As the co-owner of Bonsai Builders, I have transformed many fiteplaces over the years. For one ranch home, we installed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in an unused brick fireplace. The homeowners wanted to highlight their collection of rare books. By framing the bookshelves within the existing fireplace, we created a stylish display case that emphasized the beauty of the books themselves. For another client, we installed a sliding ladder and transformed their fireplace into a wine cellar. We added temperature control and humidity stabilization to properly store their collection. The finished look resembled a stylish speakeasy, with the fireplace entrance disguising the cellar below. One of my favorite changes was installing a Murphy bed in place of a fireplace. When closed, the bed disappeared into the wall, looking like a built-in cabinet. For overnight guests, the bed folded down, turning the fireplace into a cozy sleeping nook. The homeowners gained extra guest space without sacrificing their living room. Repurposing fireplaces allows you to revive unused space in unexpected ways. Whether creating a library, wine cellar or guest bed, a dormant fireplace has potential for stylish reinvention. With an open mind, that once blazing centerpiece of a home can become functional once more.
I think one of the best ways to use a fireplace that can no longer be functional is to create a sort of library. You can still use the same structure as it is, you just need to add shelving and start stacking up your books. It can add a touch of whimsy to your space and can preserve a historical or especially beautiful fireplace, like a marble fireplace or a stone one.
As an architect focused on sustainable design, I've found that converting unused fireplaces into functional spaces improves a home's efficiency and style. For one client, we turned a fireplace into a custom cabinet to hold their entertainment system. It gave them a dedicated media center without wasting floor space, and the repurposed fireplace maintained the room's character. Indoor planters are another option. I designed a fireplace for a client that now holds a living plant wall. It improves air quality, creates a focal point, and the greenery gives life to an unused space. The clients love how it connects them to nature inside their home. If a fireplace is structurally sound, installing a ventless fireplace insert or converting to gas lets you enjoy the ambiance of a fire without sacrificing heat. For a beach house project, we put in an ethanol-burning insert that provides flames without needing a chimney. It gives the peace of a fireplace without extra heat - perfect for their climate. Repurposing a fireplace in an unconventional way provides functionality where there once was none. With some creativity, an unused fireplace can become a space that adds style, comfort and efficiency to a home.
Repurposing an unused fireplace can add unique charm and functionality to a living space. Here are a few unconventional ideas: Built-In Shelving: Convert the fireplace alcove into custom shelving or cabinetry, perfect for displaying books, artwork, or collectibles. This creates a focal point and maximizes storage without overwhelming the space. Indoor Garden: Transform the fireplace into a stylish indoor garden by adding planters or a small herb garden. This brings a touch of nature indoors and can enhance the room’s ambiance with fresh greenery. Bar Area: Repurpose the fireplace area into a chic home bar or beverage station. Install shelves for glassware and bottles and add a stylish countertop or bar cart to create an elegant and functional entertaining space. In a recent project, we converted a traditional fireplace into a modern indoor garden in a cozy city apartment. By installing built-in planters and incorporating LED lighting, we not only created a visually striking feature but also improved air quality and added a serene, green element to the urban living space. The transformation was praised for its originality and the refreshing contrast it provided to the apartment’s design.
If you have a non-functioning fireplace, one creative way to use the space is by turning it into a plant display. You can arrange potted plants, succulents, or even hang air plants from the mantle and fill the hearth with colorful pebbles or faux grass. This brings life and freshness into your living room, making it feel more inviting and cozy. In one of my rental property here in Glen Allen, VA, I had a non-functional fireplace in the living room. I visited a local nursery and picked out an assortment of low-maintenance plants that can thrive indoors with minimal sunlight. I arranged them on the mantle and added some hanging air plants for variety. For the hearth, I filled it with small pebbles and placed a faux grass mat on top, creating the illusion of a mini garden. The transformation was quite remarkable. The once dull and lifeless fireplace became a focal point in the living room, adding a touch of nature and color to the space. My tenants also loved it as it gave them a sense of tranquility and helped liven up their living space.
As an owner of RG Construction in Phoenix, AZ, I have repurposed many unused fireplaces over the years. One client wanted more natural light in their living room but didn’t want to conpletely lose the architectural detail of their fireplace. We removed the fireplace mantle and installed floor-to-ceiling windows in its place. The large windows flooded the room with light while still framing the existing stone fireplace. For a mid-century modern home, we removed an old, brick fireplace which dominated the wall and installed custom shelving in its place. The sleek, minimal shelving provided stylish storage and display space, which matched the home's aesthetic. Removing the bulky fireplace opened up the wall and made the room feel more spacious. In another home, we installed a flat-screen TV in an unused fireplace, which allowed for an optimal viewing angle in the living room. We were able to recess power outlets and cable inputs directly into the brick wall, keeping everything concealed. Mounting the TV at the ideal height in the fireplace gave a built-in, high-end look at a lower cost than a custom cabinet or shelving unit. Repurposing a fireplace can be an impactful way to revive a living space. Whether removing it for a minimalist look, using the existing framing for storage solutions, or installing a TV at the perfect height, an unused fireplace offers potential for stylish changes. With the right approach, a dormant fireplace can become a functional and fashionable focal point.
