Faux Fireplace

Heather Cammack
by Heather Cammack
6 Materials
$60
6 Hours
Medium

Nothing says cozy quite like a fireplace. Unfortunately, not every home comes with this built in feature. If you're looking to add some instant character to your room but don't want to commit to the real deal, a budget friendly faux fireplace might be up your ally. Check out how I put together this cement look faux fireplace for my living area.


Be sure to check out the video for the full tutorial.

Before, the living room was feeling plane and bare. As someone who has had the luxury of owning a real working fireplace in the past, having a living room without one just always seems to be missing something.

To get started, I used 1x2 lumber to put together two almost identical front and back frame pieces. The only difference is that you will want to have a continuous board on the bottom of your rear frame piece. The front piece you leave open to accommodate the opening for the fireplace. Customize the dimensions to fit your space.

Connect the front and back frame pieces with small blocks of 1x2. If you want to use a 4x6 post as a mantel, you will want your frame to be no more than 4.5" wide. I cut the 1x2 blocks to 4.5 inches in length and screwed them into all corners.

For a cement look, I used 1/2 inch sheetrock to enclose the faux fireplace frame.

I coated the entire fireplace in drywall mud mixed with a small amount of sand. This gave the fireplace a really fun cement or plaster like texture.

After the mud coat was dry, I painted the fireplace and screwed on the mantel which is a 4x6 post. To make the fireplace safe, I screwed it directly into my wall studs.


I added a chevron look to the back of the faux fireplace with scrap wood pieces. You may need to add in some nailer boards to the back of the fireplace depending on how you choose to finish the back.

I love how easily it was to add this cozy faux fireplace feature to our living room.

The addition of battery operated candles adds even more cozyness! What cozy features do you love to add to your home?


Be sure to check out the video!

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Heather Cammack
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  2 questions
  • I think it looks really nice & inviting? You made it look so easy! The chevron design with the boards was a nice touch! The only thing I would have done a little differently is using all the medium dark wood in the back if you had enough because I always think of the background being dark from soot! Lol! Kudos to a job well done! I love battery candles too! 👍️😘

  • Jordan Jordan on Jul 11, 2022

    Hi need pyamante

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4 of 18 comments
  • JH JH on Jul 04, 2023

    I think this is lovely. It suits your area perfectly.

    I would actually ...for myself.... add an electric fireplace insert to have a flame look.

    Love yours with the candles.

    • See 1 previous
    • JH JH on Jan 07, 2024

      We actually bought an electric fireplace insert and put it in the entertainment center under the TV. It just adds a warmth to the room.

      But I think the candles are an excellent idea as well.

      We all have our preferences, but this inspired me to put the insert in.

  • Carol Cole Carol Cole on Jan 07, 2024

    That is so pretty. Job well done.👍️

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