10 Fake Fireplace Decor Ideas Living Rooms Will Instantly Feel Warmer With
There’s just something magical about sitting in front of a fireplace. The crackle of the wood, the cozy glow, and the warmth that seems to wrap around you like a blanket. But what if you don’t have a chimney or a real fireplace at home? That’s where fake fireplace decor ideas living rooms come in to save the day. Over the years, I’ve experimented with creating cozy spaces in my own living room, even when a real fire wasn’t an option. And let me tell you—faux fireplaces can feel just as inviting.
In this post, I’ll walk you through ten creative ways to decorate a fake fireplace. These ideas range from diy cardboard frames to elegant faux mantels that can completely transform a room. I’ll even share some personal touches and favorite finds I’ve used myself. Let’s dive in and make your living room feel instantly warmer, without the need for real flames.
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1. Classic Faux Mantle Magic
A faux mantle can create a striking focal point, even if you don’t have a chimney. I love the way a simple white mantle can add architectural character to a blank wall. Dress it up with seasonal garland, candles, or pretty tiles for a polished look. Personally, I’ve used a reclaimed wooden mantle in my small apartment, and it instantly made the space feel like a charming cottage.
2. DIY Cardboard or Shallow Frame Fireplace
If you’re on a budget, try making a diy cardboard fireplace. It’s lightweight, renter-friendly, and surprisingly chic once you add paint or wallpaper. For shallow spaces, build a slim frame to give the illusion of depth without taking up valuable floor space. Add fairy lights or artificial logs inside for a whimsical glow.
3. Fake Fireplace with TV Above
One of the most practical fake fireplace decor ideas living rooms love is combining the fireplace with a TV wall. A false fireplace beneath your entertainment center creates a cozy focal point. In rooms with tall ceilings or open layouts, this trick helps balance the vertical space while still keeping the atmosphere warm.
4. Candle-Filled Fireplace Nook
If you love a romantic vibe, forget the fire—fill your fireplace with candles. Group different sizes together for dimension. I personally adore using battery-operated candles so I don’t have to worry about safety. This works especially well in shallow fireplace covers or small apartments where space is limited.
5. Bookshelf-Style Fireplace Setup
Why not make your fake fireplace functional? A clever idea is turning the empty nook into a mini library. I’ve seen gorgeous examples of fireplaces with bookshelves built right into the cover. Stack your favorite reads, add a cozy chair nearby, and you’ve got the perfect reading nook.
Amazon Pick: Flameless LED Candle Set
If you love the candle idea but worry about safety, try the Flameless LED Candle Set. These look like real wax candles, complete with flickering “flames,” but they’re completely safe for kids and pets. I use them in my faux fireplace, and guests are always surprised they’re not real!
Why You’ll Love It: They come in multiple sizes, include a remote control, and last for hours on a single charge. It’s the easiest way to create cozy glow without the mess.
✨ Click here to get the Flameless LED Candle Set on Amazon and give your fake fireplace instant warmth!
6. Decorated Mantel with Garland & Seasonal Touches
A fireplace mantle is one of the easiest spots to decorate through the seasons. Layer greenery, twinkle lights, or seasonal garland to refresh the look all year long. In December, I love draping evergreen garland across my mantle and adding stockings for that nostalgic holiday charm.
7. No Fire, Just Fairy Lights & Artificial Logs
Sometimes, less is more. For a false fireplace with no fire, try filling the space with artificial logs and weaving fairy lights through them. This gives the illusion of flickering embers. I’ve done this in my own home, and it’s a favorite cozy trick during movie nights.
Amazon Pick: Twinkle Fairy String Lights
These Twinkle Fairy String Lights are magical for filling a faux fireplace. They’re bendable, warm-toned, and battery-operated, so you can tuck them into logs or jars. When I used them in my shallow fireplace setup, the whole room glowed beautifully.
Why You’ll Love It: Flexible copper wire makes them easy to arrange, and they’re safe to leave on for hours. Plus, they add that dreamy sparkle to your living room.
✨ Grab the Fairy String Lights on Amazon and bring soft, cozy magic into your fireplace design!
8. Fake Brick & Pretty Tile Surrounds
To elevate a faux fireplace, add a surround of fake brick or pretty tiles. This instantly makes the fireplace feel permanent and architectural. I once added peel-and-stick tile around mine, and the transformation was jaw-dropping. Rustic brick adds warmth, while patterned tiles bring in modern flair.
9. Grand Statement Fireplace for Large Living Rooms
If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious home with large living rooms or tall ceilings, consider a floor-to-ceiling statement piece. Oversized mantels, bold surrounds, or even faux stone can anchor the room. Even as a false fireplace with no fire, the sheer scale will impress.
10. Minimal & Shallow Fireplace Cover
For small apartments, a shallow fireplace cover is perfect. Keep it minimal with artificial logs, a few candles, or even framed art inside. I once styled mine with a single oversized print and a simple strand of fairy lights, and it became my favorite cozy corner.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are endless ways to embrace fake fireplace decor ideas living rooms can feel warmer with. Whether you go with a rustic fake brick surround, a creative diy cardboard design, or a stylish mantel with garland, your living room can transform into the coziest spot in your home. I’ve personally tried several of these methods, and each one has brought a unique charm to my space.
So go ahead—pick one of these ideas, grab a few cozy accessories, and create a fireplace look that fits your home and style. Because sometimes, all it takes is a little creativity to make a house feel like home.