25 Unique Ideas for Decorating an Empty Fireplace

An unused fireplace doesn’t have to be wasted space—it can actually become one of the most charming spots in your home. Check out these creative ideas to turn your empty fireplace into a stylish and eye-catching feature.

If you’ve got an old fireplace just sitting there collecting dust, you’re not alone.

And finding unused fireplace decorating ideas can actually be fun and can totally change the vibe of your space.

You can turn that dead spot into something cute and functional, instead of letting it sit there feeling blank.

Wondering how to decorate a non-working fireplace? You can try with stacking logs (no joke, it’s weirdly satisfying) to filling the firebox with candles for extra chill vibes.

Some folks go all out for the holidays—seasonal fireplace decor ideas are next-level for Christmas, fall, or just switching things up for summer.

If you’re itching for fresh, practical ways to style an unused fireplace, you’ll love these empty fireplace decor ideas I’ve pulled together.

Let’s give that old hearth a little glow-up!

How to Style an Unused Fireplace

Transform with Shelving

One of my favorite unused fireplace decorating ideas is installing shelves right in the firebox.

Fill a dead fireplace with cool box shelves or custom wood planks—you just pop in the shelves and boom, instant nook for books, candles, or even baskets of board games.

You can go farmhouse style with rustic wood shelves, or keep it modern with crisp white paint.

If you’re big on seasonal decor, swap out what’s on your shelves every few months—mini pumpkins in the fall, little ornament displays at Christmas.

It’s also a smart space for hidden storage. Add bins or baskets to the lower shelves to store throw blankets or kids’ toys out of sight.

Create an Indoor Garden

If you’re lost on what to do with an unused fireplace, go green.

A nonfunctional fireplace makes a cute little mini-garden inside.

All you need are a few potted plants—go wild with ferns, pothos, even succulents for low effort.

I absolutely love when people are placing potted plants or greenery in the fireplace because it feels fresh, especially in the middle of winter.

You could even add a mirror in the back to give everything a little more light and make it look bigger.

Related posts: 28+ Spring Mantel Decor Ideas

Build a Cozy Reading Nook

If you have big empty firebox (I wish I have someday) that doesn’t work, just grab a few pillows, rolled in a sheepskin rug, and create a chill reading nook right inside the hearth.

Line the firebox with pillows you can squish around, add a low stool or a small shelf around the opening for placing tea, snacks, or your book stack.

Chuck a soft blanket in a basket by the opening, or throw a vintage fireplace screen in front for some extra style points.

If you want, string up some fairy lights or add battery candles for cozy fireplace vibes without the heat.

Display an Eye-Catching Screen

Plopping down an ornate or bold fireplace screen is basically the go-to move for how to decorate a non-working fireplace.

There are tons of designs out there—wrought iron scrolls for a fancy, old-school feel or minimalist metal panels if you want more of those modern empty fireplace design vibes.

A screen is perfect if you love changing out your seasonal fireplace decor ideas.

At Christmas, you can add string lights behind it and, for fall, tuck some tiny pumpkins in front.

Decorative Box

Using a cute box is underrated when it comes to decorating an empty fireplace.

A decorative box can be wood, metal, or even a woven basket with a lid—anything that fits the size of your firebox works.

Look for something with a little personality: carved details, hand-painted finishes, or a vintage trunk if you’re into thrifting.

The best part? Storage.

Use it for storage too, like holding board games, extra cords, or winter scarves if your apartment is tiny and you need space hacks.

Style a Coastal-Inspired Theme

Summer lovers? Bring in those beachy feels with a coastal-inspired theme.

Start by mini boat, blue candles and jars, a bit of string lights in the firebox (don’t forget to add seashells too, a lot of them)

Light blue or soft sandy beige paint around the fireplace can make things pop, especially if your room needs a breath of fresh air.

Add String Lights or Lanterns

String lights are my favorite for unused fireplace decor.

You can pile them up inside your empty fireplace for a glowing cluster or drape them loosely for a more relaxed look.

For farmhouse style, try mixing in lanterns with the fairy lights—classic black metal lanterns feel rustic, but glass ones give off modern empty fireplace design inspiration vibes.

