Creating A Faux Fireplace With Cardboard And Paint

A faux fireplace is a great way to decorate your home for the holidays, especially if you don't have a real fireplace. You can easily make one out of cardboard boxes. To make a fake fireplace, you'll need large cardboard boxes, a box cutter or craft knife, tape, glue, and paint. Some people also use plaster to cover the cardboard and give it a smoother look. You can cut the boxes to create the shape of your fireplace, and decorate it with paint or paper to create a brick or wood effect. You can also add fairy lights, candles, and stockings to complete the look.

Planning the design

To begin planning the design of your fake fireplace, you must first decide on the size you want it to be. This will determine the number and size of cardboard boxes you will need. For example, if you want a mantelpiece, you will need to tape multiple pizza boxes together, as shown in one tutorial.

Next, you should draw out your design. One option is to tape your cardboard sheets to the wall and draw your fireplace shape, refining it with a ruler and pencil. You can then cut out your shape with a craft knife. Alternatively, you can draw your design directly onto the flattened cardboard boxes.

If you want to include a hole for a fire effect, you will need to decide on the size and draw this out in the centre of your fireplace shape. You can then cut out the middle of the fireplace with a craft knife.

If you want to create a brick effect, you can cut thin cardboard into brick shapes and stick them onto your fireplace. You can then paint over this with red paint to create the appearance of bricks. Alternatively, you can use printed brick paper, or paint a brick pattern onto moving paper with a sponge and acrylic paint.

Finally, you can add decorations to your fireplace, such as fairy lights, faux or real wood logs, or stockings.

Cutting and assembling the cardboard

To create a fake fireplace from cardboard boxes, you will first need to cut and assemble the cardboard to form the structure. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Choose a large cardboard box that can be transformed into the main structure of your fireplace. Consider the desired size of your fireplace and choose a box accordingly.
• Use duct tape to secure the corners of the box so that it stands upright on its flaps. This will provide stability and ensure your fireplace can stand on its own.
• Decide on the dimensions of your fireplace. Measure and mark the cardboard box accordingly, considering factors such as the desired height, width, and depth.
• Use a box cutter or a sharp knife, such as an X-acto knife, to cut along the measurements you've marked. For clean cuts, it is recommended to use a hard, flat surface. A ruler can also help guide your cuts and ensure straight lines.
• If you want to create a mantelpiece, cut the box accordingly. You can cut the box in half, using the flaps as a guide, to create a shelf-like structure for the mantel.
• Tape or glue the mantelpiece to the top of your fireplace structure. You can use strong tape, such as duct tape, or hot glue to secure the mantelpiece in place.
• If desired, reinforce the structure by cutting and attaching additional cardboard flaps or strips to the inside of your fireplace. This will provide extra stability and ensure your fireplace can bear some weight, such as decorations.
• For added durability, consider covering the exterior of your cardboard fireplace with paper or thin wood sheets. This will also create a smoother surface for painting or further decoration.

Remember to work carefully when using sharp tools for cutting, and always prioritize your safety.

Painting the fireplace

Painting your fake fireplace is a fun and creative process. There are a few different methods you can use, depending on the materials you have available and the desired look of your fireplace.

One popular method is to create a brick effect. You can do this by cutting thin cardboard into brick shapes and sticking them onto your fireplace with paint or glue. If you want to create a more textured look, you can use paper mache or sponge painting techniques to create the bricks. Another option is to use printed brick paper, which can be found at most craft stores or online. Cover the box with this brick-patterned paper, or paint over it with sponges and acrylic paint to create a more textured look.

If you want a smoother finish, you can cover your cardboard with plaster and then paint over it. Be sure to wear a mask and sand it down in a well-ventilated area. You can also paint your fireplace without adding any texture or patterns. Simply choose your desired colour and paint over the cardboard, covering any exposed seams with wide masking tape.

Don't forget to add some decorations to your fireplace! You can hang stockings, add fairy lights, or even place some faux or real wood logs inside to make it look even more realistic and cosy.

Adding decorations

Once you have the basic structure of your fireplace in place, it's time to start adding decorations!

If you want to create the look of a brick fireplace, you can cut thin cardboard into brick shapes and stick them onto the structure. You can also use printed brick paper, or paint a brick pattern onto the cardboard. If you want to create a more textured look, you can use sponges and different coloured paints to create a brick pattern. You can also use paper mache to create a brick effect.

If you want a smoother finish, you can cover the cardboard with plaster and then paint it in your desired colour. You can also use paint to create a more uniform look, or to cover any exposed seams or tape.

To make your fireplace more festive, you can add fairy lights, faux or real wood logs, and stockings. You can also add decorations such as Christmas cards and lightweight ornaments. If you want to create the effect of a fire, you can use a string of Christmas lights looped around an upturned bowl, with a pillar candle in the middle, or use battery-operated candles or lanterns with a fire effect.

Finishing touches

Once you've assembled your cardboard fireplace, it's time for the finishing touches! If you want to create a brick effect, cut thin cardboard into brick shapes and stick them onto the fireplace with glue or tape. You can also use printed brick paper, or paint a brick pattern directly onto the cardboard. If you want to create a more realistic brick texture, try using sponges and acrylic paint to create a three-dimensional effect.

If you're aiming for a smoother finish, cover the cardboard with plaster and leave it to dry. Lightly sand the plastered surface for an even smoother look, remembering to wear a mask and work in a well-ventilated area. You can then paint the plastered surface your desired colour.

To make your fireplace look even more realistic and fun, add decorations such as fairy lights, faux or real wood logs, flameless candles, or Christmas stockings. If you want to create a fire effect, use a string of Christmas lights looped around an upturned bowl, or opt for battery-operated candles or lanterns to avoid any fire hazards.

Frequently asked questions