A fake fireplace is my favorite way to give a room instant “architecture” and cozy vibes without touching a chimney or gas line. I’ve built and styled a bunch of faux fireplaces in my Portland workshop, and these ideas are the ones I’d recommend if you want big impact without the big renovation.
Layered Candle Glow Inside
When I’m after warm ambiance, I cluster LED pillar candles in different heights inside the fake fireplace opening. I’ve styled this for winter nights in my shop studio, and it gives you that gentle “firelight” look without the mess.
Possibly handy products:
- Flameless LED Pillar Candle Set: Recreate the warm glow safely by arranging this set of candles in varying heights within your fireplace.
- Round Woven Rattan Serving Tray: Group your candles on a textured tray like this to anchor the display and add rustic warmth.
- Large White Woven Storage Basket: Fill empty floor space nearby with a textured basket to store throw blankets and complete the cozy look.
Classic Painted Wood Mantel Surround
When I want that timeless look, I build a simple faux fireplace mantel with basic trim and paint it a soft white so it reads like original millwork. You’ll be shocked how fast a flat wall turns into a focal point once the mantel is in place.
You might like:
- Pre-Primed Fireplace Mantel Surround: Instantly create a stunning focal point with a ready-to-paint mantel surround that installs easily over existing drywall.
- Decorative Architectural Crown Molding: Add custom detail to your DIY mantel build using classic crown molding to achieve that high-end millwork look.
- Faux Brick Wall Panels: Line the inside of your new faux firebox with texture-rich panels to mimic the appearance of real masonry.
Shiplap Feature Wall Fireplace
I’ve framed a fake fireplace and wrapped the whole wall in shiplap to make the room feel taller and way more finished. If you like modern farmhouse style, this one gives you that “built-in” look with pretty beginner-friendly cuts.
Try these:
- Electric Fireplace Insert: Instantly add warmth and ambiance to your framed structure with a sleek, recessed electric heating insert unit.
- White Shiplap Paneling Boards: Create that clean, crisp modern farmhouse vertical aesthetic easily using pre-primed wood or PVC shiplap boards.
- Rustic Wood Floating Mantel: Complete the look by installing a solid, rough-hewn timber beam or floating shelf for authentic natural texture.
Faux Brick Firebox Backing
One of my go-to upgrades is lining the firebox area with faux brick (or a brick-look panel) so the opening doesn’t feel empty. I did this in a bedroom project and it instantly made the fake fireplace feel more believable and textured.
Give these a look:
- 3D White Faux Brick Wall Panels: Transform your firebox instantly with peel-and-stick panels that offer realistic texture without the hassle of mortar.
- Textured White Brick Wallpaper: Create a convincing backdrop easily using high-quality wallpaper that mimics the look of painted masonry perfectly.
- Decorative Fireplace Log Set: Complete the illusion by stacking natural-looking wood inside your new brick-lined opening for cozy, rustic charm.
Neatly Stacked Log Firebox
I love filling a faux fireplace firebox with neatly stacked split logs or birch rounds because it brings in real wood grain and that cabin cozy vibe. In my own builds, this is the fastest way to make a fake fireplace look intentional without adding anything electrical.
Might be a good match:
- Decorative Birch Logs: Fill your firebox with white birch logs to instantly add texture and a bright, natural aesthetic.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Store extra wood or blankets stylishly beside your hearth using woven baskets to enhance the rustic charm.
- Dried Pampas Grass: Add height and soft, natural tones to your mantel display with tall, fluffy dried pampas grass.
Matte Black Minimal Box Fireplace
I once painted a boxy fake fireplace surround in a deep matte black, and it turned into instant modern drama against light walls. If you’re into high contrast, this is such an easy way to make the mantel feel bold and intentional.
A few choices to try:
- Ultra Matte Black Furniture Paint: Achieve that dramatic, modern look by applying a high-quality, flat finish paint to your mantel.
- Decorative Dried Pampas Grass: Soften the bold black lines and add organic texture to your display with natural dried grasses.
