Want to add warmth and charm to your home without the work or cost of a real fireplace? A fake fireplace might be exactly what you need this winter! These DIY projects are an easy way to create a cozy focal point in any room, whether you live in a small apartment or a larger home.
With a little creativity, you can build a faux fireplace that looks realistic without spending too much time or money. From simple wooden mantels to clever builds using electric inserts, there are endless options to match your personal style. Go for rustic farmhouse, sleek modern, or even a seasonal look that changes throughout the year.
Fake fireplaces are more than just decorative—they instantly make a space feel inviting, especially during chilly months. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly project or something a bit more detailed, you’ll find plenty of inspiration to get started.
01. DIY Cardboard Fireplace Idea
Create a cozy faux fireplace with just cardboard! This easy DIY project adds warmth and charm to any space without heavy tools or big costs. Perfect for holidays, small apartments, or seasonal décor, a cardboard fireplace can be styled rustic, modern, or festive.
02. DIY Rustic Barnwood Mantel
Add charm and warmth to your space with a rustic barnwood mantel. This DIY project creates a cozy focal point that works beautifully with fireplaces, shelves, or seasonal displays. Whether styled farmhouse, modern rustic, or holiday-ready, a barnwood mantel brings character and timeless appeal to your home.
03. DIY Stone Veneer Fireplace
Transform your living space with a stone veneer fireplace that delivers character and warmth without the high cost of real stone. This DIY project is perfect for creating a focal point that feels rustic yet refined, working well in both modern and farmhouse-style homes. A stone veneer fireplace adds depth, texture, and lasting charm.
04. DIY Pallet Wood Ideas
Give your home character with creative pallet wood designs that are budget-friendly and full of charm. From rustic wall panels to furniture pieces and decorative accents, pallet wood projects bring warmth and texture into any room. Perfect for farmhouse, modern rustic, or seasonal looks, these designs are simple to craft yet stylish.
05. DIY Suitcase Faux Fireplace
Give old luggage new life by turning it into a vintage suitcase faux fireplace. This creative DIY project adds charm, warmth, and character to any room without heavy tools or big costs. Perfect for apartments, eclectic spaces, or seasonal displays, a suitcase fireplace blends nostalgia with cozy style.
06. DIY Brick Wallpaper Accent
Create a bold focal point in your home with a brick wallpaper accent. This simple DIY project brings texture, depth, and charm without the cost or weight of real brick. Perfect for living rooms, bedrooms, or even office spaces, brick wallpaper works beautifully with rustic, modern, or industrial décor. Save your favorite ideas and try this budget-friendly way to refresh any wall with character and style.
07. DIY Bookshelf Conversion
Turn an ordinary bookshelf into a stunning centerpiece with a creative bookshelf conversion. This DIY idea is perfect for adding function and style to any room, whether you’re building hidden storage, a faux fireplace, or a decorative display. Affordable and adaptable, bookshelf conversions can fit rustic, modern, or eclectic décor.
08. DIY Decorative Candle Display
Create warmth and style in any room with a decorative candle display. This DIY project is simple yet eye-catching, perfect for mantels, coffee tables, or seasonal centerpieces. Mix lanterns, jars, and holders to layer texture and light while keeping the setup budget-friendly. Whether rustic, modern, or festive, a candle display adds charm instantly.
09. DIY Faux Chimney Topper
Add charm to your roofline with a faux chimney topper that delivers style without major construction. This DIY project is lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to customize for farmhouse, cottage, or modern exteriors. A chimney topper can bring balance and character to your home’s look while staying simple to build.
10. DIY Electric Fireplace Insert
Warm up your home with an electric fireplace insert that blends comfort, convenience, and style. Easy to install and budget-friendly, these inserts create a cozy atmosphere without the need for real wood or heavy maintenance. Perfect for modern, rustic, or traditional spaces, an electric insert makes any room feel inviting.
11. DIY Plaster & Stucco Finish
Give your walls or fireplace a textured look with a plaster and stucco finish. This DIY method is affordable, versatile, and works well in rustic, Mediterranean, or modern interiors. The finish adds depth, character, and charm while keeping costs low compared to stone or brick.
12. DIY Painted Brick Façade
Refresh your home’s style with a painted brick façade that adds charm and personality without a full remodel. This DIY project is budget-friendly, easy to customize, and works beautifully for both interiors and exteriors. Choose light tones for a modern look or deeper shades for classic appeal.
13. DIY Marble Contact Paper
Transform plain surfaces with marble contact paper for a stylish, budget-friendly upgrade. Easy to apply and versatile, it works on countertops, shelves, tables, and even walls, giving the look of real marble without the cost. Perfect for renters, quick makeovers, or seasonal refreshes, this project adds texture and polish instantly.
14. DIY Shiplap Paneling
Upgrade your walls with shiplap paneling for a look that balances warmth and style. This DIY option is affordable, versatile, and works beautifully in farmhouse, coastal, or modern interiors. Whether painted crisp white or left natural, shiplap adds texture and depth to any room.
15. DIY Repurposed Antique Mantel
Bring history and charm into your home with a repurposed antique mantel. This DIY idea transforms an old piece into a striking focal point for fireplaces, entryways, or decorative displays. Whether painted, stained, or left with aged character, an antique mantel adds warmth and personality to any space.
16. DIY LED Log Set
Add warmth and glow to your home with an LED log set, a simple way to create the charm of a fire without smoke or ash. Perfect for faux fireplaces, seasonal displays, or cozy corners, these logs bring light and atmosphere instantly. Easy to set up and budget-friendly, an LED log set works well in both modern and rustic décor.
17. DIY Decorative Tile Surround
Elevate your fireplace or wall with a decorative tile surround that adds color, texture, and personality. This DIY project works beautifully in modern, rustic, or eclectic spaces and can be achieved on a budget. From bold patterns to subtle neutrals, tile brings character and depth to any room.
18. DIY Glam Metallic Finish
Add sparkle and sophistication to your décor with a glam metallic finish. This DIY upgrade works beautifully on fireplaces, furniture, or accent walls, bringing shine and texture without high cost. Choose gold, silver, or bronze tones to match your style—whether modern, chic, or eclectic.
19. DIY Country Painted Wood
Bring warmth and charm into your home with country-style painted wood. This DIY approach works well for mantels, accent walls, or furniture, adding texture and rustic character without the high price of custom finishes. Soft neutrals, distressed paint, or bold farmhouse tones can all fit this look.
20. DIY Minimalist Concrete Look
Create a sleek, modern vibe with a minimalist concrete look. This DIY style works beautifully for fireplaces, accent walls, or tabletops, offering texture and clean lines without expensive materials. Neutral gray tones pair well with wood, metal, or glass, making it easy to fit into rustic, industrial, or contemporary spaces.