Cozy Fireplace

There’s nothing I like better than sitting by our cozy fireplace, especially today as a blizzard is coming through our little seaside town. I feel this way in winter, but all year-round, as well. I’ll often have the fire on in the summer and my hubby thinks I’m crazy!

When we first moved into our home I HATED our fireplace. It had ugly dark brick, terracotta tiles lined the hearth with a dark glaze, and the inner hearth was cracked. It definitely didn’t have a cozy feel then! It actually felt more like a cave. We redid our fireplace a few years ago, see the fireplace makeover here.

Many people often think our fireplace is real but it’s a gas fire! A friend actually commented how much they wish they had a real fireplace, like ours, as they missed the crackle and smell! I had to confess that this fireplace was a ventless gas!

Do you currently hate the look of your fireplace? Read on for my cozy fireplace tips!

What is a Ventless Fireplace?

A ventless fireplace uses room air for combustion and delivers 99.9% of the energy back to the room as heat energy. We opted for this type of fireplace because our chimney flue is unlined and I loved the look of the log set (I first saw it in a friend’s home and was convinced she had a real fire going! This type of fireplace is also less expensive than a gas fireplace vented box.

What log set did we choose?

We have the  Empire 24″ Charred Oak Log Set and added the ember bed kit and glowing embers. We had the fireplace professional installed by Paul Hancock. You can see how realistic they look!

Why You’ll Love a Ventless Fireplace

• It looks so realistic
• A beautiful fire without the mess and time of getting a real fire going
• It can easily be switched on and off, with a remote which we love, especially when we lose power.
• This fireplace really heats up the whole room and the dining room.
• The added safety features. The ventless fireplace insert comes with Oxygen Depletion Sensor, which instantly shuts off the valve if oxygen in the room drops to and unsafe level.

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A Closer Look at the Components of our Fireplace

• Original Dark Wood Mantel – from 1927 when our home was built
• Refaced the front with Heartland Stone – Fossilized Ocean Flooring from Plymouth Quarries
• Hearth – Blue Stone from Plymouth Quarries
• Oven Paint – I used oven paint inside the firebox it just gives a rich look to the fire and adds depth.
• Vintage Firescreen – I added this to make sure the dogs don’t disrupt the log set or get hurt by the fire. Similar ones can be found here, here, here and here.

Ways to Add A Cozy Fireplace Feel

1. Our dark wood mantel is original to the house (built in 1927) but the dark wood inherently makes the room feel cozier. You could get the same look adding dark wood furniture or decor items to your white mantel.
2. Adding plants. Due to the heat from our fireplace I’ve added faux – real plants just can’t take the heat up here. To add visual interest I’ve used different vessels. The crock is a $2.99 find from Savers!
3. Add aged brass – we have elements of aged brass in vintage candlesticks and the fireplace screen.
4. Candle light! I love these battery powered pillars as they’re safe.
5. Natural elements – I often decorate with rocks we find on the beach, driftwood, shells etc. On the mantel you’ll see ghost wood I found at HomeGoods. The wood pieces are corraled in a vintage jelly mold.

Can you believe the crock was only $2.99? I think the faux fig was only $5 from Ikea! It really shows you can create pretty vignettes and a welcoming home on a budget.

There is no peace more delightful than one’s own fireplace.

Cicero

A Cozy Couch by the Fire

This is my favorite spot to sit and dream. I love sitting and reading here by the fire with the dogs close by in their beds. It’s the perfect spot to curl up with a good book or a stack of design magazines. This is where I’m weathering the current storm – reading Cloud Cuckoo Land.

The faux fur throw is so warm and the ottomans provide the perfect leg support.

If you look closely, you’ll see Poppy’s bed by the fire and a portrait our oldest son painted of Luke and me with Poppy on the beach (placed on the marble topped cabinet).

Shop This Post

• Poufs
• Faux Fur Throw
• Flameless Candles
• Couch (similar)
• Faux Fur Rugs (on back of couch)

More Cozy Fireplace Inspiration

I love decorating our home fireplace for different seasons. You might enjoy these posts as well:

• Fireplace Makeover
• Five Minute Fall Mantel
• Dress Up a Mantel with Antiques
• Early Spring Mantel
• A Fragrant Lilac Mantel

A Video Tour of Our Cozy Fireplace

Did you enjoy this post? If so, let me know! If you have any other questions please send them my way! Be sure to pin this for future reference:

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