Making a faux fireplace for Christmas is a great way to bring warmth and charm into your home, even if you don’t have a real fireplace. It’s a budget-friendly DIY project that instantly makes a room feel cozier and more festive, creating the perfect spot for holiday decorations, hanging stockings, or just setting the mood for cozy winter nights.
Oh and FYI: You can use this faux mantel all year round, not just during Christmas!
DIY Faux Fireplace Mantel Tutorial
Whether you’re looking to go all-out with a realistic brick design or keep it simple with a classic mantel style, a faux fireplace adds that magical Christmas vibe to any space. Here’s how to build one from scratch to make your home feel extra special this holiday season!
For this project, the materials you need can be simple and affordable, or you can go all out for a more realistic look. Here’s a basic list to get started:
- Cardboard boxes or plywood (for the structure)
- White paint (or any color that complements your decor)
- Brick-textured wallpaper, contact paper, or a brick stencil
- Glue gun and hot glue sticks
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Ruler and pencil
- LED candles or string lights (for a fire-like glow)
- Optional: Wooden trim, stockings, and Christmas decorations
1. Draw Fireplace Shape
Start by sketching out the shape of your fireplace. Visualize the dimensions you want and lightly draw an outline with a pencil on the cardboard. For a traditional look, make a rectangular shape with a wide base and a central arch or rectangular opening where the “fire” would go. Don’t worry about getting it perfect—just aim for a basic outline of the fireplace shape to guide the cuts.
2. Cut Open Your Cardboard Box to Get Large Sheets
Flatten a large cardboard box to create sizable sheets of cardboard to work with. If you need more material, cut open additional boxes and tape them together for larger sections. Make sure each piece is smooth and clean of any extra tape, labels, or flaps. You’ll need these sheets to serve as the front, sides, and mantel of the fireplace.
3. Cut Out Fireplace Front
Using the outline you drew, refine the shape of the fireplace front with a ruler and pencil. This part of the fireplace will be the main piece, so make sure it’s cut cleanly. Use a craft knife or box cutter to carefully cut along the lines you’ve drawn. This part will frame the “firebox” area, so cut out the center of the shape to create an opening for the interior.
4. Add Interior Sides
Next, you’ll create the interior sides that give your fireplace depth. Cut two strips of cardboard that match the height and depth of the fireplace opening. Secure these strips on either side of the opening with hot glue, forming the inside walls of your faux firebox. This step gives your fireplace a 3D look, making it look less like a flat prop and more like a real fireplace structure.
5. Add Exterior Sides
Now, it’s time to create the outer sides of your fireplace. Cut two larger pieces of cardboard to cover each side of the fireplace’s front face, extending back to the wall for added support and stability. These pieces should match the height of the fireplace front and the depth you want for the sides. Attach these with hot glue along the outer edges of the fireplace front. This will make the fireplace feel more substantial and give you a sturdy frame for the final touches.
6. Make the Mantelpiece
For the mantel, cut a rectangular piece of cardboard (or use a thicker material like foam board or wood if available) that extends slightly beyond the width of the fireplace. This will give you a place to add decorations and add an extra layer of realism to the look. Secure the mantel on top of the fireplace structure with hot glue, making sure it’s centered and even.
7. Cover Seams
Cover the seams where pieces of cardboard connect with strips of paper or thin cardboard. This helps smooth out the joints and makes the entire structure look seamless when painted. Use masking tape or painter’s tape to cover visible edges and joins for a clean finish.
Once everything is in place and secured, it’s time to paint! Use a coat of primer if you have it (to help the paint adhere better), then apply a base color that suits your decor—white or dark gray are classic choices. Use acrylic or spray paint and make sure to cover every visible part of the fireplace. You may want to add a second coat for a smooth, even finish.
9. Add Bricks
To create a brick look, there are a few easy options. You can use brick-patterned wallpaper or contact paper, cut it to fit, and apply it to the front and interior walls of the fireplace. Alternatively, you can paint a brick pattern by using a sponge dipped in red or brown paint, stamping it in a brick-like arrangement, and adding white or black lines for mortar. Stenciling on a brick design is another option if you want more control over the look.
10. Create the “Fire”
For a fireplace that’s safe and holiday-ready, LED candles or string lights are perfect. Arrange several LED candles in the center of the faux fireplace for a warm glow, or place a bundle of string lights covered with translucent paper for a more traditional “fire” effect.
Some people like to add firewood or logs for an authentic touch—find a few real or faux logs to place around the lights for a convincing look. Electric fireplaces or “flame” projectors can also add to the ambiance if you’re going for a more realistic effect.
11. Finishing Touches
Now that the fireplace is built and decorated, it’s time for the final touches. Hang stockings along the mantel with adhesive hooks, place garland along the edges, or even wrap a ribbon around it. Christmas decor like tiny reindeer, snowflakes, or twinkling fairy lights will make the whole setup feel magical and festive.
Faux Fireplace Styling Ideas
Styling a faux fireplace can make it a cozy, focal point in your room! Here are some ideas for transforming your faux fireplace into a stylish, inviting feature.
1. Stacked Logs Display
Look: Place cut logs inside the firebox, arranging them either horizontally or vertically for a rustic look.
Pro Tip: Use faux logs if you don’t want the hassle of real wood. Alternatively, paint the log ends white or black for a modern twist.
2. Candle Arrangement
Look: Fill the interior with candles of varying heights for a soft, flickering glow.
Pro Tip: For a layered look, choose pillar candles of different sizes or opt for battery-operated LED candles for a safer option.
3. Seasonal Decor Swap
Look: Change decor with the seasons. For winter, use pinecones and string lights. In spring, opt for fresh greenery or faux flowers.
Pro Tip: Place a small wreath or garland over the mantel to tie the look together.
4. Decorative Screen
Look: A decorative screen can give the illusion of a real fireplace. Go for a vintage brass screen for elegance, or a modern black one for a sleek vibe.
Pro Tip: For added style, set candles behind the screen for a warm glow.
5. Mirror or Artwork in the Firebox
Look: Hang a mirror or piece of artwork in the center of the firebox to make the area look unique and unexpected.
Pro Tip: Use mirrors to create the illusion of depth and reflect light, brightening up the space.
6. Fairy Lights in Branches
Look: Arrange branches in the firebox, and drape fairy lights around them to create a soft, ambient glow.
Pro Tip: Go for warm white lights and add some faux moss or stones for an enchanted forest effect.
7. Stack of Books
Look: Place books with spines facing out or stacked vertically in the firebox for a cozy, library-inspired look.
Pro Tip: Try covering some books in matching tones to make the display feel intentional and cohesive.
8. Lantern Display
Look: Line the fireplace with antique lanterns for a rustic or vintage feel.
Pro Tip: Add LED lights inside the lanterns or keep them empty for a clean look.
9. Firewood Basket or Crate
Look: Place a wicker basket or wooden crate filled with birch logs or decorative logs in the firebox.
Pro Tip: This approach works particularly well in farmhouse and bohemian interiors, adding warmth and texture.
Why Choose a Fake Fireplace?
A fake fireplace adds cozy ambiance without the cost, maintenance, or safety concerns of a traditional one. Electric fireplaces, in particular, are efficient, potentially lowering your heating bill by letting you heat specific zones of your home. They’re versatile, easy to install, and perfect for any space—making them a stylish, practical choice over a traditional fireplace.
Adding a faux fireplace to your home not only enhances the holiday decor but gives you a new spot for family gatherings and holiday photos.
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