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A fireplace naturally commands attention in a living room.
Even if it no longer functions, it doesn’t have to sit empty or feel like wasted space. With a little imagination, an unused fireplace can become a design centerpiece that adds charm, warmth, and personality to your home.
From simple styling tricks to creative conversions, here are nine easy ways to transform a non-working fireplace and instantly elevate your space.
Stack Decorative Logs
One of the most timeless approaches is to keep the fireplace looking as though it could be functional. Neatly stacked decorative logs bring rustic charm and visual texture.
You don’t need to fill the firebox completely; even a small arrangement of cut logs instantly suggests warmth. If you want a more polished look, cut them to the same length and stack them tightly.
For a casual, organic vibe, let them vary in size and placement. Either way, the effect gives your living room that cozy, fireside atmosphere without a single flame.
Showcase Art or Sculptural Pieces
An unused fireplace is essentially a framed alcove, making it the perfect gallery space. Display a sculptural vase, a ceramic bust, or even a bold piece of abstract art inside the opening.
Larger objects create drama, while a curated collection of smaller pieces makes the area feel layered and personal. This option is especially effective in modern or minimalist living rooms, where a single striking piece can carry the entire space.
Refresh with Paint or Tile
A quick makeover can make an unused fireplace feel brand new. Painting the interior in a bold, moody shade instantly adds depth, while a coat of fresh white paint keeps things bright.
For more texture, consider tiling the interior with patterned ceramic, glossy subway tiles, or even a mosaic. This approach turns the fireplace into an accent feature, elevating the entire room without a major renovation.
Add a Statement Screen
If you’d rather conceal the empty opening while still making it beautiful, a decorative screen is the answer.
From intricate metalwork to sleek glass panels, fireplace screens come in endless styles. A screen softens the void, adds texture, and can be swapped out seasonally for a fresh look. Pair it with a styled mantel—candles, books, or greenery—to finish the composition.
Create a Mini Gallery
Instead of one object, turn the fireplace into a curated display.
Stack a few art books on the floor of the hearth, place a framed photograph against the back wall, and add a small piece of pottery for height.
Think of it as a styled shelf, but on a larger scale. This layered look works especially well if your living room has an eclectic, collected-over-time aesthetic.
Fill It with Lights or Candles
If you crave the glow of a real fire, try substituting candles or string lights. Arrange pillar candles of varying heights inside the firebox for an enchanting flicker.
Flameless LED candles are a safe and low-maintenance choice, and many even mimic the movement of a flame. Fairy lights woven through the opening can also create a soft, whimsical glow. At night, the effect is magical—like firelight without the fire.
Stack Vintage Books or Magazines
For a cozy, intellectual vibe, fill your unused fireplace with stacks of books. Old hardcovers with worn spines look especially charming, but even a collection of colorful paperbacks adds personality.
You can stack them horizontally for a neat, library-inspired feel or arrange them vertically for casual texture. Magazines in clean piles can bring a more contemporary look. This idea not only reclaims the space but also gives your living room a personal, lived-in touch.
Turn It Into a Reading Nook
For those who love curling up with a good book, consider going one step further and transforming the fireplace into a dedicated nook. If the firebox is deep enough, add a custom cushion across the base and layer it with soft pillows.
Even if the space is too shallow to sit inside, you can position a comfortable chair just in front, style the interior with books or candles, and use it as the backdrop for your reading corner. With a floor lamp, a cozy throw, and a small side table, you’ll have an intimate retreat carved right into your living room architecture.
If you’d like more inspiration for this option, see my full guide on how to turn an unused fiHow to Turn an Unused Fireplace Into a Cozy Reading Nookreplace into a cozy reading nook—it walks you through seating, lighting, and styling in detail.
Bring in Natural Elements
Nature has a way of making any space feel warmer and more grounded, and the fireplace is no exception. Fill the opening with a large basket of pinecones, an arrangement of branches, or a collection of dried flowers.
In some homes, even a dog bed tucked inside the hearth can look intentional and inviting. Natural elements add texture, color, and seasonality, making the fireplace feel connected to the rhythms of daily life.
How to Choose the Right Idea
The best choice for your unused fireplace depends on the mood of your living room. If your style leans rustic, logs or natural elements will blend seamlessly.
For modern spaces, art, sculptural pieces, or paint treatments give sharper definition. Eclectic rooms may benefit from a mini gallery or stacks of vintage books, while a statement screen can bring elegance to traditional homes.
There’s no single right way—think of the fireplace as a blank canvas for your style.
Styling for Cohesion
Whatever idea you choose, tie the fireplace design into the rest of the room. Repeat colors from your sofa or rug, echo textures already present, and balance the visual weight so the fireplace doesn’t feel disconnected.
For instance, if you fill the hearth with books, try adding a few to the coffee table too. If you paint the interior a moody shade, sprinkle that color elsewhere in throw pillows or art. This kind of subtle repetition ensures the fireplace feels like part of the whole, not a stand-alone experiment.
Conclusion
An unused fireplace doesn’t need to be a void in your living room. With a few simple adjustments, it can become the feature that makes the space feel finished and intentional.
Whether you choose the timeless look of stacked logs, the glow of candles, a personal mini gallery, or even a full reading nook, the fireplace can reflect your personality and elevate your home. What once felt like wasted space can now be a source of charm, warmth, and inspiration.
