thoughts on Facebook.

Lead images via Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

This post has been updated.