Instructions
Things You’ll Need:

* Concrete cleaner
* Bleach
* Tin panels, copper sheeting and candles
* Mirrors and plants
* Paint and pottery

*      Step 1:
Clean the interior of your unused fireplace before you decorate. Remove the grate and vacuum away any remaining ashes or debris with a shop vacuum. Wipe the walls, ceiling and floor with concrete cleaner or a 50-50 blend of bleach and warm water. Let the interior dry completely before you begin to decorate.
*      Step 2:
Cover the walls of your unused fireplace with decorative tin panels or copper sheeting and then fill the opening with candles. Elevate the candles in the back with stands and place pillar candles in the center and smaller cake candles in front. Decorate the fireplace with candles that are all one color or a rainbow of colors. When you light them, the tin or copper fireplace walls will reflect the light beautifully.
*      Step 3:
Decorate your unused fireplace with mirrors and plants. Have mirror panels cut to fit the back, side walls and floor of your fireplace and attach them with mirror adhesive. Attach a self-adhesive fluorescent light to the ceiling inside the fireplace or add plants that require low light to thrive, such as mother-in-law's tongue or peace lilies. The mirror will reflect the beauty of your plant from all sides as well as capture nearby light in the room.
*      Step 4:
Treat your unused fireplace as an alcove with painted walls as a background for a ceramics or colorful glass display. Bring light and color to the space with white or brightly colored paint. Arrange pottery, vases or other decorative accessories inside the opening.

Tips & Warnings

* Purchase antique-like mirror tiles and install them on the walls of your unused fireplace as an inexpensive alternative to larger mirror panels. You could also choose to tile the fireplace walls and floor with porcelain or ceramic tile.
* Make sure the flue is closed before you begin decorating your fireplace.

R. Lindley