In the summer months when you’re not actively using your fireplace, there are still some things you can do with it that are both functional and decorative. Depending on the size of your fireplace and if it has a screen in front, you could use it as an interesting shelf or display.
You can use it to showcase items like potted plants, books or art. You could even use it to store blankets or items that you don’t need to access regularly but still want to keep close by. You could use it to hold decorations for special occasions, like a basket of artificial pumpkins for Halloween or a glass bowl of ornaments for Christmas.
You could also hang a mirror or a piece of art above the mantel. It could also be used to display holiday cards or a wreath.
Covering an empty fireplace helps insulate your home more effectively, preventing the outdoor air from entering through the fireplace and making your home more comfortable. Adding a fireplace cover, such as a wooden box filled with decorations or an attractive panel, is an easy way to dress up your fireplace and add some warmth.
You could also use the empty space to light a scented candle or store a houseplant on the hearth.
By adding something to your empty fireplace, you’re not only making it look more aesthetically pleasing but you’re also reducing drafts and radiating a sense of warmth and comfort in your room.
How do I decorate my fireplace mantel in summer?
Decorating your fireplace mantel in summer can be a great way to bring a light and airy feel to your home. There are many options available so you can create a look that is reflective of your own style and taste.
One way to decorate your fireplace mantel in summer is to take advantage of the season’s natural sights and textures. Display clusters of soft pastel or bright colored flowers or boticals in vases or mason jars.
You can also add other natural elements like shells or small stones for a coastal-inspired look. Additionally, you can hang wreaths or garlands of fresh summer foliage from your mantel to give it a bit of greenery.
Another option is to use a combination of mirrors, photos, and artwork in frames to decorate your mantel. The reflective surfaces will help to lighten up the space and draw attention to your mantel pieces.
Choose brightly colored frames to add color and texture to your mantel, or utilize frames with an interesting shape to keep it interesting. Additionally, you can hang lanterns, wall planters, or candles to give your mantel an extra summery feel.
Last, but not least, you can decorate your fireplace mantel with baskets. Place tall baskets filled with rolled towels, art supplies and other Summer items as a way to bring in some functional pieces and some vertical height.
This will give your fireplace mantel a more finished look.
No matter how you choose to decorate your fireplace mantel in summer, the important thing is that it reflects your own personal style and creates a space that is cozy and inviting. Have fun with your decorating and enjoy the feeling of summer inside your home.
How can I make my fireplace more attractive?
Making your fireplace more attractive can be a relatively easy and inexpensive task. Here are some ideas to try out that don’t require a lot of effort:
1. Have a professional assess the condition of the fireplace if necessary. If it needs any repairs, such as brickwork, have a professional help you with these projects to ensure it is looking its best.
2. Paint the fireplace if it is an ugly color or an old look. Use a high quality exterior paint to prevent any chipping or peeling with the heat.
3. Add a fresh coat of painter’s caulk around the fireplace if it need freshening up or sealing any cracks or crevices.
4. Choose a fireplace mantel that matches the style and decor of the living area. Make sure it’s a size and color that comes to life in the space.
5. Display artwork or photos on the traditional mantel area or hang some attractive wall art on the wall.
6. If you have a gas or ventless fireplace, you could also accessorize with a modern mirror, or a set of polished stones, to help draw the eye.
7. Place an eye-catching piece of furniture in front of the fireplace if you don’t have a mantel. A bookcase or a small sofa with lots of bright pillows can make the area look complete.
8. Use a small rug if the living area floor is one color and you want some design interest. Make sure the pattern and color are what you are looking for.
These are just a few ideas you can use to bring a more attractive vibe to your fireplace. With a little time and effort, you can easily transform this area into something special.
How do you decorate a plain fireplace?
Decorating a plain fireplace can be a great way to bring a personal touch to your home and add to the overall ambiance and decor. Depending on your style and preferences and what you want to achieve.
One way to decorate a plain fireplace is to hang wall art. Choose the pieces that best reflect your style and what you want to say about the space. Art can be hung above the mantel, on either side, or around the mantlepiece.
This will quickly transform the area and personalize it without a lot of effort or expense.
Another way to decorate a plain fireplace is to accessorize the mantelpiece with various items. This could be anything from candles, mirrors, clocks, or sculptures that you can position on the mantlepiece.
These items will add a nice touch to the room without taking attention away from the fireplace.
A fireplace can also be decorated with plants or flowers. You may want to adorn the mantlepiece with vases, or place small potted plants around the fireplace. These will add dimension and life to the area, and with plants you don’t have to worry about having to replace them as often as other decorative items.
