An unused fireplace can hold a styled display, plants, art, storage baskets, a wine rack, or a media setup, or it can be converted with an electric or gas insert. Before you fill it, clean out the soot and make sure the chimney is closed off so drafts and debris stay out of the room.
Does your living room boast a beautiful fireplace that never gets lit? You're not alone. Many homeowners find themselves with fireplaces that are more decorative than functional. But don't despair! That unused fireplace can be transformed into a stylish and valuable part of your home.
Beyond the Blaze: Embracing New Possibilities
Fireplaces bring warmth and ambiance, but they're not for everyone. You may live in a warmer climate, or safety concerns keep you from using yours. Whatever the reason, a dormant fireplace doesn't have to be a wasted space. Here are some creative ways to breathe new life into your unused hearth:
The ideas below are grouped by what you want the space to do: look good, work as storage, or bring back the glow of a real fire.
Decorative Ideas for an Unused Fireplace
- Focal Point Finesse: Fill the firebox with decorative elements that reflect your style. Candles, throw pillows, unexpected sculptures, or a collection of vintage books can create a visually captivating centerpiece. Switch things up seasonally to keep the look fresh.
- Green Thumb Glory: Transform the fireplace into a unique indoor planter. Low-light tolerant plants like ferns or bromeliads will thrive in this sheltered nook, adding a touch of nature to your space.
- Artful Abode: Fireplaces are natural-born art galleries! Showcase your favorite paintings, photographs, or framed pieces for a personalized touch.
- Cabinet of Curiosity: What's behind the mystery door? Why not add a wooden cabinet door if you're down for the DIY commitment? Paint it with a pop of color and add a cabinet knob or pull for the perfect finishing touch.
A cabinet door is the one idea here where hardware shows up front and center. Ageless Ironcabinet knobs and pulls are solid cast iron, sand blasted and deep cleaned, zinc plated for corrosion protection, powder coated matte black, and tested in Florida for UV and salt resistance. Against painted wood or brick, that matte black reads as deliberate, not an afterthought.
Practical Ways to Use a Non-Working Fireplace
Who says beauty can't be functional? Here are some ways to make your unused fireplace work for you:
- Storage Savvy: Remember to consider the storage potential of a deep fireplace. Install shelves or woven baskets to hold blankets, board games, or anything that needs a home.
- Wine Down in Style: Turn your fireplace into a sophisticated wine rack. This is a fantastic way to add functionality and elegance to your space.
- Media Nook Magic: Fireplaces can house media equipment like record players or cleverly disguise stereo receivers and other home theater accouterments.
- Pet Paradise: If the size and safety allow, place a comfy pet bed inside the fireplace to create a cozy retreat for a furry companion.
Before using the firebox for storage or a pet bed, close the damper or have the flue sealed. An open chimney lets in drafts and debris, and soot left on the brick transfers to anything stored inside.
Fireplace Conversions: Electric vs. Gas Inserts
If you miss the ambiance of a real fire, there are conversion options to explore, but be sure to consult a professional and check local building codes:
- Electric Fireplace Inserts: These inserts provide the warmth and glow of a fire without the mess or need for venting.
- Gas Fireplace Inserts: Consider a gas fireplace insert for a more realistic fire experience with actual heat. This is the bigger project of the two, since it needs a contractor, a gas line, and proper venting.
Tie the Fireplace Into the Rest of the Room
So, there you have it! With some creativity, your unused fireplace can become a cherished feature in your home. The possibilities are endless, from a decorative display to a practical storage solution. Let your imagination take the reins and transform that cold fireplace into a space that sparks joy!
Whatever goes in the firebox, the hardware around it shows. A switch plate beside the mantel or a knob on a fireplace cabinet door reads as unfinished if it doesn't match the rest of the room. Ageless Iron makes cabinet hardware, switch plates, and door hardware in one matte black finish, so the fireplace wall matches every door in the house. One brand, one finish code, zero mismatches.
Pairing black hardware with brick and wood?What Is Organic Modern Design? covers how to choose finishes for that look, andThe New Rules of Mixing Finishes shows where contrast works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put in an unused fireplace?
Candles, plants, art, books, baskets, a wine rack, or media equipment all work inside an unused firebox. Clean out the soot first and close off the chimney so nothing drafts or falls in. For a finished look, fit a cabinet door over the opening and keep storage behind it.
Should I seal an unused fireplace?
Sealing is worth it if you don't plan to burn wood again. An open flue lets warm air escape in winter and lets drafts, debris, and moisture in. A chimney professional can recommend a cap, a flue plug, or a damper repair depending on how the chimney is built.
Is it safe to put plants or a pet bed inside a fireplace?
Yes, as long as the fireplace is no longer in use and the chimney is closed off. Clean the firebox thoroughly first, since soot and ash residue shouldn't sit near plants or pets. If the fireplace has a gas line, have a professional cap it before using the space.
Can you convert an unused wood fireplace to electric or gas?
Yes. Electric inserts are the simplest option since they need no venting, while gas inserts need a contractor, a gas line, and proper venting. Check local building codes and have the chimney inspected before either conversion.
See the full collection, entry sets through switch plates, at agelessironhardware.com/pages/products.
