When it’s hot outside, you want to be inside. With a hearthside fireplace in your house, you may wonder how to take advantage of this unused asset. During the summer months, when fireplaces are usually not in use, it can feel like a waste of space.
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to decorate your fireplace and make it into something even more beautiful than ever before. Here are some ideas for how to use your fireplace all year round.
Create a Fireplace Table
If your fireplace is in the living room, it’s a great place to create a small table. You can use any piece of wood as a tabletop and attach it to the fireplace using hardware. If you don’t have any extra wood lying around your house, cut out a piece of heavy cardboard for the tabletop and cover it with fabric or paper that matches your room’s decor.
Suddenly you will have a space where you can host guests for a game night or allow your kids to play while you try to get work done during summer vacation. The point is an extra table in your home, even a small one, can have a lot of uses.
Turn it into a Planter
If you’re looking to create a beautiful space that complements your fireplace, consider turning it into a planter. You’ll need to find something large enough to hold the plants you want (a large planter will be ideal), but once that’s done, all you have to do is get creative with the types of plants you choose.
If you want something small, try putting in three different types of succulents or cacti. If you prefer something bigger, try using 12 different kinds of herbs with varying heights and colors—or even add some flowers for some extra color. The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating the perfect summertime garden.
There are many low-light options, or you can install a growing light and have fresh veggies ready to harvest before it is time to reignite your hearthside fireplace.
Create a Pet Hideout
If you have a pet that likes to cuddle with you, consider making your fireplace into a hideout for them. You can do so by installing an opening in the stone or brick wall of the fireplace. This way, when its summertime and too hot outside, your pet can still get someplace cool from which they can watch their favorite activities.
Be sure to use a pet-safe product when installing this opening so that it won’t harm your furry friend if they happen to chew on it or lick it.
Clean the Fireplace
This is the time to clean your fireplace and make sure it’s ready to go for winter. Having a professional chimney sweep company come and detail your hearthside fireplace is an excellent way to ensure an efficient burning apparatus come the colder months. This also helps avoid any accidental chimney fires or possible dangers to your home.
Decorate with Holidays & Life Events
If you’re celebrating a birthday or anniversary, use the fireplace as the focal point of an extravagant dinner party! You can put up some decorative lights above and around your fireplace that look really pretty at night. This will make it even more romantic when you’re spending time with your significant other.
Upgrade Your Hearthside Fireplace
If you’re a homeowner, it’s likely that your fireplace is one of the most important features in your house. After all, it’s not just a functional space that adds warmth to your home; it’s also an attractive focal point that can set the mood of any room.
When summer rolls around, you may be tempted to close off this source of comfort and style. So before you decide whether or not to close off what could be a fantastic part of your home for another season (or more), take these tips into consideration.
If you want to find some quality fireplace accessories or consider upgrading to a more efficient system for your home, check out the many products available at Hearthside Fireplace & Patio. We provide excellent indoor and outdoor solutions for keeping you warm and entertaining guests.
