25 Clever Ways To Repurpose An Unused Fireplace For An Organized & Stylish Home

Having a wood fireplace in your home is akin to a double-edged sword. On the one hand, you can recreate cozy moments you dream of and only see on the screen. Moreover, the sizzling logs add a distinct background score, while the rich scent of burning wood completes the snuggle-worthy picture. Unfortunately, wood-burning fireplaces require constant maintenance. Add air pollution and more efficient means to the mix, and several homeowners don't use their traditional hearth often (or at all) to warm their winter nights. If you're one of them, don't leave the imposing structure in a sorry state. Repurpose your unused fireplace for an organized and stylish home.

For instance, use the empty space to store your kid's toys, action figurines and dolls, and slime boxes or house your bulky DVD or classic vinyl collection. The unused fireplace can be anything, including decoration in your living or bedroom if you want it to be. In case the hearth is empty only during summers, boarding it up with eye-catching screens to avoid staring at a blank space for the better half of a year. However, before you try anything, properly clean the fireplace to eliminate the creosote lining its insides and sweep ash and debris collected at the bottom. Additionally, if you won't be using the hearth to light wood ever again, permanently seal the chimney flue to keep moisture (mold and mildew), pesky insects, and dirt from entering your home.

It isn't easy being a bibliophile. You must constantly buy books to accommodate your ever-expanding TBR (to-be-read) pile. As a result, you must constantly part with old favorites to make room for the new. In case parting with your comfort books isn't an option, try out this savvy tip for storing your books without using a bookshelf: using your empty fireplace for some extra storage. Stack your books horizontally and vertically to make the most of the empty space and comfortably house a significant chunk of your massive collection.

Using garden center math to justify buying discounted plants, bulbs, and seed packets will work wonders for your conscience, but your groaning plant stands and crammed shelves will seldom thank you for adding to the chaos. Under such circumstances, move a few of your beloved houseplants to the empty hearth. This way, you'll gain more room to explore your green thumb, and the plants will add visual interest to the unused structure. There's just one caveat: You must check the plant's light requirements before plopping it in the fireplace. Don't forget to place a saucer beneath the pots to catch running water.

Burning wood logs isn't the only way to capture the classic fireplace aesthetic. You can still achieve the rustic appearance by stacking decorative logs inside your empty hearth. These faux logs are generally dried in a kiln to help you avoid mold-related issues down the road. Plus, they're cut and shaped like wood logs, making your display look authentic. Remember, the key here is to arrange the logs to appear realistic. Alternatively, elevate your home with this stunning DIY faux wood fireplace screen.

If you associate your fireplace with light, light candles instead of wooden logs. You can pick different candle lengths, widths, and holders to make your hearth shine. You don't have to necessarily light them. They can act as pretty placeholders, regardless. So, don't be afraid of displaying your fancy candles. Or, turn basic candles into a statement piece with a stunning paper napkin hack to attract eyeballs. However, if you do light them, keep a fire screen handy to discourage mischievous children and pets from investigating the open flames. Alternatively, buy flameless candles.

Lanterns are a good alternative to candles if you need something more dramatic and gorgeous to illuminate your unused fireplace. Just place tea lights or traditional candles (battery-operated ones work, too) inside your chosen lantern to watch the magic unfold. To make a subtle statement without detracting from the glow of your hearth, nestle miniature flowers or plants inside one of the lanterns before strategically placing it among the cluster. Swap the florals out for small decor items, like disco balls or cheeky sculptures, to get the party started.

Are you looking for a temporary solution to your unused fireplace (read: unkempt and possibly sooty hearth) problem? Cover it up using bespoke panels to hide its sorry state during summer. Plus, it'll prevent curious children and pets from poking their heads inside the structure when you're not looking. Are you not a big fan of simple panels, or don't you want to spend money on a custom fit? Draw inspiration from the DIY screen above, grab a few wood planks and your favorite paint, and get your hands dirty to build an appealing summer fireplace screen yourself.

