3 min readFireplaces often serve as an anchoring centerpiece in the room, drawing all eyes and sometimes even dictating the furniture layout—whether or not they actually generate heat.
Maybe you’re saving up to fix yours, or perhaps you’re OK with leaving it alone for now. Whatever the case, transforming a non-working fireplace is a great way to tap into your creative wiles while adding personality and style to your space. For inspiration, consider these designer-approved ideas to make the most of a non-working fireplace.
Add Wood & a Firescreen
A simple way to remove the vacuous look of a hollow, non-working fireplace is to add a fireplace grate with some logs on top, then place a fireplace screen in front.
“Even without a flame, the fireplace and mantel create a natural focal point and offer an opportunity to highlight the home's millwork, craftsmanship, and original character,” says interior designer Avery Carter.
Designer Rainey Richardson agrees. “The wood is an earthy accessory to accent the living space,” she says. “You can pack the space with some birch logs, and it becomes a cheeky play on what it actually is.” Make sure to pick sturdy, clean logs since you won't actually be burning them.
Build a Faux Fire
This idea nods to the fireplace’s original function, all while adding a touch of drama, and there are a handful of ways to approach it. “Fill it with layers of pillar candles and light them for a warm glow that still feels cozy,” suggests Gianna SanFilippo, interior designer. If you don’t want to use real fire, consider flameless candles; modern versions are surprisingly realistic.
SanFilippo says you could even go the full electric route if budget allows. “These give off glow and warmth, and some even have the sound of a real fire,” she says.
Display an Antique Treasure
When you break it down, a non-working fireplace is essentially a built-in niche. Instead of treating it like dead space, use it to showcase a beautiful antique or one-of-a-kind piece, suggests Kailee Blalock, co-founder of House of Hive Design Co.
“A vintage trunk, an antique vessel, a stack of old books, or even a piece of art can completely change how the fireplace reads,” she says. “The opening naturally frames whatever you put inside, so it gives an interesting object its own little moment.”
Outfit the Exterior
If the fireplace itself feels a bit drab, dressing up the exterior can completely transform the space. Richardson says one of her favorite ways to do this is with a vintage Delft tile or something hand-painted; both feel like jewelry.
“This is really such an underrated idea for a non-functional fireplace,” Richardson says. “It provides an exquisite look to a dysfunctional situation. And since you generally need very little material, it's a great opportunity to splurge on something hand-made.”
Enclose It
If you know the fireplace is unlikely to work again, and you want to get rid of the vacant look altogether, consider enclosing it. Richardson says completely closing it up with a natural stone is an elegant solution (and it can help with any drafts).
“It could be the same material as the mantle itself or a gorgeous contrasting marble. Either way, it becomes a feature itself,” she suggests. “Think of a pre-war apartment. It still becomes a focal point for the room, but it clearly isn't trying to be a working fireplace.” (Pro Tip: This is a great use for a slab remnant from another counter.)
Create a Sculptural Showcase
Turn your fireplace into a design moment by incorporating a sculptural piece of art. “Think of the firebox almost like a pedestal or display niche and place one really sculptural object inside, or something with an unexpected shape or finish,” Blalock says. “Commit to one great piece. The impact comes from it feeling edited, so I wouldn’t fill the firebox with a bunch of smaller accessories.”
She especially loves the idea of something metallic, glossy, or reflective because it catches the light inside an otherwise dark opening. Also, remember you can treat this like any other piece of art in your home by swapping it out when you want the room to feel different.
