Anyone have experience creating a "faux" fireplace wall?

Susan
by Susan
We are purchasing a home with a long narrow formal living room that has no character or focal point on either wall. We would like to create a focal point for our TV and couch to face other than a purchased entertainment center which is so dated. I would love to see some design ideas and inspiration for creating a "faux" fireplace with built in bookcases around it to create some visual interest in this boring space.
  9 answers
  • Bbunny42 Bbunny42 on Apr 08, 2017

    I have not done this, but I know you will get lots of responses because there are some great examples I have seen on Hometalk. What I can recommend is an electric fireplace. I bought one about six years ago and have really enjoyed it. The lighted "flames" and heat functions are on separate switches, so many times I just enjoy the "flames" ambiance with no heat, but when the heat is on, it will heat my small living room and kitchen space -- about 16 x 30. Supposedly only uses the same amount of electricity as a coffeemaker. I can say that on those cold winter months when I use it, I have seen no increase in the electric bill. Also, you could always mount the TV above it to save space. Good luck!

  • Judy Ferrell Judy Ferrell on Apr 29, 2017

    you could use the alcohol-fueled fireplaces. then purchase bookcases or cabinets to surround it. put a cabinet on top over a mantle for tv

  • C. D. Scallan C. D. Scallan on May 03, 2017

    We bought a faux fireplace at Costco a few years ago and love it. It's a large cabinet that holds the DVR, movies , games , etc., and the TV sits on top of it.

  • Shirley Heikkinen Shirley Heikkinen on May 03, 2017

    How much are you paying for the idea you use? When your name includes "marketing solutions" it makes me wonder if we're being asked to design a new product.

    • Susan Susan on May 04, 2017

      haha. I wish I were that important. I am a realtor and once owned my own PR company.

  • Mary Mary on May 03, 2017
    I bought a faux fireplace from QVC because I had the same problem. You could purchase some bookshelves to put on each side of the fireplace and paint them all the same color so they all match. I have seen on HGTV where designers will buy bookcases and then trim them out with molding so they look built in.
  • Mindy Mindy on May 03, 2017

    antique or architect resale shops often have lovely fireplace mantels. Of course they would be non functioning but decorative

    • See 1 previous
    • Susan Susan on May 04, 2017

      That's a great idea. It does not have to be functioning.

  • Susan Susan on May 04, 2017

    We have a long narrow living room with no focal point so a fireplace mantle and bookcases would help anchor that space. Love the idea of an antique mantle. Probably will add bookcases to either side to balance. Thanks for all suggestions!

  • Shirley Heikkinen Shirley Heikkinen on May 04, 2017

    LOL, that's what happens when we jump to conclusions! I hope you find the perfect solution.

  • Mindy Mindy on May 04, 2017

    Let the hunt begin!