For those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have a working fireplace (aka roasted marshmallows whenever we please… jealous!), we’ve got some creative ways to transform that flame-less spot into a major part of your interior decor. Your fireplace may be non-functional, but that doesn’t mean it gets a pass from working in your design scheme. We’re sharing our 14 favorite non-working fireplace ideas that will light up your home.
1. Hand-Drawn Screen: Using cool wallpaper, a hand-painted design or even washi tape, you can transform your fireplace into a modern frame for any fun pattern or design. (via Design to Inspire)
2. Indoor Garden: Add some green plants to your fireplace and you’ll have a year-long reminder of the warmer months. (via Refinery 29)
3. Shoe Storage: Every girl needs a space to store all of her heels, and no one knows that better than J.Crew’s Creative Director, Jenna Lyons. Take a page out of her book and turn your fireplace into an open air closet. (via Rita Konig)
4. Fireplace Library: It’s easy to run out of shelf space when you’re a book lover. Go ahead and expand their papery reign to your fireplace. (via AB Chao)
5. Stove Filler: Just because your fireplace won’t hold fire doesn’t mean you can’t have one. Find a little wood stove that fits into that space and let the coziness begin. (via Decoholic)
6. Kids’ Nook: Don’t forget about the kiddos. A brightly painted fireplace can be a cozy spot for reading or playing pretend. (via Houzz)
7. Fireplace Shelves: Put your fireplace to work as an extended mantel and show off all your pictures and trinkets. (via Fudge Banana Swirl)
8. Mock Fire: If you still miss the charm of a flickering fire, add some twinkle lights inside your fireplace to get that romantic glow without the flames. Just add a movie, some popcorn and your boo, and you’ve got a cozy date night. (via Shabby Story)
9. Log Screen: Make that fireplace a pretty focal point and create the illusion of depth with sliced logs glued to a painted board. (via Swoonworthy)
10. Stacked Magazines: If you can store books in an old fireplace, magazines should work just as well. When you’re finally ready to part ways with you favorite mags, we’ve got just the DIY project for you. (via Design Sponge)
11. Pet Bed: If Fido is still searching for his perfect nap spot, give him a cozy fireplace bed. (via Dwell)
12. Chalkboard Fireplace: We love using chalkboard paint on everything, and the fireplace is no exception. This stylish fireplace is not only super practical for your holiday decor, but it would also be a great activity for the kiddos. (via The Glitter Guide)
13. Wallpapered Fireplace: When we’re not obsessing over chalkboard paint, we’re finding ways to sneak color into our design schemes. This combo of geometric pattern and painted logs is exactly what we had in mind. (via Bobby Rabbit)
14. Agate Filled Fireplace: If wood isn’t nearly glittery enough for your interior design, then swapping it out with a big hunk of agate should do the trick. While this fireplace filler might be a bit over-budget, we’ll let you decide how much all that sparkle and shine is worth. (via Lonny)
Have you decorated your non-working fireplace? Send us the links to your pictures below!