When we saw “non-working” fireplace listed in real estate ads, we used to think “What good is that?”. Then we lost our space with a working fireplace and took the mantle with us; we realized just how great a non-working fireplace i.e. a mantle, can be. Depending on what it looks like and how it is embellished, it can be a wonderful element in a room. Witness the surprising treatment of the ornate fireplace above, its interior clad with bold geometric paint or paper.

Over the years, we’ve collected a number of clever ways of ramping up the impact of a mantle without a fire…

…from turning a non-working fireplace into art...

Heike Weber
Heike Weber

…or displaying various forms of faux fire...

dollhouse fireplaces spliced

mantle with chalkboard fire

…or sort-of fire…

fireplace w candles

…to using a mantle as display

Sally Schneider
Sally Schneider

Fireplace Enzo Mari Home via aqq

via Desire to Inspire

If you’ve found illumination, joy, or inspiration in this post, please consider supporting Improvised Life. It only takes a minute to make a secure donation that helps pay our many costs. A little goes a long way towards helping Improvised Life continue to live ad-free in the world.

Support Improvised Life ♥

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *