Our loft in Brooklyn has more than a few long, blank expanses of wall. To make these a little less intimidating, we've been considering ways to make the stretches more interesting on the cheap. The idea of installing or building a faux fireplace is one that appeals to us, especially since we've always been a sucker for the tv-in-the-fireplace trick. After the jump, a quick round-up of tips and products to help the DIY enthusiast along...
HGTV has a couple of great videos up on how to build these from scratch, though if you don't have jig or miter saw it could prove a little challenging. There's also a good walk-through over at Home Style Expert. We've actually come across faux fireplaces on Craigslist before, constructed using nondescript, boxy dressers with their drawers removed and moulding added!
Taken from After The Anitique
On the higher, more substantial end of things, After The Antique specializes in grand mantles and facades; the downside being their UK location. Locally, Olde Good Things has an entire subbasement devoted to fireplaces, both wood and stone.
Taken from Olde Good Things
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
I have a fake mantle and fireplace. I don't even think there was a fireplace there at one time, since the original hardwood in the house goes right into the hearth!
img:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marmarsupial/2908144365/in/set-72157605331271893/
view revolution9's profile
I really like the builtins in the first photo - it looks so cozy and inviting despite being a fake.
view bepsf's profile
If you are around DC/Baltimore then Second Chance (http://www.secondchanceinc.org/) has a lot of mantles.
view baltimorerowhouse's profile
I love my fake fireplace. I filled it with white subway tile and it looks great. It will look even better once I put the wood floors in the house. :-)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22985814@N03/2668678233/
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