8 Clever Ways to Decorate a Fireplace

Whether it's just for the holiday season or for year-round use, take a look at these eight unexpected ways to decorate the inside of your fireplace.

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November 25, 2014

By: Brian Patrick Flynn

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Photo By: Brian Patrick Flynn

One Fireplace, Eight Ways

To add holiday charm inside the fireplace of HGTV Holiday House 2014, several different vignettes were created using simple accessories, seasonal items and objects fit for year-round use. Browse our eight looks and get ideas for decorating your own fireplace.

Nativity Scene

The inside of a fireplace is the perfect size and scale for creating a nativity scene. Choose sets with figures approximately 6 inches shorter than the height of the firebox interior. Once placed inside, the rectangular shape of the firebox will frame the scene like a picture window.

Book Storage

Homeowners with historic fireplaces that no longer function can turn them into bookshelves by simply fastening a horizontal plank of lumber to two pre-cut 2x4s, then placing it all inside the firebox. Keep the shelf approximately 10 to 14 inches above the floor of the firebox to allow enough height for most standard books.

Mismatched Candlesticks

The inside of a fireplace is an excellent spot to showcase mismatched collections. This works especially well with disparate candlesticks. For a well-collected look, gather an odd number of candlesticks all in the same metallic, but in a variety of finishes. Here, a grouping of brass candlesticks in matte, satin and lacquered finishes carries the purple color scheme of the HGTV Holiday House 2014 living room into the fireplace.

Gifts

No space below the tree to showcase your wrapped gifts? No problem! If your fireplace isn’t being used, arrange gifts for your guests inside the fireplace, leaving the space below the tree open for gathering on Christmas morning.

Potted Greenery

When space is at a premium in a living room or great room and there’s no room for a Christmas tree, the interior of a fireplace is ideal for creating a Christmas tree alternative. Here, a grouping of blue spruces was displayed inside the fireplace. For proper balance, stick with an odd number of potted trees. To ensure the trees thrive, keep them in living rooms with abundant natural light and add drainage to their pots with a drill and a paddle bit.

Light-Wrapped Logs

If you want the glow of a lit fireplace but want to deal with keeping an eye on a fire, consider wrapping logs with twinkle lights. Here, white LED lights add a faint glimmer to the wood during the day and a soft, ambient glow at night.

Metallic-Painted Firewood

Homeowners with non-functioning fireplaces can put an unexpected, modern spin on birch logs with metallic spray paint. Gather birch logs or basic firewood outside, then lay them on a flat, even surface covered with a drop cloth. Holding the spray can 8 inches from the surface of the wood, apply the spray paint, moving it back and forth in slow, even spurts. Allow a full day or two for the fumes of the spray paint to wear off before bringing the logs inside.

Potted Orchids

A great way to put your fireplace to use year-round is by filling it with potted orchids. Sculptural and elegant, an odd number creates a striking look packed with life and color.

8 Clever Ways to Decorate a Fireplace

Related To:

Shop This Look

One Fireplace, Eight Ways

Nativity Scene

Book Storage

Mismatched Candlesticks

Gifts

Potted Greenery

Light-Wrapped Logs

Metallic-Painted Firewood

Potted Orchids

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