Battery-operated lights work best since you don’t have to worry about cords everywhere.

If you’re into seasonal fireplace decor, it’s easy to swap out the style: little pumpkins and orange string lights for fall, or go bolder with Christmas empty fireplace decorations.

Highlight with Candles

Filling the fireplace with candles instantly changes the mood, especially for those late-night hangs when you want a softer vibe.

Mix chunky pillar candles with tiny votives for warm, layered lighting.

Tea lights is something quick and easy to experiment with because it is very possible to have them already, and if you buy them they are cheap.

If open flames make you nervous, LED candles are a solid swap.

Stack them on fireproof trays or inside clear glass hurricanes for extra style and peace of mind.

“Fill the fireplace with candles” is honestly one of the most-searched ideas for decorating a dead fireplace—you get instant cozy, no fuss.

Candles work perfectly for vintage fireplace decor too, no fire needed!

Decorative Storage

Building shelves inside your old hearth? Total transformation if you’re short on space.

I’ve seen people pop in box shelves right inside the firebox and suddenly have a cute spot for books, baskets, or even vinyl records.

You can also grab install shelves in the firebox for display or storage kits if you’re not into complicated DIY projects.

On a tight budget? Thrift store baskets or upcycled bins look pretty charming and make the area feel intentional.

Arrange Stylish Firewood Displays

Fake it like you’ve got a roaring fire going by stacking logs in an empty fireplace.

Mix bigger wood chunks with smaller kindling for that rustic vibe.

It’s a super quick way to answer the old “what to do with an unused fireplace” question.

If logs aren’t your thing, use a decorative basket and fill it with pretty birch logs or even painted sticks.

I’m a sucker for rustic empty fireplace decorating ideas for fall or winter.

If you’re more modern, sleek trunks or faux cement logs can work too.

Refresh with Paint or Wallpaper

Nothing wakes up an old non-working fireplace like a splash of color or a bold wallpaper print.

You can go all-in on dramatic black paint for a modern empty fireplace design, or keep it chill with classic white for that farmhouse style.

Patterns make the opening pop and are actually easy to swap out when your mood changes.

This kind of decor for a sealed fireplace opening is perfect if you want high impact on a decorating budget—way cheaper than tiling, and way less messy.

Swap in Seasonal Decor

Here’s where it gets fun. You can totally change the vibe of your spot by rotating seasonal decor.

In the fall, pop a few chunky pumpkins and lanterns inside for instant fall decor.

Winter? Go for Christmas empty fireplace decorations like wrapped presents or a string of fairy lights.

Spring and summer are calling for potted plants or a basket with fresh greenery.

Blankets in a decorative basket works great, and you could even stack logs in an empty fireplace if you’re into rustic looks.

Play around and pick what feels right!

That’s the best part about figuring out “how to style an unused fireplace”—it’s all about what makes your space feel homey to you.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are the best ways to style an empty fireplace in my living room?

You can pretty much start anywhere, but simple is always cute.

Try adding potted plants, pop some string lights inside, or fill the space with a bunch of pillar candles for a soft glow at night.

Honestly, empty fireplace decor ideas like stacking logs give instant rustic vibes, while placing a mirror inside can bounce light and make your space look bigger.

I’ve also seen people go full-out by turning the hearth into a mini bookshelf—it’s actually adorable.

Can you suggest some DIY decoration ideas for a non-functioning fireplace?

If you want to get hands-on, line the inside with peel-and-stick wallpaper for a surprise pop of color or pattern.

For the holidays, toss in a basket with blankets or fake presents to make it feel festive.

Mess around with seasonal fireplace decor ideas—a bunch of pumpkins in fall, twinkly Christmas lights in winter, or even simple faux greenery for a farmhouse feel.

Any tips on making an empty fireplace a focal point during the holidays?

I always pile in wrapped faux presents and twinkly string lights for Christmas empty fireplace decorations.

You can also tuck in garlands, oversized ornaments, or even dangle stockings from the mantel, even if there’s no fire below.

For fall, toss in a bunch of pumpkins or warm lanterns. I swear, adding seasonal touches can turn any dead fireplace into the main event at your holiday hangouts.