Ever stared at that empty fireplace and wondered what to do with it? You’re not alone. That unused space doesn’t have to collect dust or sit forgotten in your living room.
In this article, you’ll find 20 creative ways to transform your empty fireplace into a stunning focal point that enhances your home’s style. From book displays to plant havens, candle arrangements to seasonal decorations, we’ve got you covered.
I’ve spent years helping homeowners like you breathe new life into neglected spaces. These ideas work in both modern homes and older properties, If your fireplace is temporarily unused or permanently non-functional.
By the time you finish reading, you’ll have a clear plan for that empty hearth. No more wasted space, just beautiful, functional design that matches your home’s personality and your lifestyle needs.
Let’s turn that empty fireplace into something you’ll love looking at every day.
Creative Ways to Style an Empty Fireplace
Transform your unused hearth into a stunning design feature that enhances your living space while adding functionality and personality. Here are the following examples,
1. Modern Minimalist Fireplace
- The modern minimalist approach celebrates the “less is more” philosophy. Start by painting your fireplace surround in a crisp white or deep matte black for a contemporary feel.
- Keep decorations sparse and intentional, perhaps a single geometric sculpture or a few monochromatic objects arranged asymmetrically.
- Consider adding a simple metal screen for texture without clutter. This style works particularly well in contemporary homes where clean lines and uncluttered spaces create a sense of calm and sophistication.
2. Cozy Reading Nook
- Transform the area in front of your empty fireplace into an inviting reading retreat. Place a small, comfortable armchair or floor cushions nearby, angled to catch natural light.
- Add a compact side table for your coffee or tea, and install soft, warm lighting like a floor lamp with adjustable brightness.
- Inside the fireplace itself, arrange books with their spines facing outward for easy selection. Complete the nook with a small basket of cozy throws for those chilly evenings when you miss the warmth of a real fire.
3. Art Display Area
- Your empty fireplace provides a ready-made frame for showcasing art. For a gallery effect, install a slim floating shelf inside the fireplace opening where you can rotate paintings, prints or photographs.
- Alternatively, place a single statement piece of sculpture on a small pedestal in the center of the fireplace. The natural framing of the mantel and surround draws the eye and highlights your chosen pieces.
- Consider adding small LED art lights at the top of the fireplace opening to properly illuminate your display.
4. Indoor Plant Corner
- Empty fireplaces offer the perfect environment for creating a lush plant display. The recessed area provides protection while the typically darker backdrop makes greenery pop visually.
- Choose plants based on your fireplace’s lighting, ferns and peace lilies for shadier spots, or succulents and cacti for brighter locations.
- Arrange plants at varying heights using stands or hanging planters for visual interest. For extra impact, add moss or small pebbles as ground cover between pots to create a miniature indoor garden effect.
5. Built-In Shelving
- Custom shelving transforms your empty fireplace into functional storage that looks intentional and stylish.
- Install wooden or metal shelves either inside the fireplace opening or surrounding it. For a cohesive look, paint the shelves the same color as your fireplace surround.
- Arrange books, decorative objects, and small plants in a balanced but not overly symmetrical pattern. This approach works especially well for fireplaces with interesting architectural details you want to preserve while adding practicality.
6. Candle Display
- Create a warm, ambient glow by filling your empty fireplace with candles of various heights and thicknesses.
- Use pillar candles on sturdy candle plates for safety, and consider adding hurricane lamps for larger candles. For depth, place some candles toward the back of the fireplace and others closer to the front.
- Battery-operated flameless candles offer a safer alternative, especially in homes with children or pets. The flickering light mimics a real fire, creating that coveted cozy atmosphere without the maintenance of a wood-burning fireplace.
7. Decorative Logs or Faux Fire
- Keep the traditional look of a fireplace without the actual flames by arranging decorative logs artfully within the firebox.
- Choose birch for a bright, contemporary feel or darker woods for a more traditional vibe. For added interest, intersperse logs with pinecones, dried flowers, or subtle fairy lights woven between them.
- Another option is installing a high-quality faux fire insert, modern versions create remarkably realistic flame effects without heat, smoke, or fuel requirements.
8. Fireplace Bar Area
- Repurpose your unused fireplace as an eye-catching home bar that becomes a conversation starter when entertaining.
- Place a small tray or cart inside or in front of the fireplace to hold a curated selection of bottles and glassware.
- Install small shelves inside the fireplace opening to display special glasses or cocktail accessories. Add a mirror at the back of the fireplace to reflect light and create the illusion of depth. This works especially well in dining rooms or living spaces where you frequently entertain guests.