- Modern White Ceramic Vase: Create striking contrast against the dark mantel by displaying textural white ceramics on the top shelf.
Salvaged Mantel on a Blank Wall
Whenever I can, I hunt down a reclaimed mantel and build a faux fireplace around it, because the nicks and old wood grain make it feel “real” right away. I’ve cleaned up some pretty rough pieces in my workshop, and they always become the star of the room.
A few relevant products:
- Reclaimed Wood Beam Mantel: Instantly add rustic character to your space by installing a chunky, rough-hewn wood shelf as your focal point.
- Faux Brick Wall Panels: Create a convincing fireplace interior easily by lining the back of your firebox with textured, paintable panels.
- Matte Terracotta Vase: Style your new mantel with organic textures using earthy, matte ceramic vessels perfect for holding dried stems.
Rental-Friendly Freestanding Mantel
For rentals, I’ve made a lightweight faux fireplace mantel that sits against the wall and can be moved later—no permanent demo required. You can still style the mantel shelf with art and candles and get that cozy centerpiece vibe.
Useful items to consider:
- Wooden Fireplace Mantel Surround: Instantly create a focal point in your rental with a freestanding wooden mantel that requires zero renovation.
- Flameless LED Pillar Candle Set: Add a warm, safe glow to your hearth without real fire hazards using realistic flameless pillar candles.
- Iron Candle Holder Tray: Organize your candle display and mimic the look of a real grate with a simple iron tray.
Painted Arch Faux Fireplace
I’ve helped friends fake a whole fireplace just by painting an arched “opening” and adding a slim mantel ledge above it. It sounds almost too simple, but you’ll get that architectural shape without building a deep firebox.
A few things you might like:
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Instantly add a rustic focal point to your wall with this sturdy shelf, perfect for displaying decor.
- Wall Painting Stencil Kit: Create crisp, perfect arch outlines easily on your wall to mimic a classic fireplace opening shape.
- Matte Interior Wall Paint: Use high-quality matte paint to fill in your painted arch, creating depth and a realistic shadow effect.
Raised Hearth Platform Base
When I build a fake fireplace, I like adding a shallow hearth platform so the surround doesn’t feel flat to the floor. I’ve topped mine with painted wood or tile-look panels, and it gives you a spot to style baskets, lanterns, or logs.
Products that could assist:
- Peel and Stick Floor Tiles: Create a convincing tiled hearth surface quickly by applying these durable, adhesive tiles over a simple plywood base.
- Decorative Birch Logs: Style your new hearth platform with white birch logs to add instant rustic charm and fill empty space.
- Cast Iron Candle Lantern: Place a sturdy metal lantern on your raised platform to add safe, cozy ambiance without needing real fire.
Basket-and-Blanket Hearth Styling
If your fake fireplace is more about vibes than “flames,” I’ve styled the hearth with a big woven basket of blankets and a small stack of books for that cozy corner feel. I do this in my own space when I want the mantel to feel warm and lived-in year-round.
A few helpful options:
- Large Woven Storage Basket: Add texture and warmth to your hearth by placing throw blankets in a sturdy, natural woven basket.
- Chunky Knit Throw Blanket: Create a cozy, lived-in vibe by draping a soft, neutral knit throw over your basket’s edge.
- Decorative Vase or Ceramic Jar: Style your mantel shelf effortlessly with a textured ceramic vase suitable for dried stems or greenery.
Scrap-Wood Mosaic Surround
In my workshop, I’ve turned offcuts into a geometric scrap-wood pattern across a faux fireplace surround, and it always gets a “how did you make that?” reaction. If you love upcycling, this is a perfect way to make a fake fireplace totally one-of-a-kind.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Mixed Wood Shims or Thin Craft Wood: Create your geometric mosaic easily by using these thin wood pieces to form intricate, textured patterns.
- Construction Adhesive or Wood Glue: Secure your wooden mosaic pieces firmly to the frame with a strong, quick-drying construction adhesive.
- Decorative Fireplace Log Grate: Complete the realistic look of your faux fireplace by placing a simple iron grate inside the opening.
