Asked on May 02, 2016

Using an antique metal fireplace surround in my yard

I would like ideas on how to use an antique metal fireplace surround in my landscape. I have a small yard and think the surround is beautiful.
this is similar to mine.
  13 answers
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on May 02, 2016
    I would place a pot laying on a angle and plant it with colorful annuals as if it was kind of spilling out.
  • MN Mom MN Mom on May 02, 2016
    It's beautiful! Would you consider putting a candle fixture inside it and using it as an outdoor fire /light feature by night? You can also plant a pot with annuals and use the surround as a frame to accent it. It's hard to tell the height but if its tall enough to attach to the back of a shelf and use it as a drink center on a patio or deck. The open part of the shelf faces you as a bartender for storage while the decorative part of the surround faces out.
  • Susi Susi on May 02, 2016
    Hi Debbie !~ So you're upscaling you yard with this fantastic architectural piece ! It's amazing ! Have you thought about painting it ? Obviously a lighter color will make it stand out more; pale creamy blues, turquoise and pale lavender are always wonderful colors to use against the greenery & florals in any setting. It would be important to know the dimensions of this incredible piece, but for openers, I'd think about painting it with chalk paint, then several coats of poly to protect-waterproof it, and putting it against a fence or wall ( that you can't see through, such as wooden stockade fencing etc) , and putting a little solar fountain in it's opening. You can build one out of stones and pavers/bricks and plant a variety of foliage around it. You can even set large potted plants around it, filling in any gaps with smaller potted plants. See Ebay for the solar fountain, they're about $20.00; you buy the pump and and build your own fountain; just make sure to set the energy cell where it'll get really bright light. I did this in my garden and it's an absolute delight; my guests just love it. Best Wishes and if you have any other questions, just hollah ! :) ( P.S.---if you don't have a wall or fencing you can put it against, make a vertical pallet garden you paint in the same color ( see Pinterest ) to put on the back of it so you can't see through it---that way you get a Two-Fer. :):):)
  • AJ Carman AJ Carman on May 02, 2016
    Think about making it the front of a Hobbit house using that as the door
  • Jeff Jeff on May 02, 2016
    Doorway to a gnome home.
  • M. M.. M. M.. on May 02, 2016
    Don't disturb that beautiful aged metal,maybe just wire brush off any parts that are really sharp and crusty. Make a fairy door by attaching a knob and attaching hinges, or a window/peephole. Not too cutesy, help it blend into your landscape, and see who 'discovers it!
  • Frannie Frannie on May 02, 2016
    That has fairy garden written all over it
  • Wanda sinnema Wanda sinnema on May 02, 2016
    not knowing if you have kids or grand kids,,,, and the specific size... I'd have it clear around it.. a secret garden. Alice in Wonderland entrance.. they LOVE LOVE LOVE to play around and through things like that.. If no small children you could also use it for a fountain or birdbath surround.. something small but fresh water they need.. what ever you do I'd keep is a rustic color. Clean it and maybe highlight is a bit.. a real score !
  • Debbie Wallace Black Debbie Wallace Black on May 02, 2016
    I really like all of the suggestions. Now to just decide which way I want to go. Thank you all very much.
  • Heather McKinney Heather McKinney on May 02, 2016
    Use it as a water feature and have water cascading through the arch.
  • Mabeline Mabeline on May 02, 2016
    Fairy garden!
  • Shop at Blu Shop at Blu on Aug 31, 2016
    Set a beautiful plant under the arch. Or use it like a little mantle.
  • Irene Irene on Nov 24, 2016

    At first glance, I thought it was a fairy habitat. It's absolutely perfect for that kind of setting. Wish I had it. You can do wonders, and I'm sure you will.