An innovative way to repurpose an unused fireplace is by turning it into a bookshelf or storage unit. This adds storage and creates a unique feature in the room. In one of our properties, we converted an old brick fireplace into a built-in bookshelf with shelves for books, decor, and small plants. This utilized otherwise unused space and added character, making the room more appealing to buyers. In our last house flipping project, we transformed a non-functional fireplace in the living room. We removed the old insert and chimney, leaving the brick structure. Then, we added custom shelves and cabinets on either side, creating a built-in bookshelf. Painted white to match the room's decor, the shelves were filled with books, plants, and decorative items. This turned the unused fireplace into a room focal point, adding style and functionality. This unique feature received positive feedback from potential buyers and helped us sell the property quickly. Repurposing an unused fireplace adds value to a property and allows for creative and unique designs. Real estate firms should consider these ideas when renovating, as they can greatly enhance a home's appeal and value. By thinking outside the box and repurposing fireplaces, we create unique living spaces that stand out in the market and attract buyers.
Turning unused fireplaces into functional spaces is a game-changer for home value. I've seen folks install custom bookshelves inside the fireplace opening, creating a charming literary nook. In one NOLA Buys Houses project, we transformed a massive old fireplace into a home office space – complete with a fold-down desk and hidden storage. The homeowner was thrilled, it actually helped sell the house faster than we expected!
As a construction expert and writer, I have transformed many spaces. For a client's unused brick fireplace, we installed floor-to-ceiling bookshelves to highlight their rare book collection, creating a stylish display. For another, we turned their fireplace into a wine cellar with temperature control. The finished look resembled a speakeasy, the fireplace entrance disguising the cellar. One favorite was installing a Murphy bed in place of a fireplace. Closed, it looked like a cabinet; open, it became a cozy nook. The homeowners gained guest space without losing their living room. Repurposing fireplaces revives unused space unexpectedly. A library, wine cellar or guest bed, a dormant fireplace has potential for reinvention. With an open mind, that blazing centerpiece becomes functional again.As the owner of a roofing and construction company, I've repurposed fireplaces in innovative ways. For a beach house project, we installed an ethanol fireplace insert that provides flame ambiance without the heat - perfect for the climate. The clients loved how it gave the peace of a fireplace without sacrifice. For another client, we converted their fireplace into a built-in media center. It housed their TV and electronics while maintaining the charm. It gave them a dedicated media space without wasting floor area. The repurposed fireplace kept the room's character while adding function. If structurally sound, a ventless gas insert lets you enjoy a fireplace without needing a chimney or wood. For a mountain home, we installed a ventless gas log set. The logs provide flames and warmth while needing no venting or chimney. It gave the homeowners fireplace coziness with convenience. Repurposing fireplaces in unconventional ways adds style, comfort and efficiency. With creativity, an unused fireplace can gain new purpose and become a functional focal point.
Professional Roofing Contractor, Owner and General Manager at Modern Exterior
Answered 2 years ago
I strongly recommend repurposing a fireplace as an indoor succulent garden, especially if you happen to have a living space that could use some life. It is aesthetically pleasing to take those unused spaces, which can make a living space seem dead, and turn them into an invigorating, miniature garden. Putting a variety of succulents and cacti into a hearth, succulents being almost no-maintenance plants that can survive in less sunny environments like a fireplace, is a great idea. Throwing in a variety of different sized stones or even rustic pots into the mix can add to the texture of your display and really bring it to a whole new level of depth. An additional touch for a smidge of added artistry is to put in small LED lights for your succulents so they can actually look alive in the evenings and during those darker months of the year. I was fortunate to see one such installation brought to life for a client through one of our partners. An unused, neglected fireplace became the main feature of the living room, with a plant selection of echeveria, jade plants and some small, gently thorned desert cacti that brought wonderful textural variety and varied shades of green. This garden transformed the space into an indoor sanctuary, a refreshing oasis in the colder months.
Transforming an unused fireplace can elevate a living space's functionality and aesthetics. One creative idea is to convert the fireplace into a pet nook. Adding a cozy bed or cushions inside the fireplace creates a charming retreat for pets, turning a neglected area into their personal sanctuary. Another unconventional approach is to design a mini gallery or art display. You can install a series of ledges or small shelves within the fireplace to showcase artwork or family photos. This creates a dynamic visual element that can be regularly updated, allowing you to rotate pieces and keep the decor fresh. I recently worked with a client who transformed their fireplace into a home office space. They added a small desk and shelving, making it a functional work area without taking up additional room in their small apartment. This clever use of space not only maximized the fireplace's functionality but also created a unique and inspiring work environment.
As a glass expert who has worked with homeowners for over 25 years, I've seen fireplaces repurposed in many creative ways. One client wanted a reading nook and extra storage space. We installed custom built-in bookshelves on either side of the fireplace, giving them a cozy area to curl up with a book. The fireplace now anchors the whole space. Another client needed a spot for their TV but didn't want it dominating the room. We mounted the TV over their unused fireplace and hid all the cords behind the wall for a seamless look. Now their fireplace is a focal point and they have a designated movie watching area without sacrificing floor space. For those looking to keep an unused fireplace decorative, consider a gallery wall. Place art, photos, mirrors or sconces over the mantle for visual interest. Paint the inside of the fireplace the same color as the walls for a minimal, streamlined look. You can also tile over an unused fireplace to completely change its facade. Get creative with different shapes, patterns and materials to make it a unique focal point.
