10 Ways to Warm Up a Nonworking Fireplace

A nonworking fireplace doesn’t have to be a cold, empty space in your home. With a little creativity, you can use it to create a stunning design element that adds warmth and character to your living space.

With these 10 easy and creative ideas, you can transform your dormant fireplace into a design feature that complements your home’s decor.

1. Fill It With Fire-Ready Logs Anyway

Create the illusion of a fireplace ready for lighting by arranging fire-ready logs in your nonworking hearth. An ornate log holder can elevate the look and complement the surrounding decor. Pair it with matching fireplace tools to reinforce a period look or create a cohesive design theme. This method is suited for homes with detailed mantels or lavish sconces.

2. Embrace a More Organic Design

For a nature-inspired look, fill most or all of the firebox with chopped wood. This organic approach complements earthy, natural living room decor and adds texture to your space. Arrange the logs in a pattern, such as a herringbone or stacked design. To enhance the natural feel, add pinecones, dried flowers, or small branches among the logs. This method creates a warm, inviting atmosphere and serves as a practical storage solution for those who may use the wood in outdoor fire pits or camping trips.

3. Fake Stacked Logs With a DIY Summer Front

If you love the rustic look of chopped logs but want to avoid the mess, consider creating a DIY faux-log summer front. To create this effect, you can use painted wood slices, printed fabric, or even a high-quality photograph of stacked logs mounted on a sturdy backing. This approach allows for easy cleaning and flexibility to change your fireplace’s look seasonally. Here’s the full how-to for creating a faux-log summer front.

4. Place Tiered Candles Inside

Place candle holders of varying heights inside your fireplace. Opt for pillar candles in different sizes and colors that complement your room’s color scheme. For added safety, place a fire screen in front of the candles to protect nearby furnishings and keep curious pets or children at bay.

Tip: To extend the life of your pillar candles, store them in the freezer the day before use – this simple trick helps them burn more slowly and evenly.

5. Cover It With an Ornate Fire Screen

An ornate fire screen can be a beautiful piece of art while concealing an unused fireplace. Look for screens with intricate designs, complex patterns, or unique materials that complement your home’s style. Consider options such as stained glass, wrought iron, or a mosaic design. When selecting a fire screen, ensure it’s the right size for your fireplace opening and sturdy enough to stand securely in place.

Make your own fireplace fixture with this easy how-to for turning a window sash into a fire screen.

6. Use It as a Shadow Box to Display a Favorite Object

An unused fireplace can become a shadow box that showcases a prized possession or family heirloom. This approach allows you to highlight a special item while using the fireplace’s natural framing. To enhance the display, add subtle lighting or paint the interior of the firebox a contrasting color that makes your featured object stand out.

7. Handsome Firebox

Sometimes, simplicity is key when it comes to revitalizing a nonworking fireplace. A fresh coat of paint can work wonders in transforming a worn-out firebox. This covers flaws and discoloration and can contrast with the surrounding walls and mantel. A dark color can add depth to the room and make the fireplace appear more substantial, even when not in use.

8. Paint It White

A white fireplace can make a small room feel larger and more open, providing a neutral backdrop for seasonal decorations or changing decor styles. A textured paint or using varying shades of white can highlight different elements of the fireplace structure. Add some more oomph to your fireplace by painting the mantel in an unexpected color.

9. Highlight a Houseplant

Turn your nonworking fireplace into a unique plant display by placing a large, statement houseplant within the firebox. Choose plants that thrive in low-light conditions, such as snake plants, ZZ plants, or certain varieties of ferns. Your choice of planter is an opportunity to compliment your room’s style. Remember to place a waterproof tray beneath the plant to protect the fireplace from moisture damage.

10. Add a Vintage-Look Summer Front

Summer fronts, originally designed to cover fireplaces during warmer months, can serve as year-round decorative elements in nonworking fireplaces. Look for antique or reproduction summer fronts at flea markets, antique shops, or online marketplaces. These decorative screens often feature intricate designs, ornate metalwork, or painted scenes that can become a focal point in your room. When selecting a summer front, ensure it fits properly within your fireplace opening and complements your home’s overall style.

Find summer fronts and other old-house parts by following our salvage yard shopping tips.