At a friend’s house over the holidays, I noticed that they had decorated the inside of their non working fireplace with beautiful logs wrapped in white Christmas lights. In lieu of a fire, the string of lights provided a beautiful glow in the room! Whether you have a non working fireplace or a working one that you’re not currently using, you can make use of the space with these creative and decorative ideas for non working fireplaces.
![TIDBITS-&-TWINE---10-Decorative-Ideas-for-Non-Working-Fireplaces](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-10-Decorative-Ideas-for-Non-Working-Fireplaces.jpg)
1. Candles
Candles are an instant way to add the flicker or a flame.
![{via Decor4All}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-with-Candles.jpg)
2. Logs
Or you could fill the opening with decorative logs, either natural or painted.
![{via House to Home}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-with-Stacked-Wood.jpg)
![{via The Art of Doing Stuff}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Colored-Logs.jpg)
3. Shadow Box
The firebox can also be used as a giant shadow box to highlight your favorite items in a large-scale vignette.
![{via One Kings Lane}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-with-Tortoise-Shell1.jpg)
![{via Homedit}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-Vintage-Vignette.jpg)
4. Bookcase
If you add a few shelves, you can make it a unique bookcase.
![TIDBITS & TWINE Fireplace Shelving](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-Shelving1.jpg)
5. Canvas
Close it up and paint it with chalkboard paint and you’ll have an instant canvas to showcase your creativity!
![TIDBITS & TWINE Chalkboard Fire Image](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Chalkboard-Fire-Image.jpg)
![TIDBITS & TWINE Childrens Chalkboard Fireplace](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Childrens-Chalkboard-Fireplace.jpg)
6. Seasonal
You can always rotate out the decor and dress it up seasonally!
![{via One Kings Lane}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-with-Pumpkins.jpg)
![{via Better Homes & Gardens}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Nonworking-Fireplace-at-Christmas.jpg)
7. Collections
You can also use it to showcase your collections.
![TIDBITS & TWINE Bookcase](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Bookcase.jpg)
![{via Picklee}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Seashells-in-Fireplace.jpg)
8. Pet Bed
Looking for a cozy spot for your pet! Try turning your fireplace into a pet bed.
![TIDBITS & TWINE Fireplace Dog Bed](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-Dog-Bed.jpg)
9. Planter
A plant {or even several} can add some color and organic texture to an otherwise sterile space.
![{via Apartment Therapy}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Nonworking-Fireplace-Plants.jpg)
10. Wood
And when all else fails, just add a few logs and no one will know the difference…
![{via Picklee}](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/TIDBITS-TWINE-Fireplace-with-Wood.jpg)
Which of these ideas for non working fireplaces would you be willing to try in your home?
![](https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Updated-Signature.jpg)
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I love the first one pictured as I have a corner in my dining room that I have never known quite what to do with. I live in the desert and do not have a fireplace. Frankly, people who do, only use them once in a blue moon. I would love to know how to get something like the first one, A little less ornate, but I love it! My house is shabby chic! Thanks!
Stunning & phenomenal article. Just brilliant & lovely. Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful article. Keep this up.
I absolutely love the fire wood stacked within the hearth! Great feature!
xo. Leslie
Segreto Finishes
Kim,
What original ideas for a fireplace opening. We have a fireplace and I love it. We burn real wood and during the winter months I use it nearly nightly. Still, I have a very good friend that has a fireplace that cannot draw properly. The candle idea is wonderful and just as warm and glowing as a fire. I also like the idea of the twinkle light lit logs.
xo,
Karen
I absolutely adore the idea of setting up candles in the fireplace, looks so romantic and elegant. I found the doggy bed idea cute as well, I just hope the vent was closed off so the dog stays warm. :) Thank you for sharing!