“In the absence of light and friends a crackling fire is a good companion,” a poet named Atticus once wrote. If you’re fortunate enough to have a fireplace, clearly the best thing to put in it is a fire. If open flames are prohibited in your home, or it’s simply too hot to have an indoor fire, don’t let that space sit empty and sad; fill it with something eye-catching instead.
15 Ways to Fill Your Empty Fireplace
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Books
We would never in a million years advocate the rebirth of book-burning, but a fireplace does make a quaint setting for all of your favorite reads. Stack with spines facing out to inspire small talk or give visitors something to do during downtime.
Photo: @ginevraheld on Instagram.
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Art
Eyes are naturally drawn to that gaping hole in the wall, so put something worth looking at in your fireplace. Brownie points if it's a piece of art that looks back at you!
Photo: @theavantgarb on Instagram.
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Vases
There's something sensual about the undulating curves of a vase. Limit your fireplace to three vases to avoid overwhelm. Consider inserting sticks, branches, or stems to add height.
Photo: @aga_ferenc on Instagram.
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A Mirror
Mirrors create the illusion of spaciousness and lighten up a room. Affix a mirror to the back wall of your fireplace and accessorize with subtle, symmetrical details.
Photo: @golius_drona on Instagram.
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Fire Screen
A fire screen that keeps you safe from the blaze is a smart purchase that can also be stylish and sculptural. This one is by Del and Brenda Williams exclusively for Christopher Anthony Ltd in Palm Springs. We likey.
Photo: @christopheranthonyltd on Instagram.
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Stones
Sleek, gray, and understated. Stones are sophistication exemplified.
Photo: @erinadamsdesigns on Instagram.
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Wood Panels
If you've decided to close off your fireplace permanently and are handy with a tape measure and a saw, hand-cut wood paneling is one way to go about it. Measure carefully and seek out an expert if you're even the slightest bit unsure how to execute this project.
Photo: @envyhousedesigns on Instagram.
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Cultural Artifacts
If you're an eclectic decorator or an avid traveler, a fireplace can double as a showcase for cultural artifacts or souvenirs.
Photo: @getluxapp on Instagram.
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Candles
For those nights when a full-on fire is too much heat, but you still want the romantic glow of flames, stagger some candles in your hearth. Try a variety of shapes and sizes to keep it visually interesting, but keep all your candles in the same color scheme for continuity.
Photo: @churchstreetdesigns on Instagram.
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Twinkle Lights
Like candles, twinkle lights are an easy and inexpensive way to visually trick yourself into thinking there's a fire in your fireplace. Unlike candles, lights won't leave wax or soot stains everywhere. They're also a wise choice for those who are apt to forget to extinguish lit wicks before falling asleep at night.
Photo: @olaboola on Instagram.
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Plants
Put some life in your fireplace with greenery. Rather than just one sad plant, pack 'em in and make it appear as bountiful as a garden.
Photo: @kenah_deco on Instagram.
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Flowers
Flowers provide the same natural breath of fresh air as plants, but with the added bonus of bursts of color. If displayed in a vase, change water frequently and use flower food to keep blooms fresh. Not up for all that maintenance? Fake flowers are rarely recommended by interior designers, but if you insist, invest in quality, realistic-looking ones and know that you'll have to dust them from time to time.
Photo: @wildaboutflower on Instagram.
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Chalkboard
If there are little ones living under your roof, a fireplace might seem like just another injury waiting to happen. Rather than put up a tacky-looking baby gate, try a chalkboard in the fireplace instead. It will transform a forbidden area that requires constant monitoring into a creativity station for the kids.
Photo: @whimsylove5 on Instagram.
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Unusual Firewood
Rather than your standard pile of maple of oak firewood, find trees that have unique character, texture, or coloring, and chop 'em up. For an elegant touch, try birchwood. Play around with thinner and thicker logs. Change the look by standing the wood up vertically or displaying with the cut side facing out.
Photo: @hattiehatfield on Instagram.
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Booze
Because for some, home is where the liquor stash is. Keep it on the floor because that's where you'll end up at the end of the night anyway.
Photo: @authordiannahardy on Instagram.