Do you always find your dogs in your bed, no matter how comfy and plush their mattress is? Carving out a dedicated space for them might help. While you can invest in an outdoor kennel, an unused fireplace can serve as a substitute for the real deal. Just ensure the structure isn't too cold or hot for them, and the mattress is fluffy and fits the alcove perfectly. Placing their favorite chew toys and food bowls near (or inside if the space allows) the hearth will give it a homey feel.

A reading nook is invaluable for a bookworm. After all, how else will they read their books peacefully and give in to their imagination? The good news is you don't need a dedicated library to make this happen. An unused fireplace is a great spot to create a cozy reading nook in your home. All you have to do is plop down a few cushions before grabbing a novel from your currently-reading pile. Fairy lights will elevate the fireplace's look. Fair warning: you might face stiff competition from introverts looking for a quiet place to hide.

Tired of running to the bar each time a visitor (or you) needs a top-off? Build a makeshift bar in your unused fireplace to quickly grab the essentials without missing the funny story your guest was regaling the crowd about. Spruce up the space with a few well-placed decor items and neon signs. The only downside is that you can't haphazardly stock bottles and glasses since your fireplace bar will be visible to all. In the case your hearth is tall enough, use it to house your bar cart when it's not in use.

A fireplace is an intimidating structure in any room, often demanding a good chunk of an individual's attention. So, why not deliberately use the space to display your precious artwork? You can display pictures, emotion-evoking sculptures, domineering figurines, eye-catching pottery, and more — the choice is entirely yours. You just have to take care of one thing: the art should match the atmosphere of your empty hearth. For instance, if the structure is all brick and stone, a sculpture (or pottery) matching its vibe will look best. Similarly, an intimidating figurine will pair wonderfully with polished marble.

Love changing your living room's decor per the season or occasion? Make your unused fireplace a part of the decorations to usher in the seasons in style. This means the fireplace mantel won't just serve as the ideal spot to hang stockings for your family members before Christmas. It'll also be decked to the nines to commemorate the delightful festival. Another example is decking out the hearth in fall-related decor or fresh blooms to welcome autumn and spring, respectively. Showcasing a theme, like nautical or bohemian decorations, is a good option, too.

While you can erase crayon marks from your wall with an easy hack, removing your child's scribbled drawings and garbled words on a daily basis can take its toll on you. An empty fireplace can come to your rescue. Simply prop a chalkboard against it. Ensure the blank canvas is big enough to give your kid the opportunity to let their inner creativity loose, or they'll move on to greener pastures, aka the walls. Besides, the board will double as a learning instrument and let you interactively teach your child the basics.

You might be familiar with the old aphorism, "fake it 'till you make it." Although channeling the confidence you don't really feel can work wonders in your professional life, you could apply the same logic to your unused fireplace. Tying up a few logs (fake ones work, too) and wrapping a string of fairy lights around them will help you achieve the desired look. Brownie points if you have a realistic fireplace grate and can place the logs over it. Take care to avoid tying up too many logs together. Group them in batches of two or three for a neater look.

If you're not one for subtle appearances and appreciate tongue-in-the-cheek gestures, make your fireplace the talk of the town with a neon fire. The hyper-realistic flames will add to the overall vibe and make for a great photo prop. The best part, though? You don't have to settle for only the neon flames. Detail-oriented homeowners can opt for colorful logs and a beautiful grate over the look to complete the traditional fireplace combo and add to the cozy ambiance. Remember to clean your neon sign to keep it shiny and bright.

The word fireplace evokes images of a cozy picture wherein you're bundled in warm blankets, sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate, and reading a book or watching a movie. Or maybe we're projecting. The point is that an unused fireplace can still evoke cozy images if you dress it appropriately for the role. Think comfortable cushions, euro pillows, and throws artfully arranged for an Instagram-worthy setup. Add cut flowers and rattan baskets to the mix for a fun and breezy look. Bonus advantage? You benefit from easy access to your plush throw whenever you want. Yay!

One of the easiest ways to refresh your unused fireplace is to give it a fresh coat of paint. But don't forget to prime it before applying paint. Choose the same color as the rest of the walls to help it become one with its surroundings. Otherwise, select a bold shade to make it the focal point in a room. However, if you're not on board with either option, combine them for a distinct finish. To elaborate, paint the hearth the same shade as the walls and frame it with a bold color for a balanced appearance.

