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Fireplaces were originally built in homes to provide warmth for the home and to cook with. These days, fireplaces are merely a luxury and seldom used for fires. This can create a decorating dilemma as unused fireplaces can detract from the look of the room. In fact, the fireplace is often forgotten during the decorating process. Here are some ideas you can use to incorporate your unused fireplace into the room’s décor.
1. Although few people want to build a fire when they are expecting guests, they do not mind lighting a few candles. So instead of keeping old or fake logs in your fireplace replace them with pillar candles of different heights. To make your candle arrangement more interesting, you can add fake plants or dried foliage to your arrangement. Just be sure to change the foliage out every few months using plants that are in season. Do remember to keep the plants away from the flame of the candle so that you will not end up with an unwanted fire in your fireplace. Do a similar arrangement on a smaller scale on the mantelpiece for a cohesive look.
2. Your fireplace can be used as a display area. It is a great place to display a short statue or a floral arrangement. A grouping of clay pots or other large accessories will look nice as well. Coordinate the items you place on the mantle.
3. If you have pets, and a casual home atmosphere, you can make the fireplace your pet’s bed. This is a great idea if you never use your fireplace, or use it very seldom. Of course, you will need to clean out the dust and soot before putting in your pet bed. Your dog or cat will love it and it will free you from having a dog bed in the middle of the room.
4. Bedroom fireplaces are used even less than living room or family room fireplaces. What used to be a much-needed focal point of the room is now a black hole. This is especially true with fireplaces in older homes. Although these fireplaces are essentially useless for making fires, they are very useful as headboards. All you need to do is have a piece of plywood cut out to fit into the fireplace opening. You can paint it in simple pattern to match the room colors, or you can pant an intricate mural if you wish. Once your painted plywood is in place you have an excellent headboard for your bed. The mantle can be used to hold your alarm clock, books, and bedside lamp.
5. Your fireplace can also serve as a creative entertainment center. Many fireplace openings are the right size to fit your television, VCR’s and DVD players. Of course your will need to make sure your view is not obstructed. This may mean removing the footboard from your bed or buying a lower coffee table so you can see the television. On the mantle, place items that you would normally put on an entertainment center like family picture, floral arrangements, and candles.
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