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As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s time to trade in beach towels for cozy blankets and invite the warmth of fall into our homes. Nothing adds to that cozy atmosphere quite like a fireplace with flickering logs.
Jim Grischow recently turned an ordinary IKEA BILLY bookcase into a faux fireplace that is both quick and easy to create—no need to chop wood, clean out ashes, or dust off those power tools!
To start his project, Jim spaced two shelves evenly on the bookcase, creating a wider gap in the middle for his faux fireplace. Next, Jim added a touch of flair by using stone adhesive wallpaper to create the backdrop of his faux fireplace. If stone doesn’t match your decor, consider using tiles or wood for a personalized look.
Then, to really drive home the illusion of a fireplace, he fastened two stainless strips along the edges of the shelving. These strips serve as a stylish frame and create a focal point for the fireplace.
Now, what’s a fireplace without some flickering logs? Jim inserted an electric log set that features lights, creating the appearance of burning logs without any actual heat. He ran the power cord through a hole in the back, ensuring that the setup looked clean and polished.
Lastly, style the fireplace with a few real logs on the bottom shelf and decorative elements on the top shelves and mantel.
The result? A lovely faux fireplace that fits his little nook to a tee. It adds such warmth and coziness to his space.
So, if you think you don’t have space for a real fireplace, this DIY faux fireplace project might just be what you need as you dive into the colder months. It’s a fun project for the season, and when spring arrives, you can easily convert it back into a bookcase.
Want a bookcase fireplace that actually gives off heat? Try this bookcase fireplace hack.
Faux Fireplace Mantel With Storage