Frank Lloyd Wright used a fireplace extensively as a focal point in many of his iconic living spaces. The expansive fireplace at Fallingwater, set off as its own sitting area in the famed house’s living room, is just one example. His sole oceanside home, the Mrs. Clinton Walker House located in Carmel, California, features a floor-to-ceiling vertical fireplace, and his Taliesin West personal residence boasts a fireplace in almost every room. While the fireplace is a symbol of the joys of home and a desirable amenity, many fireplaces today stand either unused or converted to gas. Homeowners have chosen practicality over the romance of a wood-burning fireplace. And while this would no doubt disappoint America’s most iconic architect, Frank Lloyd Wright would certainly appreciate a clever repurposing. An out-of-service fireplace can be converted into many things. Large-scale candles, attractively arranged, find a safe home in a former fireplace, creating a centerpiece. Lanterns may also be used to great effect. Paint the inside of the fireplace a dark, dramatic color to differentiate it from its surroundings, then light it up. Or create a small library using salvaged wood shelves, tucking a wingback chair and stool into the hearth – or for smaller fireplaces, in front of it. Only your imagination limits the possibilities! Of course, the grander the hearth, the greater those possibilities. A large-scale, decommissioned fireplace is the ideal location for a cozy bar. Echo the materials used for the mantelpiece in the bar setup, whether stone, brick, or plaster. There are so many ways to create a focal point and gathering place. Or why not use your old fireplace as it was intended to be used, placing an electric fireplace or a gas strip fireplace into the hearth? Dark, moody colors create the contrast you need to make the most of the effect of flame, even if you’re using a large screen to produce that effect. You needn’t sacrifice the warmth of a fireplace just because you’re seeking a low-maintenance option! Seeing the flame can be as warming as feeling it – without the mess!
We've seen amazing results transforming unused fireplaces into stunning indoor herb gardens at Southern Hills Home Buyers. It's a great way to bring life and functionality to the space, plus fresh herbs are always handy for cooking. In one recent project, we installed grow lights and a tiered planter system, which not only looked beautiful but also significantly improved the home's air quality and overall ambiance.
Fireplaces are amazing especially in old houses because it really brings a warmth to a space. If you're pairing the space with both vintage and modern furniture, it can especially add that beautiful charm! If you're not planning on using it for fires, some ideas I would absolutely use for mine include putting candles (real or electric) there and making a cute candle arrangement. It makes it cute and artsy but also adds some accent lighting! You could also use it as a little pet nook if you have some furry friends so you're not clogging up the living space. This could be the perfect little spot for them that also streamlines your living room flow! Finally, you could also have a beautiful large mirror right in front of it. It would be covering up the entrance of the fireplace (if you're okay with that), but it would still lighting the architecture around the fireplace and bring in a whole lot of light to your space!
Owner & President at Clean Air Heating & Cooling (formerly Clean Air Comfort Systems)
Answered 2 years ago
As the owner of an HVAC company, I have experience changing unused fireplaces. One client had a fireplace they never used, so we installed a ductless mini-split AC unit in the space. Not only did this add cooling to their main floor, but the unit's small footprint and sleek design complemented their home's style. The client was thrilled with how we repurposed the space and the improved temperature control. Another option is to convert the fireplace into a media center by installing a TV or sound system in the space. You can install shelves, cabinets or a mantle around the fireplace to hold components. For one client, we built a custom cabinet to house their TV, speakers and media equipment. It gave them a designated area for their technology without sacrificing style. If you want to maintain the fireplace's original function, you can install ventless fireplace inserts or convert wood-burning fireplaces to gas. Ventless inserts produce flames without needing a chimney, so you can enjoy the ambiance of a fireplace without losing heat efficiency. Converting to gas gives you the convenience of a fireplace without the mess of wood. Both options modernize the space while keeping it cozy.
Turn your unused fireplace into a beautiful focal point with stacked logs wrapped in lights. Create a stunning display of rustic charm by arranging white birch tree logs and draping them with twinkling string lights. It creates a warm, inviting glow that adds both style and a touch of magic to your space. It will not only draw compliments but also make your living room feel extra cozy and welcoming.
Combining soft, light colors like warm whites, soft brown, and pale yellows has been shown to help lighten up a room that is already dark. Because these colors reflect light, they make rooms look brighter even when there isn't much of it. Adding carefully placed mirrors and metallic details in brass or chrome to this color scheme helps to reflect light and make the room feel lighter and airier. This method was used in a recent makeover to turn a dim office into a bright and welcoming place that improved both mood and productivity. If a homeowner wants to get the same effect, I suggest using colors that reflect light, reducing the use of dark elements, and adding shiny or metallic objects to the room to bounce light around. These small changes to the style can make a big difference without having to do a lot of work.