Are Those Real? Faux Mantels Not to Be Dissed

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Photo: Torie Jayne

There is nothing like a fireplace to root a space. They offer unparalleled warmth, light and beauty … and let’s not forget the smell of fresh burning logs. So what do you do if your home (gasp) doesn’t have a hearth? You make one of course! Non-working fireplaces offer loads of charm and opportunity for inspired styling.

It’s time to put your DIY hat on and get “crackling”.

The fireplace effect below is achieved by simply placing a vintage farmhouse mantel against a wall. It’s so inspired, it doesn’t require much of anything else. What an awesome cheat!

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Photo: Dejavue Designs

Here’s another cheat, albeit one that requires a bit of construction. The faux fireplace can safely become a lighting focal point with an assortment of LED candles displayed in the firebox opening.

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Photo: Alvhemmakleri

DIY Showoff shows us how to turn a fireplace mantel into a bookshelf. We love it!

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Photo: DIY Showoff 

For the working fireplace that is mantel-less, Giddyupcycled suggests installing a wood shelf to help to redefine a plain wall and create interest where there was none.

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Photo: Giddyupcycled

If you look closely below, you’ll see this is an amazing faux fireplace hack. The little fireplace beneath the mantel can even be an electric one. The way the structure is built around it creates the same feeling as if it were a wood-burning version.

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Photo: Home Stories A to Z

If you do have an existing fireplace, then be sure to style the mantel! This reclaimed wood beam is an amazing addition to the pillars.

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Photo: Giddyupcycled

Salvaged details punctuate a wall in a nod to a mantle, no fireplace – faux or real – required!

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Photo: Country Living

The addition of a hearty mantle roots this gorgeous rock wall, drawing focus not just to the fireplace, but to the entire wall.

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Photo: Homedit

Real or not, the hearth is a centerpiece that guests will gravitate to. Painting the fireplace and the wall behind it to match will create even more of a visual draw.

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Photo: Beneath My Heart

Ready to DIY your own faux fireplace? It might not warm your house, but it’ll warm your house!