9. Gallery Wall
- Extend your fireplace’s visual impact by creating a carefully curated gallery wall around it. Start with the mantel as your anchor point and build outward with a mix of framed photographs, artwork, and decorative objects.
- Vary frame sizes and orientations for visual interest, but maintain cohesion through color palette or frame style. For added dimension, include small shelves to display three-dimensional objects alongside your wall art.
- The fireplace becomes the natural focal point of a personalized display that can evolve with your tastes.
10. Seasonal Decor Station
- Embrace the changing seasons by using your empty fireplace as a rotating display space. In autumn, fill it with pumpkins, gourds and dried leaves in warm hues.
- Winter calls for evergreen branches, pinecones and perhaps subtle holiday decorations. Spring invites fresh flowers and pastel accents, while summer might feature shells, coral or beach-inspired elements.
- This approach keeps your home feeling fresh year-round and gives you a designated space to express your seasonal creativity without cluttering other areas.
11. Vintage or Antique Decor
- Highlight your home’s history or create charming character by styling your empty fireplace with carefully selected vintage pieces.
- Consider placing an antique trunk, old suitcases, or a collection of vintage books inside the fireplace opening. Victorian-era fireplace screens or antique andirons can frame the space while acknowledging its original purpose.
- Look for items with patina and character that tell a story, perhaps vintage lanterns, old clocks, or heirloom quilts folded and displayed on a small antique chair beside the hearth.
12. Statement Mirrors
- Amplify light and create the illusion of additional space by incorporating mirrors into your fireplace design.
- For dramatic effect, install a mirror cut to fit precisely inside the fireplace opening, this creates depth and reflects the room back to itself. Alternatively, place a substantial framed mirror on the mantel, leaning it against the wall above.
- Choose a frame style that complements your décor, whether that’s ornate and gilded for traditional spaces or sleek and minimal for contemporary rooms.
13. Cozy Storage Basket Setup
- Introduce texture and functionality by arranging attractive storage baskets within and around your empty fireplace. Select baskets in natural materials like seagrass, rattan, or woven water hyacinth for organic appeal.
- Use larger baskets inside the fireplace opening to store extra throws, pillows, or even children’s toys, and smaller versions on the hearth for items like remote controls, magazines, or knitting projects.
- This approach combines practicality with visual warmth, keeping everyday items accessible but neatly contained.
14. Industrial Style Showcase
- Emphasize raw materials and utilitarian charm with an industrial approach to your empty fireplace. Leave brick exposed or create a concrete surround for an urban loft feel.
- Fill the fireplace with objects that highlight craftsmanship and function, perhaps vintage tools, metal containers, or mechanical objects with interesting shapes.
- Industrial-style lighting fixtures like cage lamps or exposed bulb sconces mounted nearby enhance the aesthetic. This style works particularly well in converted spaces or homes with architectural salvage elements.
15. Faux Fire Pit
- Create the ambiance of an outdoor fire pit inside your unused fireplace for year-round enjoyment.
- Arrange smooth river rocks or heat-resistant glass beads as a base, then add an ethanol-burning fire bowl for real flames without smoke or extensive ventilation requirements.
- If real flames aren’t an option, combine LED flame lamps with natural elements like driftwood for a similar effect. This approach maintains the fireplace’s traditional role as a gathering point while updating it for modern living situations.
16. Pet-Friendly Space
- Measure the opening carefully and find a pet bed that fits comfortably inside, or have one custom-made to maximize the space.
- Add washable cushions in fabrics that complement your décor. For cat owners, consider installing small shelves at varying heights inside a taller fireplace opening to create a climbing and lounging area.
- The semi-enclosed nature of a fireplace creates a secure-feeling space many pets naturally gravitate toward.
17. Chalkboard or Whiteboard Wall
- Covert your fireplace into an interactive communication center by installing a chalkboard panel cut to fit inside the opening.
- Use high-quality chalkboard paint for a seamless look, or mount an actual board for more durability. This becomes a perfect spot for family messages, grocery lists, children’s artwork, or even inspirational quotes you change regularly.
- For a more modern look, consider a whiteboard or clear glass panel where you can use dry-erase or liquid chalk markers. This practical adaptation brings daily utility to an otherwise unused space.
18. Water Feature or Fountain
- Introduce the soothing element of water by installing a small fountain or water feature inside your empty fireplace.
