6 Fireplace DIYs to Avoid at All Costs (And What You Should Do Instead)

If you’ve recently purchased a home with a non-functioning fireplace or have been staring at your empty, unused fireplace for years trying to figure out what to do with it, there are countless DIYs you can turn to for creative inspiration, from book storage to plant propagation stations. While those styled settings are definitely cool and Instagrammable, that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re the best use of the space.

Turning your non-functioning fireplace into a warm, inviting space in your home is much easier than you think. An electric or high-efficiency gas insert can be installed in that open space in under a day. “When you inherit a wood-burning fireplace or a [fireplace] space in the room that you don’t know what to do with, the easiest thing is to do an insert of some nature,” says Lucas Stritsman, president of Best Fire Hearth & Patio.

Before you reach out to a pro in your area or start whitewashing those red bricks, take a look at the hearth and figure out the elements you may want to keep — and those you’d be OK saying goodbye to. “What do you want to get out of your fireplace? Do you like the design of the surrounding material? If so, we may be talking about converting the inside,” Stritsman shares.

“Are you prioritizing the outside material more than the inside? Then you may want to do a makeover on the stone. There are so many different paths you can go down.” From complete makeovers of a factory-built fireplace to converting a masonry space, your local fireplace professional can help you hone in on options that will work for your style, turnaround time and budget. When in doubt, call in the pros for advice and expertise.

If you do decide you won’t be using the wood-burning fireplace as a functional fireplace, Stritsman recommends making sure the damper is closed so you’re not letting hot air out … or critters in!

Below, check out some of the most common empty fireplace DIYs and why you may want to skip the decoration or storage and utilize the space in the way it was intended—as a cozy spot to curl up and enjoy each day.

Books & magazines

One of the trendiest options is to place piles of books or magazines in the hearth, whether it’s your collection of “Vogue”s or stacks of vintage books with their spines facing the wall. It looks great in photos, but in practice it’s not the most efficient way to store your reading material — and think of the dusting! If you’re longing to create a warm, inviting environment in which to curl up with a book, install an electric or gas fireplace insert in the fireplace space instead of filling it up with reading material. With just the press of a button or tap of an app, you can enjoy cozy vibes and a good book. What’s better than that?

Candles

You can (almost) fake a fireplace’s glow with pillar candles, but that pretty tableau could be dangerous if you don’t do some cleanup prior to lighting up. A better and safer option is skip the candles entirely in favor of working fireplace insert. And all our gas fireplace inserts come with a protective safety screen, so you can enjoy the glow up without worry, knowing little hands and furry paws are protected from the heat.

Piles of firewood or “faux” firewood facades

Why are you putting wood in a fireplace that doesn’t work in the first place? Sure, it adds an aesthetically pleasing rustic edge to the room, but if you’re yearning for the crackling of logs and the cozy vibes of an old-fashioned fire in the hearth, it may be time to consider adding a functional fireplace to your home instead of pretending. (Also, think of the bugs and critters who could potentially sneak in with those logs!) Like the look of birch logs? Our Supreme gas fireplace insert can be customized to include birch logs instead of our standard oak set (30-inch size only). Or consider our Escape gas insert with a Chateau Forge front, which features a bespoke-feeling hammered steel finish and masonry-style interior. Up the rustic vibes further by choosing stone to surround a gas or electric fireplace insert.

Pet beds

It may feel like a cozy spot for your pup’s bed, but the hearth doesn’t need to be their home base. Your pet would love snuggling up next to a real fireplace instead!

Tchotchkes & statues

Decorating your mantle and hearth each season is a cute way to nod to the weather outside or show off treasures from your travels, but you know what really says “fall vibes” or “holiday magic?” A blazing gas or electric fireplace insert—one you can ignite with just the click of a button!

Plants & flowers

Adding a bit of greenery to a non-functioning fireplace hearth gives the space a bright and vibrant touch of color, though it may not be the best space for certain plants — especially if you have kids or pets who want to investigate the growth. If you’re keeping plants in the space to draw attention to it as a focal point of the room, why not consider installing a fireplace insert and add bright, unique tile or painted brick around it? It’s a simple way to bring in color and texture.

Ready to get started on your fireplace makeover? Request a no-obligation consultation or pop your zip our dealer locator to find a showroom near you.