I happen to like power tools. A lot. So one evening, I went down in my workshop and scavenged through my scraps. Among the treasures I had stored away for future use (packrats triumph sometimes) I found a large old picture frame. It was the perfect size for the opening to a mantel. Using that as my guide for size, I designed my mantel around it. Since it wasn’t going to be a functioning fireplace, thought it would be much more functional to make shelves on either side of the opening to display tchotchkes.
I insisted on building it without any help from my husband, which means it isn’t perfectly square, plumb, or whatever precision is called. But that’s okay. I like it!
When we moved, I took my “fireplace” with me, the benefit of a faux fireplace.
I left the top unfastened and created a secret compartment inside the top which is perfect for hiding seasonal candles. For the finish, I painted it black, then painted a winter white over it allowing the black to streak through. I added some beige dry-brushing and let it all dry. Then I sanded the edges and random places to allow more black to show through. I used the router on the edges before assembling in order to give it more interest.
I stenciled on the front to look like carving. I painted the inside of the opening black and use a piece of uncut matting board (for picture framing) as the backing. After the black dried inside, I roughly painted a fire grate on the inside.
I have a couple of jars with tealights inside for when I want it to look like the fire is lit. The only way to make it safe is to have the tealights in tall jars! Finally, I added two pieces of marble that just stand freely on the floor in front of the mantel (purchased from building supply store). This makes it look more authentic too.
For a long time, I searched for the right thing to hang over my mantel. Then I found this antique beveled mirror at a garage sale for less than $20. It’s HEAVY. I had to anchor it into the studs and it hangs by a heavy chain, but it was just the right thing. And even through the cherry color of the frame doesn’t match the mantel, it ties in with the built-in cabinets in the room. I topped off the mirror with a garland of berries and rusty stars. I love projects that cost almost nothing, but give years of priceless enjoyment! By the way, my greatest compliment about this project was when our landlord stopped by for a routine inspection and suddenly his eyes widened. “When did you install a fireplace?” Lest he have a heart attack or evict us, I quickly reassured him that it was a free-standing piece of art. Hee, hee~
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i love it! it is perfect for the space and so realistic looking!
ReplyDeleteGreat job!!!
ReplyDeletewow by far the best thing i've seen in a long time!
ReplyDeleteGreat Job! This turned out so cute.
ReplyDeleteJennie @ Cinnaberry Suite
I have a real fireplace in my bedroom, and it isn't even half as cute as that! LOVE IT, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteUmm that's pretty much the coolest idea I have ever seen. Amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. The thing that most impresses me is that you came up with this idea yourself. I can copy ideas but can't come up with them on my own. This looks like something you'd see in a magazine or decorating book.
ReplyDeletethe faux fire grate is awesome!
ReplyDeleteOMG ! I am so in love. This would be perfect for our California Mobile Home where head isn't needed too often. You are really a genius. I'm going to save this post and add it to my "bucket list." Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteNan Hopple - La Habra, CA