Fireplace DIY

I love the charm and warmth a fireplace adds to a home. It makes an entire room seem more intimate and cozy. Before deciding on our home, we looked at dozens of houses with both functional and non-working fireplaces. For me, it wasn’t a deal breaker if a fireplace didn’t function. There are so many ways to style a fireplace without having wood burning capabilities. Although our fireplace does have a gas hookup- we have yet to invest in expensive gas logs. Yesterday, I awoke to find snow on the ground and with the holidays just around the corner, I decided it was time to make our fireplace feel seasonally appropriate.

holiday_fireplace

I spent a long time ideating what sort of objects I could fill the fireplace with: books, stacked birch firewood, magazines, plants, a large basket, artwork… and I finally landed on the obvious- candles. It’s been done a thousand times, but I wanted the space to literally feel warm and I knew it had to have some sort of flame. Unlike other candle-filled fireplaces, I really wanted the candles to feel plentiful. The key to pulling off this look is lots of pillar candles of varying sizes. Take the number of candles you think you might need, then double it. Choose different shades of white candles to add depth. Another styling tip is to add candle holders or bases. This helps add shape and height to the candle landscape, making them appear more stylized. I love the way the vignette glows at night, too:

holiday_fireplace_night

This holiday season I plan to decorate with neutrals. Luxurious textures help this space feel more inviting. I layered a sheepskin on top of a cowhide rug, anchored by a fur ottoman, industrial table, mongolian lamb pillow, and a cable knit throw. This is the first room you see when entering through our front door, so I wanted it to be a comfortable space where I can kick off my shoes after work, curl up with a book, and relax.

Here’s how to get the look:

fireplace_diy

Sources: Candle Holders (available in multiple sizes) //  Pillar candles (available in different colors/sizes- it’s easiest to select them in person at your local Ikea) // Cable Knit Throw // Nate Berkus Ottoman (sold-out online at Target; check your local store- they still have them at mine) // Sheepskin // Tripod Antler Candlesticks // Felt Garland // Accordion Side Table // Nate Berkus Tray (sold-out at Target) // Mongolian Lamb Pillow

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4 Comments

  1. oh super cute! just lovely…if I had a non-working fireplace, I would do something like this. The candles really make it cozy with all that plush texture!

  2. Hi!
    I love this idea and I am going to do it with my place!
    Could you give me the size of candles you used?
    Thanks!

    1. Thanks Victoria, I just used a variety of pillar candle sizes. I’d mix 5-6 different heights!