Design & DIY Creative ways to decorate your fireplace for summer By Sara Laux Published: July 1, 2014 Updated: June 17, 2022 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Just add candles Rather than building a full-scale fire in your fireplace (that’s what the bonfire pit is for), light a few pillar candles instead—you get all of the atmosphere and none of the hassle. Don't want to heat up the cottage? Even unlit candles look great. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Stack your wood there Why keep wood outside during the summer when you can stack it in the fireplace? Rustic, textured logs make a neat addition to an inactive fireplace—plus, you’ve taken care of one of the chores you might have to tackle in the fall. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Display a pretty basket Wicker and other natural fibres are perfect for the laid-back, rustic atmosphere at the cottage, and if you have a pretty basket that could stand a little showing off, the fireplace is an ideal place. Even better if you can use the basket to get things like toys, magazines, or beach shoes out of the way. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Shield it with a decorative screen If your fireplace is less than pretty without a fire in it, use a decorative screen to get it out of sight and add a splash of colour to your room. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Highlight antiques If you have antique or unusual furniture, placing them in front of the fireplace makes them the automatic focal point of your room. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Add a plant Using your fireplace as a place to highlight a dramatic plant both shows off the plant and frees up some space in the room. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Add a lot of plants Instead of one dramatic plant, group a collection of plants (in this case, succulents) in similar pots for an impressive display. Use logs and plant stands to create high and low levels, which will increase the visual impact. View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Upcycle a window frame Add visual interest and get new use out of an old window frame—just add simple feet to the bottom, add glass (or not), and you’ve got a creative fireplace screen. View in Fullscreen Related galleries A well-designed cottage deck can help you spend more time outside. Here are three we love 5 CL-approved DIY tricks to simplify life at the cottage Bestselling author Bryn Turnbull’s family cottage used to be covered in frog tchotchkes. Now, it’s a Georgian Bay gem 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Creative ways to decorate your fireplace for summer Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean your fireplace has to take a vacation. Keep it the decorative focal point of the room with these easy DIY decorating tips.