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16 Empty Fireplace Decorating Ideas for an Attractive Look

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16 unused fireplace decor ideas

What can you do with an unused fireplace? This might seem like a difficult (or dirty!) area to decorate in your house. But there are some good ideas out there for unused fireplace decor. These simple but stylish empty fireplace decorating ideas will help you beautify this space!

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Empty Fireplace Decorating Ideas

books in an empty fireplace

Do you have an empty fireplace in your space? I did one time in an apartment I lived in. It was just a eyesore – a big “hole” in the space calling to be filled with something, anything!

It took some creativity, but I was able to find a few things to use to decorate that living room fireplace. And that helped turn it from a big empty hole in the wall, to being the focal point of the room.

Use these decorating ideas to fill in your empty fireplace so your space looks more put together & complete. No more of that big “hole” staring back at you!

Candles in Empty Fireplaces

candles in a black, non working fireplace

One of the first things you might think of to decorate an empty fireplace with is candles. The soft glow from candle light is a great substitute for a real wood fire.

You can use real wax candles of course for a non functional fireplace. Or consider using flameless candles instead, which are safer to use but still provide a nice ambiance to the space.

Flameless Pillar Candle Sets

If you’re going t use candles in an empty fireplace, I’d recommend using a grouping of candles in different heights and sizes instead of just a few candles placed here and there.

The large grouping of candles helps fill the space and creates visual interest. You can easily do this by purchase a few flameless candle sets to use in your fireplace.

For more info on how to decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, check out this article: 20 Simple Ways to Decorate a Fireplace & Mantle with Flameless Candles

Candelabras to Fill an Empty Fireplace

Another fun way to use candles in your empty fireplace is to place them on a candelabra. You might think of tabletop candelabras, but they make tiered candle holders for fireplaces as well.

Fireplace Candelabras

One thing I like about candelabras is that they fill the space both vertically and horizontally. They’re a nice, quick solution to decorating an unused fireplace if you’re short on time. Just find one that will fit your space and buy a few candles to place on it. Done!

Plants in an Unused Fireplace

Plants can be a fun way to decorate an empty fireplace white giving some color to the area.

If your fireplace is in a darker part of the room, you might need to use faux plants as there might not be enough light for real plants to thrive. On the other hand, some houseplants prefer lower light levels.

Decorative Faux Plants

You can use larger plants place in front of the fireplace. Or consider using smaller plants propped up on books or plant stand to add some height when decorating inside a fireplace.

Screens to Cover Empty Fireplaces

If you’re got an empty brick fireplace and don’t want to spend much time decorating it, consider just using a fireplace screen to cover up the space.

Some fireplace screens are meant to be more functional to keep hot embers out of space while a real fire is burning. Other screens are more decorative and are generally put in front of a fireplace that is not in use at the time.

Fireplace Screens

Fireplace screens can help you create a beautiful focal point around your hearth. I love that you can change them out over time to update the look and feel of the room.

Logs for Empty Fireplace Decorating Ideas

non working fireplace with logs
via Flickr

Another popular item to use non usable fireplace ideas is wood logs. You can use wood logs stacked horizontally or vertically within the fireplace.

Just make sure the wood is fully dried out. You don’t want any bugs or mold in your space! An alternative to real wood logs is to use fake logs instead which are usually made from ceramic or resin materials.

Decorative Logs

A different way to use logs in an empty fireplace is to create a fireplace screen with wood slices glued to a sheet of plywood. This creates a look of wood stacked neatly in the fireplace without having to use real logs. You can find some tutorial on how to do this on Pinterest.

empty fireplace with candle holders, driftwood
via Flickr

Finally, instead of logs, consider using driftwood for decorating inside a fireplace. You can have driftwood pieces contained on a fireplace grate or within a log holder or basket.

Driftwood also looks nice set among candles, plants and other decorative objects within a fireplace. If you have a coastal decor theme, using driftwood in your empty brick fireplace works great for a beach vibe.

Fireplace Log Inserts & Grates for Non Usable Fireplaces

empty fireplace with logs, pine cones, fireplace grate

If you don’t want to use a full electric fireplace insert in your empty fireplace, considering just using an electric log insert instead.

These inserts are designed to look like real wood logs on a metal grate within the fireplace. Many of them give out heat in like a space heater while the logs glow to look like embers. These log inserts are designed to be used in a non working fireplace, so they are a good fit for the space.

Fireplace Inserts & Grates

Alternatively, you can use a regular fireplace grate decorated with objects in an unusable fireplace. Consider putting logs, pine cones, and faux greenery on the grate. Adding in candles and fairy lights can help provide a nice glow.

Wine Rack Idea for Non Usable Fireplaces

unusable fireplace with logs, wine bottles

Here’s something you might not have thought of for non usable fireplace ideas – turn it into a wine storage area!

If you have an empty fireplace in your kitchen, this can be a great way to decorate it and have a place to store extra wine bottles.

