Brooke Martin
A faux fireplace is a great way to add a cosy, stylish feature to your home. Whether you're looking to create a traditional or modern look, a DIY faux fireplace can be a low-cost, high-impact addition to your space. With some basic materials and a bit of creativity, you can build and decorate your own faux fireplace with candles to suit your style and budget. From upcycling old doors or bookshelves to using mantel kits or basic wood from the hardware store, the possibilities are endless. So, if you're dreaming of a fireplace but don't want the hassle or expense of a real one, read on to explore the creative ways to build and style your very own faux fireplace with candles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wood, plasterboard, marble, metal, cardboard, paint |
| Tools | Vacuum, nails, hammer, sander, saw |
| Steps | Purchase/build mantel, attach to wall, add candles |
| Candle Types | Flameless, taper, pillar, tea lights |
| Candle Holders | Firewood, candle lanterns, candelabras, bowls, trays |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a mantel
A fireplace mantel adds a lot of cosiness to any space and provides an opportunity for fun styling. You can purchase a mantel or create one yourself using wood from a hardware store. If you're purchasing a mantel, try flea markets, thrift stores, and Habitat Re-Stores. You can also find mantel kits at big-box stores.
If you're building your own, you can design and customise it to fit your room size and style. Consider the colour and finish of the mantel and whether you want to add any decorative elements like trim or tiles. You can also repurpose other items as a mantel, such as an old door or bookshelf.
If you already have a mantel, you can extend it to make it deeper and more functional. Add another piece of wood to the top or sides to increase depth, ensuring it's the same thickness as the original mantel. You can attach the pieces with metal brackets.
The size of your mantel will depend on the space you have available and the look you want to achieve. A wider mantel can accommodate chairs underneath, while a narrower one might be better suited for displaying candles and decorative objects.
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Sourcing materials
If you're looking for a more unique option, you could upcycle an old door or bookshelf and give it new life with some white paint and a shelf. You can also add trim to your mantel for a more ornate look. If you want a tiled frame around your fireplace, you can source tiles from a home improvement store or online. Marble tiles can add a touch of sophistication and dimension to your space.
When it comes to candles, you can opt for traditional taper candles or pillar candles in neutral hues or colourful varieties. Flameless candles are a popular choice, especially those with remote controls for easy illumination. Consider using candleholders or jars to catch any dripping wax, or go for a stand, tray, or bowl with candles for a stylish display. You can also use firewood as candle holders, but be sure to use tealights to avoid any fires.
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Assembly
To build a faux fireplace with candles, you will need to follow these steps:
First, decide on the type of candles you want to use. You can choose between coloured or neutral-hued candles, taper or pillar candles, and candles of varied heights or all the same size. If you have a gas line, make sure to use flameless candles. You can also decide whether to use candle holders or stands, or simply place the candles directly into the fireplace.
Next, prepare the space by removing any existing items from the fireplace, such as gas logs. If you have a gas line, leave the grate in place for protection and place a piece of cardboard on top of it to set the candles on. You can paint the cardboard black to match the grate. If you don't have a gas line, you may want to consider adding a tiled frame or marble tiles to your fireplace for aesthetic appeal.
Now it's time to assemble the candles. Arrange them in a way that is visually pleasing to you, playing around with different heights and types of candles to create a cosy atmosphere. If you are using candle holders, consider using tree stumps or firewood with holes drilled in them to hold tealights. You can also add other decorative items, such as pinecones, evergreens, or pumpkins, especially during the holiday season.
Finally, if you are building a freestanding faux fireplace, you will need to attach a backing to the mantel to ensure it is stable. You can also add sides to the mantel to make it deeper and more functional. Paint the mantel to match the style of your room, and consider adding a small shelf at the bottom for additional candles or decorations.
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Adding candles
Candles are a great way to add a cosy and warm look to your faux fireplace. Before you begin, you should decide on the type of candle you want to use. Flameless candles are a popular option, as they can be left lit for extended periods without the risk of fire. They also come in various colours and styles, such as taper or pillar candles, allowing you to create different looks. If you opt for real candles, be mindful of the wax dripping onto the floor and consider using candleholders, jars, or placing them on a stand, tray, or bowl.
If you have a gas line, it is important to only use flameless or faux candles. You can create a stylish display by arranging candles of varying heights and sizes in your fireplace. For a more natural look, consider using candle lanterns or candelabras. For a chic and refined touch, a metal screen with small candles can be a unique addition. If you want to get creative, you can use firewood as candle holders, but be sure to use tealights to avoid any fire hazards.
For a modern and fun look, you can opt for colourful candles. If you're styling for the holidays, consider pairing candles with evergreens, pinecones, and Christmas decorations. You can also add mirrors above or around your fireplace to reflect the warm glow of the candles. Whether you choose real or flameless candles, they will undoubtedly add a cosy and inviting atmosphere to your faux fireplace.
When placing candles in your faux fireplace, it is important to first prep the area. Remove any existing items, such as gas logs, and if you have a gas line, leave the grate in place for protection. You can then add a piece of cardboard, preferably painted black, to provide a base for your candles. This way, you can ensure a safe and stylish display of candles in your faux fireplace.
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Decorating
Choose Your Candles
Select candles that fit your desired aesthetic. You can opt for classic taper or pillar candles, or get creative with coloured or scented varieties. Consider using flameless candles, especially if you have a gas line, for a safer option that can be left lit for extended periods. These can also come with remote controls for added convenience.
Candle Holders and Displays
Use candle holders, jars, or stands to elevate your candles and catch any dripping wax. For a rustic look, consider using firewood with holes drilled in it to hold tea lights. A candle lantern, candelabra, or metal screen can also add an elegant touch to your display.
Seasonal and Holiday Decor
Style your faux fireplace with seasonal decorations to create a festive atmosphere. For example, evergreens, pinecones, and garlands can be used during the winter holidays, while fabric pumpkins and faux fur can cosy up the space for autumn.
Mantel Styling
If your faux fireplace has a mantel, style it with decorative objects such as mirrors, artwork, or seasonal accents. You can also place candles, vases with greenery arrangements, or holiday decorations like stockings on the mantel to extend your display.
Surround and Backdrop
Don't forget to style the area surrounding your faux fireplace. Consider adding a tiled frame, painting the wall, or using wallpaper to create an accent wall that complements your fireplace design.
Lighting Techniques
In addition to candles, you can use lighting to enhance the ambiance. String lights can be paired with candles for a magical look, or used separately for a modern and safe alternative to open flames.
With these decorating tips, you can create a stylish and inviting faux fireplace with candles that becomes the heart of your home.
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Frequently asked questions
You can build a faux fireplace with wood from a hardware store and paint it to fit your room's style. You can also source a marble fireplace that can be moved from one room to another. If you already have a mantel, you can add a backing to it so it's freestanding. You can also add a shelf to the bottom of the mantel to display candles.
Flameless candles are a good option for safety and convenience. You can also use taper candles or pillar candles, and choose between coloured or neutral hues.
Candles can be placed inside the fireplace, on the mantel, or on a screen that covers the fireplace. You can use candleholders or jars to catch wax. A stand, tray, or bowl with candles is also a nice idea.
You can use a candle lantern or candelabra, or a refined metal screen with small candles for a chic look. You can also add seasonal or holiday decor, such as evergreens and pinecones for Christmas, or fabric pumpkins for a cosy fall vibe.
