25 Faux Fireplace Ideas That Will Shine in Any Room

With faux fireplace mantels becoming more and more popular (along with the fact that many people live in homes or apartment units with fireplaces that no longer function), determining how to best decorate a nonworking fireplace can be tricky. We've rounded up 25 ideas for those looking to add a little oomph to their living room. Wallpaper, framed artwork, and yes, even chalkboards can make a major impact.

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Play With Tiles

Hattie

Don't like the existing tiles on your fireplace? Make a swap like Instagrammer Hattie did and opt for stick-on replacements instead. Then place some candles—real or battery-operated—inside for a romantic glow.

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Go Faux

Tyler Hooks Photo for Laura Metzler Photo

Fake logs look just as lovely as real ones do! If you have a more contemporary setup but are looking for a small touch of rustic charm, as seen in Instagrammer Molly's space above, don't be shy to add a few.

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Get Artsy

Meghan / Instagram

Leaning some art against the back of your faux mantel is a great way to display favorite works and add some intrigue, particularly if the top of the fireplace is styled in a more minimalistic fashion, like Instagrammer Meghan's.

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Chill Candles

Laura Metzler / Instagram

Designer Shannon filled her faux mantel solely with candles for a moody vibe. If you have a more intricate looking fireplace like this, you may wish to go more simple with decor.

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Style a Stack

Shelby / Instagram

Blogger and Instagrammer Shelby artfully displayed books on the inside of her faux mantel. A stack of regular novels can look extra sophisticated when the spines are turned inward.

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Get Intricate

Mallory Fletchall / Instagram

Standing books upright can be a wonderful way to showcase them. Instagrammer Mallory Fletchall topped off one of her stacks with a vase, adding some cheery color to the mix.

51 Mantel Decor Ideas and Tips from Experts

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Showcase Some Plants

Leslie / Instagram

It never hurts to give your plants some extra attention! Blogger and Instagrammer Leslie set a vibrant fern front and center in her fireplace. And if you don't have a green thumn, fake plants will look just as beautiful as real ones.

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Put Up Some Paper

Paige

Papering the back of one's faux mantel is a popular choice, whether you choose to print out quotes or just opt for random text. Instagrammer Paige's setup looks nice and rustic.

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Station a Stool

Tina and Taylor / Instagram

One positive about having a nonworking fireplace? There's no risk when it comes to placing furniture right in front of it, so go ahead and use the space for extra seating. Instagrammers Tina and Taylor put a stool in front of the fireplace, which adds country charm but is also nice and functional.

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Bring Out a Bench

Tracy / Instagram

Alternatively, opt for a larger bench that can be pushed right up against the mantel and use it to style a fun display. Designer Tracy covered hers with colorful coffee table books.

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Group Your Ginger Jars

Meredith / Instagram

The base of a nonworking fireplace makes for a fabulous spot to display a collection. In the case of Instagrammer Meredith, that meant busting out the ginger jars!

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Let It Glow

Holly

If you like the look of candles but are itching to incorporate a little more variety, look no further than Instagrammer Holly's setup, which features a mix of lanterns as well as a few plain candles. The assortment of designs adds plenty of character.

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Sort It Out

Elle / Instagram

Instagrammer Elle placed a sweet wooden piece with cubby sized compartments inside of her fireplace, and the slots make for fun (and kid-friendly) toy storage.

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Try Some Chalk

Kalyn / Instagram

The back of the fireplace makes for a lovely spot to either hang a chalkboard or add some chalkboard paint. Instagrammer Kalyn shows how easy it is to integrate the board into a holiday setup, too.

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Display Dried Flowers

Jessica / Instagram

Dried flowers are a type of decor that we don't forsee tiring of anytime soon. Instagrammer Jessica placed an oversized vase of them in the center of her nonworking fireplace for an easy yet impactful fix.

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Stack It Up

Christina / Instagram

One bench is lovely, but there's nothing wrong with a stack of two, either! Instagrammer Christina created a charming setup with a couple of petite seats. Bonus, you can pull them out as extra seats when guests come over.

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Add Some Wallpaper

Megan / Instagram

Covering the back of your mantel brings tons of pep and color to the room its in. Instagrammer Megan opted for a floral wrapping paper print that pairs perfectly with the live flowers in the space.

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Stand It Up

@fourwallsandwinston / Instagram

Instagrammer @fourwallsandwinston sourced a plant and stand that fit in her small fireplace opening perfectly. The green leaves provide a nice contrast to the black and white tile.

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Plug It In

Mary Jo / Instagram

If you have an outlet accessible, why not place a lamp inside your fireplace for a quirky—yet quite useful—touch? Designer Mary Jo placed hers atop bed of moss, making the light appear less harsh.

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Showcase a Face

Molly Kate / Instagram

Something as grand as a favorite bust sculpture needs an extra special home. Place it inside the mantel opening like Instagrammer Molly Kate did in her space. It adds some welcome sass—bonus points if you, too, dress your sculpture up with an accessory!

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Fake Some Brick

Audrey / Instagram

Craving a brick backdrop but don't want to go about sourcing the real thing? Take a cue from Instagrammer Audrey and install some brick wallpaper behind your mantel instead.

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Build Your Own Bookshelf

Carrie / Instagram

Instagrammer Carrie has chosen to go a bit more over the top and fit books into every open nook and cranny. This setup isn't for those who plan to easily access their favorite novels, but it does bring major cozy, library vibes to any room.

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Keep It Plain

Nichol / Instagram

If you're more of a minimalist, keep decor to a minimum, particularly if your mantel already features an ornate mirror, as is the case with Instagrammer Nichol. If you have something as fabulous as this mirror, paint the mantel to match the wall to let the real star shine.

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Jazz Things Up With Wood

Carly / Instagram

Just because working fireplaces often have brick doesn't mean your non-working one has to have it too. Wood panels also make for beautiful fireplace backing and pair well with farmhouse style rooms like Instagrammer Carly's.

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Set Out a Basket

Tina and Taylor / Instagram

Instagrammers Tina and Taylor also styled a fireplace with a basket full of pillows at the bottom—it's an ideal setup for households in which lounging is most definitely encouraged.