'Tis the Season for a Faux Fireplace

Nothing says hygge like a fireplace, even if it's just pretend.

We made this little faux fireplace out of an old mirror and it really cozied up the she shed in my former business. (Photo: She Shed Living)

The 2008 housing bubble caused havoc in many ways but one of the least known consequences was the disappearance of the wood-burning fireplace. New homes built after that date were far less likely to have an operating wood fireplace in their design, particularly in budget homes.

Fireplaces are expensive to build, expensive to maintain, hard to insure (almost impossible in California), and contribute to particulate emissions. They’re inefficient, dirty, and dangerous for children.

But, oh ….

Paula Sutton’s marble and cast-iron fireplace is just what we dream about in an ideal winter interior. Her popular Instagram provides stylish ideas and witty English repartee. (Photo: Hill House Vintage)

… don’t you just want?

Have yourself a faux fireplace Christmas

If a true wood-burning hearth is not in the cards, then maybe a little fakery will warm you up inside. There are many ways to fake it—some designs that actually warm the room and some that just give the look, with a box, surround, and mantel. For the latter, you have a huge array of DIYs to learn from; just search “faux fireplace DIY” on Google or TikTok.

Clever design like this floor-to-ceiling walnut panel creates a stunning surround in which to insert your gas or electric heater unit. This one really does heat up the room. (Photo: Houzz)

Need more inspo? Why not try mine?

A few years ago, during my She Shed Living days, I wanted to add the look of a small fireplace to the shed we had in our shop. I found a really clever how-to on creating a mantel-type structure out of a large mirror frame. Mirror frames work well because they have the right shape (vertical/rectangular), they are often made of wood which makes them easy to modify, and they are easily had for under $80 on Facebook Marketplace.

This one would be perfect! Listed for $100 but I bet you could get it for $80. (Photo: Facebook Marketplace)

The She Shed Living Mirror Fireplace

Here is a brief version of our mirror fireplace how-to. Brief because you will no doubt alter, modify, and skip steps based on your skill level and what you find.

Step 1. Look for a sturdy mirror and then remove its glass. Carefully loosen the nails and/or the adhesive. Wear gloves and safety glasses. Ours had only staples, easily removed with pliers.

Step 2. Remove the bottom portion of the frame, using a circular saw.

Step 3. Measure your mantel, allowing about 2-3″ of extra edging on both sides. Create a curved edge using your jig saw. If desired, use your router to create decorative edging.

Step 4. Use a contour gauge to create a cutout pattern. This is where your mantel shelf will fit into the sidewalls. Use a jigsaw to cut out along your pencil marks.

Step 5. Place wood glue along the entire surface of the cutouts and along the edge of the mantel (our frame had a wood piece that jutted out, so we placed glue on the top of the mantel for extra support).

Step 6. Measure your base, allowing about 4-6″ of extra wood on both sides for stability. Screw the base to each of the front “legs.” If you want sidewalls, go to step 7. If you don’t have sidewalls, like ours, install an L bracket on each side to secure the legs to the base.

Step 7. Create an inner frame to expand the mirror frame. This inner frame will add substance to your frame, mimicking the mass of an actual fireplace surround. Use three pieces of the 1 x 4 lumber cut to size. If desired, use a miter cut at each corner; otherwise simply cut a larger piece for the top and two shorter pieces for each side. Glue in place at corners and behind the original frame.

Step 8. Paint the whole thing!

We didn’t have to make a box because the shed’s studs sort of made one for us. You will probably want to make a box.

Step 9. For a little bit of glow, use a flame bulb. We got a plug-in lampholder base and inserted a flame bulb. Then we covered it with birch logs of various sizes.

Even if you have a fireplace in the living room already, a small faux fireplace is a really nice addition to a home office, bonus room, nursery, she shed, or guest room. Turn it on and you’ll swear that it’s actually keeping you warmer.