This Parisian-Inspired Trend Is Taking Over an Unexpected Spot (It’s So Easy to DIY!)

Two years ago, I won the lottery. I’m speaking metaphorically, of course, but at the risk of sounding dramatic, I need to emphasize how excited I was moving into a 175-year-old townhouse with an original brick fireplace. There was only one minor downside: The fireplace no longer functioned. I bid farewell to cozying up next to a fire on a cold winter night but was still smitten.

I’d tried several things to make the nonworking fireplace pop while living in my apartment. At first, I meticulously placed a group of large pillar candles (for display only) around the mantel to create visual interest, but it seemed more spooky than chic. Then, I tried styling stacks of books and magazines, which just looked … sad. Eventually, the inside of the fireplace became home to all of the above and more — candles, books, trays, old mail, vases, and anything else I couldn’t find a place for. It was a mess, but then I realized just the DIY project that could fix it all up. 

I’d seen skirted kitchen islands and sinks, but what about its cool cousin, the skirted fireplace? To my surprise, I’ve recently become delighted by the idea of throwing a skirt on everyday home features (next up on my list: skirted lighting). Skirted accents feel charming, and although some may call it kitschy at times, the look has a certain je ne sais quoi that leans slightly romantic when done right. Plus, it’s a great cover-up when you’re looking to conceal some clutter.

Mallory Fletchall, the home and design content creator behind Reserve Home, agrees, sharing: “It’s an unexpected detail that can serve a dual purpose — adding charm to an otherwise simple fireplace surround while also hiding anything you want to remain unseen.” While staying at an Airbnb property on vacation recently, she noted that there were not one, but two skirted fireplaces — one of which hid a small television, the other the internet box and cables.

Another reason this DIY is so desirable is that it’s generally inexpensive and easy to achieve. “It’s fast, cheap, and good!” adds Victoria Sass, designer and founder of Prospect Refuge Studio. “Perfect for older homes with historic, but defunct fireplaces. It’s also a great temporary fix if you are renting or perhaps trying to tolerate a space until a larger renovation.” 

The process is quite simple for those wanting to try this at home — although, quick disclaimer that, for safety reasons, this DIY is best suited for non-usable fireplaces. The first thing you’ll want to do is take your fireplace measurements. These will differ slightly depending on whether you use a tension rod (inside the fireplace walls) or a normal rod (drilled above the fireplace), so take a moment to consider which style you want in your home.

Once you have your measurements handy, you can start sourcing your rod and curtain type. I used a tension rod because my fireplace walls are angled, and it worked out better that way, but it’s a personal preference. For an elevated Parisian feel, you could also go with a curtain rail, like this brass one from deVOL that Sass used in her project pictured below.

For the curtains, I decided on white café curtains with slight pleating, but have fun deciding which patterns and fabrics would look best in your own space. You can also play around with the length of the curtains (something draped that pools on the ground vs. the fabric just kissing the floor).

Fletchall believes that skirted fireplaces can work with various design styles, too. “The fabric used for the skirting can make all of the difference,” she notes. “When choosing your fabric, I would keep in mind the style and age of your fireplace, in addition to the surrounding decor. Shy away from busy patterns that will draw the eye down. For instance, a simple neutral linen skirt could work well paired with a modern or Scandi design aesthetic.” For a more rustic space, Sass recommends something very loose and gauzy.

All in all, my skirted fireplace DIY cost me less than $50, and now the area feels more like a focal point than an eyesore. I’d say that’s a win — just don’t peek behind the curtain!