You can also make use of the mantlepiece and surround by displaying items from collections that you may have in the house. This can be a great conversation starter, as it will give visitors something interesting to look at and talk about.
Finally, if you happen to have a wood burning fireplace, you can make use of the changing of the seasons to add decorations. In winter you could use decorative logs or flowering branches, while in summer or spring you can make use of flower garlands, shells or beach pebbles.
No matter which of these ideas you decide to use, you should find that a plain fireplace quickly becomes a much more interesting and eye-catching feature in a room.
What do you put on either side of a fireplace?
On either side of a fireplace it is common to put shelves, media units, and decorative pieces. The shelves can be used for storing items such as books, candles, and any other decorations that you might want to showcase in the living room.
Media units, such as a TV stand, will offer a place to hold your television and maybe even a DVD player. The decorative pieces could be anything from a plant in a pot to a mirror that adds a bit of beauty to the area.
Adding a few paintings or photographs is another great way to bring personal style to the room while also making it a comfortable and relaxing place to be.
What furniture goes in front of fireplace?
When it comes to the furniture that goes in front of a fireplace, there are many different options. Some popular options include a couch, loveseat, armchairs, accent chairs, and an ottoman. When deciding on the type of furniture to use in front of a fireplace, it is important to consider the size of the space, the shape of the fireplace, and the overall color scheme or theme of the room.
When it comes to the size of the space, it is important to ensure that the furniture will fit. Ottomans are great for small fireplaces as they can be easily and quickly moved out of the way when not in use.
A smaller couch or loveseat and two armchairs, or a sectional and an ottoman, can also fit comfortably in front of a larger fireplace. Additionally, depending on the decor of the room, a vintage armchair, bench, or chaise lounge can make an elegant statement in front of a fireplace.
When it comes to the shape of the fireplace, certain furniture choices can better frame or flatter the fireplace. A rectangular fireplace can look nice with two armchairs, loveseat, and one ottoman. Rounded fireplaces will look great with a curved chaise lounge or bench and two armchairs.
Finally, when considering the color scheme or theme of the room, it is important to choose furniture that complements the other pieces in the room. If the room is modern or has a muted color palette, a sectional or loveseat with ultra-modern lines would be a nice choice.
For more traditional spaces, leather armchairs with turned wooden legs will look timeless and elegant in front of the fireplace.
What is the current trend for fireplaces?
The current trend for fireplaces is for them to be modern, sleek, and minimalistic. Many people are installing gas or electric fireplaces that offer the ambiance and warmth without the mess of traditional wood-burning fireplaces.
As well, wall-mounted fireplaces and fire pits are becoming increasingly popular. Many of these designs either hang from the wall or are small fires in a contained area from which the heat radiates. These designs create an interesting focal point, allowing homeowners to experiment with unique color combinations, lighting, and accessories.
Research indicates that people are gravitating towards the modern, low-maintenance designs, as they are less of a hassle while still creating the desired atmosphere.
Why does my fireplace have a hole in the bottom?
Your fireplace likely has a hole in the bottom for a few different reasons. Firstly, it could be to provide ventilation for the fire, allowing hot air and smoke to escape from the fireplace. This ensures that the fire is burning efficiently, and also provides an escape route for dangerous gasses like carbon monoxide.
Secondly, having a hole in the bottom prevents ash from collecting at the back of the firebox, allowing it to be cleaned and maintained more easily. Thirdly, the hole may also help to draw air into the firebox for more efficient burning, preventing smoldering and helping the fire to burn hotter.
What is the hole next to the fireplace called?
The hole next to the fireplace is known as the lintel or fire lintel. This is usually a metal bar, beam, or support structure that sits within the fireplace opening above the firebox. Its purpose is to provide structural support for the masonry above the fireplace opening, such as a chimney stack, to ensure it remains stable and safe.
The lintel must be able to bear the weight of the chimney structure and any other heavy items that may rest upon it or be placed within the fireplace itself. It is important to check the suitability of the lintel when installing any appliance into the fireplace, such as a multi-fuel stove, and to ensure that it is suitable for supporting the weight of the appliance.
What are fireplace surrounds called?
Fireplace surrounds, also known as mantels, are the decorative framework around a fireplace, typically made of wood, stone, or metal. They are commonly adorned with additional accents such as mantel shelves, columns, and corbels.
Depending on the type of fireplace, the surround serves the purpose of hiding the flue, containing the heat, and adding a decorative element to the room. Common fireplace surround materials include natural stone, marble, granite, or tile, as well as cast iron or steel for a more contemporary look.
Some surrounds may also feature a raised hearth, which serves as both a safety and design element.