People like having a fireplace for various reasons. Some like the perception of grandeur or style that they think it brings to their house, others like to use it as a focal or decorating point, while others see it as simply as a way of heating their home during the winter chills.



Whatever your reason for wanting a fireplace, you may not necessarily be able to have the real thing. If you don't own the property you have no say in what goes in and are stuck with whatever's already there. Sometimes all it takes is a little thinking outside the square to create a room for everyone to admire.

There are two ways of looking at fake fireplaces, those with fake fires in them and those that have the mantle and surround only with no fire. Either situation is acceptable style wise, although if you have an existing method of heating you could best use the fake fire surround to change the appearance of the current system.

Surround an Existing Heater:

If you are adding a fake surround and mantle to an existing heating system you need to ensure that it is done properly otherwise you risk making the area look uncoordinated and out of place. If you are using an existing heater the general principle is to blend and distract. This means that the surround and mantle should blend in with the rest of the room.

Consider using the same wall color, or at worst one shade darker. Where possible try to match the color of the heater paneling to create a block of color rather than distinct color patches. Limit ornamentation on the mantelpiece so as not to attract too much attention to the immediate area.

A fireplace with No Heater:

If you are not using an existing heating system there are fewer limitations. Many people choose to create a fake fireplace and use the cavity where the fire would be to display items or place a couple of pieces of wood if they want it to look authentic.

Add some secondhand bricks to the floor of the cavity to give it an authentic fireplace look. If this is your purpose for creating the surround, you want to attract attention to the area. You can be more liberal with the decoration that adorns the mantle but be sure not to overcrowd the area.

Regardless of the motive for creating a fake fireplace, you can create a simple surround with relatively little trouble and change the appearance of your room. If you choose a style that suits your needs and pay attention to detail you can have a fireplace that looks like it has always been there.