Want to make your hearth look chic? Try tiling the interiors for a contemporary finish. Buy basic tiles for a subdued appearance, or pick funky shades and patterns to draw the eye. Otherwise, paint the insides and tile the flooring and exterior of your unused fireplace to make it stand apart. In case tiling your empty hearth doesn't fit your budget, don't discard the idea yet. Instead, use peel-and-stick stickers to get your dream look for less. You can also opt for wood paneling or shiplap to lend the structure some much-needed character.

Just because you don't feel comfortable burning wood doesn't mean your fireplace is entirely useless. Trade burning logs for an electric heater or a wood-burning stove (a general heater would work, too). This way, you can bask in the glorious heat during frigid winters and use the empty space for its intended purpose once again. Win-win! Install a heater after careful deliberation and weighing the pros and cons of an electric model and a wood-burning stove, including the heat generated and the initial investment plus long-term expense.

If you want your unused fireplace to look regal and ready at a moment's notice to charm an onlooker's heart, frame it with marble. This natural stone's varied textures, colors, and grains will add personality to your hearth and serve as an organic (pun intended) conversation starter. That being said, if the stone isn't in the cards currently, hunt down quartz or tile in a similar pattern to bring your mental snapshot to life. Another budget-friendly and temporary solution is to purchase peel-and-stick stickers (or wallpaper) and install them yourself.

The easiest way to cover your unused fireplace is to plop a chair (or another seating option) right in front of it. This way, you can add extra seating to your living or bedroom and don't have to camouflage the empty hearth behind. Brownie points if the chair faces other chairs and sofa, as this will make it easier for you and your guests to converse with each other. Consider ottomans or benches with built-in storage if you're running out of space to house textiles and trinkets.

Obsessing over Regency-era decor after binging the latest season of "Bridgerton" on Netflix? Bring home the show's sheer opulence by dressing your fireplace using an appropriate (read: antique-esque) surround. The historical charm of the surrounding tiles will delight all onlookers and give your fireplace a believable backstory. Moreover, if you reside in an old home, such surrounds will fit right in with the other decor elements in your home. Be sure to buy (or commission) a surround that exemplifies the craftsmanship of the bygone era for a vintage look.

If you'd rather not stick to a solid color to upgrade your empty fireplace's appearance, bring drama to your interior decor with textured wallpaper (oh là là!). A bold wallpaper will ensure your hearth remains the focal point in the room and continues as a visual treat. With that said, if drama isn't your middle name, go with a subtle wallpaper in pastel or neutral shades. Contact a professional to get the complex job done right, or grab some peel-and-stick wallpaper to upgrade the structure without spending a ton of money.

Homeowners who are big fans of motivational, cheesy, or cheeky signage can use them to cover their unused fireplace while lending it character. Just imagine the conversations your displayed signs will lead to! You can either prop them against your rugged hearth as soon as you're done cleaning it or apply a fresh coat of paint for a sophisticated display. Otherwise, tile or marble the hearth or stick fancy wallpaper to provide a pleasing background for the signs. You can even DIY the signs or showcase your kid's crafts here.

Missing a cabinet to display your prized art collection in your living room? Construct shelves inside your fireplace to get an instant showcase. Paint the shelves in a neutral tone for a sophisticated touch, or leave the wood be, embracing a rustic or bohemian decor style. The shelved hearth doesn't have to necessarily serve as your showcase. You can also use it as an extra storage unit to fit in all the items, like magazines, bills, trinkets, and family photographs, that don't have a set place in your home. The only caveat? You'll need doors to contain the mess inside.

Exhibit your love for all things bohemian with a stylish basket carefully tucked inside the fireplace alcove. However, your basket might be in need of saving if you place it on a soot-stained floor. So, ensure you clean the surface beforehand. Additionally, paint the structure for good measure. Don't worry. The basket doesn't have to be empty. It can be the ideal container to hold all the items you want to quickly tuck away when you have surprise guests. Or, you can always keep a blanket, a good book, and a bottle of wine tucked inside to have an impromptu picnic.