- Self-contained tabletop versions require only access to an electrical outlet and occasional water refills. Choose styles that complement your décor, perhaps a zen-inspired stone arrangement for minimalist homes or a more ornate tiered fountain for traditional spaces.
- The gentle sound of trickling water adds a calming auditory element to your room, while the movement of water brings dynamic visual interest.
19. Rustic Cabin Vibe
- Embrace countryside charm by giving your empty fireplace a rustic cabin makeover. Start with a backdrop of reclaimed wood planks or stone veneer inside the fireplace opening.
- Add elements like a vintage lantern, cast iron cookware, or a small copper kettle to evoke a heritage cooking fireplace.
- Incorporate natural materials like pine cones, branches, or a small stack of birch logs tied with twine. This style works especially well in homes with traditional architecture or anyone seeking to create a cozy, retreat-like atmosphere.
20. Customizable Modular Units
- Maximize functionality with a system of modular cubes or compartments that can be reconfigured as your needs change.
- Choose or build units specifically sized to fit inside your fireplace opening, using materials that complement your existing décor.
- These can function as bookshelves, display spaces for collectibles, wine storage, or even pull-out drawers for hidden storage. The beauty of this approach is its adaptability, units can be rearranged seasonally or as your storage and display needs evolve over time.
Conclusion
Your empty fireplace doesn’t have to remain a forgotten space gathering dust in your home. With these 20 creative ideas, you can transform that unused hearth into a stunning design feature that enhances your living space.
If you prefer modern minimalism or rustic charm, practical storage or artistic display, there’s an option that perfectly suits your style and needs. Remember that your fireplace transformation doesn’t need to be permanent, many of these ideas can be swapped seasonally or as your tastes evolve.
Ready to tackle that empty fireplace project? Start by considering your home’s overall style and how you want the space to function. Take measurements, gather inspiration photos, and pick up a few key pieces to get started. Share your transformation with us on social media using #FireplaceRevival, we’d love to see how you’ve brought new life to your empty hearth!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it OK to leave a fireplace empty?
Absolutely! There’s no rule saying you must use your fireplace for its original purpose. Many modern homes have non-working fireplaces or homeowners who prefer not to deal with maintenance and cleanup. An empty fireplace offers a unique architectural feature and styling opportunity. The key is to make it look intentional rather than neglected. Any of the 20 ideas in this article will transform your empty fireplace from an awkward blank space into a deliberate design element that enhances your room.
How do I clean my fireplace before decorating it?
Before styling an unused fireplace, give it a thorough cleaning. For brick or stone fireplaces, use a stiff brush to remove loose soot and debris, then scrub with a mixture of warm water and dish soap. For stubborn soot stains, try a paste of baking soda and water. For marble surrounds, use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the stone. Metal fireplace components can be polished with appropriate metal cleaners. Always ensure the fireplace is completely dry before adding decorative elements, especially if you’re planning to include fabrics, books, or electronics.
Do I need to seal off my chimney if I’m not using the fireplace?
It’s highly recommended. An unsealed chimney can cause drafts, let in outside air (affecting your energy bills), and potentially allow animals or debris to enter your home. Consider installing a chimney balloon, chimney pillow, or chimney sheep—inflatable or insulating devices designed to block air passage. These are removable should you decide to use the fireplace again in the future. For a more permanent solution, you might hire a professional to cap the chimney from the top or properly seal the damper. This step is particularly important if you’re creating a plant display, reading nook, or pet area in your fireplace.
How often should I change my empty fireplace decor?
This depends entirely on your preferences! Some homeowners enjoy updating their fireplace styling seasonally (four times a year) to reflect changing weather and holidays. Others might switch things up just twice annually (warm weather and cold weather looks). If you’ve invested in a more permanent solution like built-in shelving or a custom pet nook, you might simply refresh small decorative elements periodically while keeping the main setup intact. The beauty of an empty fireplace is its flexibility, unlike a working fireplace, you can easily change your mind without major construction.
Can I put electrical items in my empty fireplace?
Yes, with proper precautions. An empty fireplace can house lamps, speakers, electronic picture frames, or string lights, but you’ll need to consider power access. Options include running a slim extension cord along the floor (hiding it with a rug or furniture), installing an outlet inside the fireplace (requires professional help), or using battery-operated items. If placing electronics inside the fireplace, ensure the chimney is properly sealed to prevent moisture damage. Also, check that the fireplace stays at a reasonable temperature year-round, extreme heat or cold could damage electronic components.