This idea also works well for those with an unused fireplace in a tiny apartment. Sometimes you have to get creative when it comes to storage in small spaces. This is a great idea for apartment dwelling wine lovers.

Lanterns for Empty Fireplace Decorating Ideas

lantern, boxwood plants in a non working fireplace

There’s so many fun ways to use lanterns in your home decor. Why not consider using lanterns for empty fireplace decorating ideas?

You can fill your lantern with candles or flameless candles of course. Fairy lights will work too as a lantern filler.

Candle Lanterns

But you can also fill a lantern with plants, small figurines, faux florals and ribbon to create a pretty alternative to candles & lights. You can change out this decor for the different seasons and holidays.

Statues & Figurines for Unused Fireplace Decorating Ideas

vase, logs in an an unusable fireplace

Do you have some larger, taller statues or figurines laying around? Consider using them in your empty fireplace!

I like to style these with plants, lanterns and taper candles to make for a pretty focal point in the unused fireplace area.

Another great thing about using statues or figurines in your fireplace is that you can match them with the different holidays and seasons. Use pumpkins in fall, Santa’s for Christmas, Easter bunnies in the spring, etc.

Books in an Unused Fireplace

books in a non working fireplace

Using books in an unused fireplace is a classic look. You can stack your books in an orderly fashion, or just fit them in any old way to create visual interest.

You can store books you actually use in your modern empty fireplace. Consider placing all of your cookbooks in a non working kitchen fireplace for example.

Decorative Books

Or you can buy sets of books specifically for decorating spaces. There are lots of sellers on places like Amazon and Etsy that offer bundles of books to use in decor styling.

Larger coffee table size books will take up more space in a fireplace than standard sized hardbacks.

Tile for Non Usable Fireplace Ideas

If you’re trying to get a nice clean look in your unused fireplace, consider covering it with tile. You can use neutral looking tiles to keep things subtle. Or considering going with a tile in a brighter shade.

I love the pink tile used to cover the empty fireplace in the photo above. It gives a nice pop of color to the room and provides a good back drop to use for any fireplace decorations.

You can get a similar look by using shiplap, wood paneling or just by painting the inside of your non working fireplace. Anyway you do it, just be sure that the fireplace is well sealed from water and air before you start.

Mirrors for Empty Fireplace Decorating Ideas

Many people think of using mirrors above a fireplace mantel. But have you considered using them for unused fireplace decorating ideas?

Mirrors help reflect light around the space and can make a room feel bigger. They’re also a fun way to view decorative objects or candles that are placed in front of them.

Decorative Mirrors

Now when it comes to using mirrors for empty fireplace decorating ideas, I’ve seen them used in two ways. One is to buy a smaller square or circle wall mirror and rest it against the back of your fireplace.

Another way is to use several mirror at an angel to each other within the fireplace. This gives a look of mirrors in a dressing room that are placed at angles. Both styles work well.

Vases in a Non Usable Fireplace

vase, tiered tray, plants in a non usable fireplace

Similar to using statues and figurines in an empty fireplace, vases can be used as well for fireplace decor. If you have large or tall vases that are too big for a bookshelf or coffee table, consider placing them in your non usable fireplace.

Decorative Vases & Jars

Blue and white ginger jars also work well as unused fireplace decorating ideas. In fact, if you have a nice blue and white chinoiserie collection, why not display it in a central location like an empty fireplace and on the mantel.

Fairy Lights to Decorate an Empty Fireplace

fairy lights, candles in an unused fireplace

Fairy lights make for a nice accent to just about any decor you have in your empty fireplace. You can use them with candles as shown above in the photo. I like this for unused bedroom fireplace ideas as the fairy lights can serve as a night light.

Pair them with books, plants, statues, figurines, etc. Another fun way to use them is by draping them over logs within a fireplace. This creates a warm glow – Pinterest has some more ideas on using fairy lights with logs in a fireplace.

Pet Nook Idea for Empty Fireplaces

Here’s a cute idea for an empty fireplace – turn it into a comfy place for your pet! Now if it was me, I would want to make sure the unused fireplace was well sealed off and clean before allowing my pet to sleep there.

But I’ve seen some creative ideas on Pinterest where people have converted non usable fireplaces into a pet nook area for dog beds or even smaller cat trees.

I love the small light inside of the fireplace turned dog bed area in the photo above.

Storage for Unused Fireplace Decorating Ideas

Lacking storage space in your room but have an unused fireplace? Why not turn the space into an area with shelves for storage. This is similar to using an empty fireplace for books as mentioned earlier.

But in this case, formal shelves and storage bins are used for a more organized, structured look. This is a great idea for modern non usable fireplaces in kids rooms and this area can be used for toy storage or for children’s books.

I hope this article gave you some good empty fireplace decorating ideas! What are you thinking about using to style your unused fireplace?

More Fireplace & Mantel Decor Ideas

For more fireplace & mantel decor inspiration, tips and styles, check out these posts:

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