topic Re: Fireplace in Home

Fireplace

crazered — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 12:01:16 GMT

Any ideas on how to decorated the inside of a fireplace?

Re: Fireplace

on the bay — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 12:07:54 GMT

@crazered,

I used to put pretty birch logs inside ours. We had real birch trees around but I have also seen artificial ones.

Some people put different heights of battery operated candles in them.

Re: Fireplace

JeanLouiseFinch — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 13:04:41 GMT

I've seen candle displays inside a fireplace. First remove the screen, tools, log rack and clean it out. Get a long multiple candle holder, with staggered levels, that would normally be used as a centerpiece, and arrange it inside the fireplace. The other option would be to get an assortment of separate holders in varying heights, to give a similar effect. Depending on what you like, this can be done with votives or pillar candles.

I also think it could be pretty to get a beautifully painted large bowl or vase (talavera or similar, or even more understated to fit your taste) and fill it with a professionally designed floral arrangement that would complement the room decor. It would never go in my house but I think talavera painting is striking.

Re: Fireplace

ThinkingOutLoud — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 13:40:20 GMT

some of what google pulled up:

lanterns

stacks of books

log stack (with ends visible)

old suitcases

tall baskets of flowers

plants

chalkboard drawing of a fire

turning it into shelves to display items

Re: Fireplace

On It — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:03:01 GMT

I see some excellent suggestions here. My advice would be concerning whether the fireplace is functional. If it is a working fireplace I would not compromise the ability to use it as a secondary heat source. Unfortunately, stuff happens like in Texas a couple of years ago. You could need to use it as your only source of warmth.

If the fireplace is not functional, then treat it as a showcase. Back in the day, we had a collection of forest gnomes and wood spirits that were displayed on varying heights of wooden shelves (think cat climbing tree.) Our fireplace was functional so we surrounded it rather than using the firebox. Blue and white vases and jars might be more appropriate in a more formal home. Have fun and enjoy your new feature.

Re: Fireplace

faeriemoon — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:16:25 GMT

They make fireplace candelabras. It's a great place to burn candles.

Re: Fireplace

justashopper — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:30:00 GMT

I like all the ideas! flowers or logs or candles seems the most common. What about a fish tank! LOL

Re: Fireplace

Bhvbum — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:44:49 GMT

Just Google: how to decorate the inside of the fireplace. Lots of good ideas. The last thing I would've thought of was a collection of succulents, which would be great in the summertime.

Re: Fireplace

Bhvbum — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:42:40 GMT

Another good idea that would look nice all year long, logs wrapped in little white lights.

Re: Fireplace

SilleeMee — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:50:48 GMT

If you want the look of a fire, there are electronic screen inserts which come with or w/o heaters. They are sold by size according to your fireplace opening.

Re: Fireplace

LindaSal — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:09:01 GMT

I like the candelabra idea, the photo is quite pretty. I also like the Birch tree pieces. We have a gas insert fireplace in our townhouse and I have several Birch tree logs in a firewood rack next to it. It looks really nice! I don't care for the plants, seems to me plants don't belong in a firebox. JMO. Have fun with it, lots of good ideas to consider.

Re: Fireplace

Kachina624 — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 17:04:56 GMT

@Bhvbum Succulents take bright light. Is that going to be available in a fireplace?

Re: Fireplace

sweetee2 — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 17:43:54 GMT

Where I live during the Winter it gets very cold so we block ours off. Hubby bought a sheet of insulation and cut it to fit tight up against the opening. If you don't it sucks the heat in your house up the flue. In summer I have Valerie's lanterns that look like flames on all the times.

Re: Fireplace

DSD2 — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 18:10:48 GMT

Some excellent suggestions have already been posted.

Our fire place is non-functioning.

I purchased two painted fireplace screens that cover the opening. The first is particle board (looks like wood) with a pretty summer flower scene. The other is wood and it's painted navy blue with glistening white snow and winter trees. I bought it at a store that sold country furniture many years ago and not seen anything like it since but am sure there are similar items out there, perhaps Etsy.

I hope you find something you love for yourself!

Re: Fireplace

QVC101 — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 18:20:54 GMT

My fireplace is capped, therefore unusable for its intended purpose. I have chosen to use it as a "stage" for seasonal display. For fall I had light up pumpkins and autumn leaves, Christmas was candy cane trees and Santa. For winter I changed out the candy cane trees for wicker trees and a Santa for a snowman. There are fairy lights on the trees and woven into the "snow" so there is light and of course a couple Luminara candles. Have fun with it!

Re: Fireplace

ECBG — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 21:57:49 GMT

I put an antique basket of ferns in the fireplace until I'm ready to make a spring arrangement.

Re: Fireplace

ECBG — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 22:10:55 GMT

@faeriemoon wrote:
They make fireplace candelabras. It's a great place to burn candles.

If the flame was battery powered, greenery worked around would be very pretty!!!

Re: Fireplace

alliswell — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 02:14:10 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
I've seen candle displays inside a fireplace. First remove the screen, tools, log rack and clean it out. Get a long multiple candle holder, with staggered levels, that would normally be used as a centerpiece, and arrange it inside the fireplace. The other option would be to get an assortment of separate holders in varying heights, to give a similar effect. Depending on what you like, this can be done with votives or pillar candles.

I also think it could be pretty to get a beautifully painted large bowl or vase (talavera or similar, or even more understated to fit your taste) and fill it with a professionally designed floral arrangement that would complement the room decor. It would never go in my house but I think talavera painting is striking.

@JeanLouiseFinch I had to look up "talavera" -wow

"The name Talavera, as applied to this ware, alludes to the city of Talavera de la Reina, the major producer of colorful maiolica in Spain, from the sixteenth to the mid-eighteenth century." An example of talavera:

Re: Fireplace

moonandthestars — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 03:00:31 GMT

@ThinkingOutLoud Great ideas - I really love the idea of a chalkboard drawing of a fire! I will def. use that one day.

I saw in a magazine a stack of logs, think they were white birch, layed in the fireplace so the ends showed out - and they had painted the ends of the logs with decorative colors. It really looked good. Would be perfect for the right space.

edited to add: everyone has posted great ideas! lots of posting happened while I was typing .......

Re: Fireplace

Group 5 minus 1 — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 11:34:13 GMT

How about a fire? We had our many fireplaces converted to gas logs and just love them.