New Year is not only about a Christmas tree, champagne and tangerines. In recent years, a fireplace has become a mandatory decoration for an apartment during the Christmas holidays. It is not always a massive stationary structure made of brick or timber. A dummy made of cardboard or foam plastic can look no less festive and elegant, the main thing is to decorate it correctly.
You can decorate the fireplace for the New Year yourself, or you can involve children in the process, adding a family atmosphere to the holiday. Photos against the backdrop of such decor will turn out no less emotional than near Christmas trees or snowmen.
There are many ways to decorate. You can decorate not only the hearth itself, but also the space around it. Also, when choosing decor for a fireplace, you need to take into account the properties of the material from which it is made.
There are practically no restrictions for real active outbreaks. Any design solution is suitable for New Year's decoration of the fireplace area. There are more prohibitions for false fireplaces:
- decorations for fake fireplaces made of light and not very durable materials should not be massive;
- false fireplaces made from flammable materials cannot be decorated with heating elements and open fire (lit candles, etc.).
Otherwise, there are no strict restrictions. When choosing a fireplace finish for the New Year and Christmas, you should first of all be guided by your own preferences and personal understanding of beauty.
Fireplace for New Year 2020 made from cardboard boxes
Are you getting ready to celebrate New Year 2020? Create an unusual photo zone at home and try to make luxurious holiday props from scrap materials. It's quite accessible and not difficult at all. Boxes that we usually throw away or, at best, recycle, can serve as excellent material for creating a New Year's fireplace with your own hands.
Such a decorative item fits harmoniously into the interior of any house or apartment and does not take up much space . If there is very little space in the apartment, you can make a corner option. In order to make a fireplace with your own hands for the New Year 2020, prepare the following materials:
- cardboard boxes for household appliances or other goods;
- 2 polystyrene foam boards;
- Titan glue and hot melt glue;
- materials for decoration: paint, colored paper, foam;
- tools for work: (scissors, wallpaper knife, brushes).
Advice . Before you start making a false fireplace, we suggest you consider the drawing and calculate the dimensions . Ideal for this Christmas decor would be a large TV box and several small ones. Also, when working with cardboard and paper, including when creating a Christmas fireplace with your own hands, it is best to use Titan glue .
What to consider when decorating
To beautifully decorate a fireplace, you need to maintain a single concept. So start by choosing materials and colors. For example, more and more often the area is decorated in a natural style, when only natural materials are used. For such fireplaces, wood, spruce branches, pine cones, and fruits are suitable.
Or you can decorate a fireplace using only textile materials. This decor will consist of soft toys, knitted figurines, garlands with felt elements, and multi-colored balls made of threads.
Tip: Make some DIY decorations to make your fireplace decor stand out and stand out from the store bought ones.
The second thing you need to think about is the color scheme of this design. If you find it difficult to choose a shade, study the symbolism of the coming year. For example, in 2020, gold, silver, gray, black and white tones will be relevant.
Gold is a great color for holiday decor; such decorations will harmonize with the greenery, and when you turn on the garlands and light the candles, they will reflect the glare, making the fireplace area even more festive. I would prefer this option if lush decor is not planned in other parts of the room.
By combining two or three shades, you can achieve a bright effect, but ideally such a combination should contain one bright and one neutral tone. For example, as in the following photo of the New Year's fireplace decoration in the house. The rich red tone adds dynamism to this design, while it goes well with the greenery, while white and silver balance this brightness.
If you want to use more shades in your decor, I advise you to limit yourself to decorations of the same shapes and sizes. Then such decor will not look chaotic and the author’s unified idea will be visible. For example, in the following photo there are a lot of bright colors. But they are all present in the same elements - Christmas tree balls, there are practically no other forms, the top is not loaded with other decor, so the result is a completely original and effective design.
It is not at all necessary to make the fireplace bright. On New Year's Eve you will turn on the lights - and this area will already be quite bright and illuminated. So maybe neutral decor is right for you. I love how the white shade shows up in any New Year's decor. It evokes associations with cold and snow, so it fits perfectly into the theme of the holiday.
Take a look at the photo: there is only greenery and snow-white decor. To prevent the fireplace from looking boring, the author diversified its design with decorations of different styles. Green spruce branches act as accents, drawing attention to this area.
And here is another “snowy” effect: the decor contains white and blue tones, while cotton wool, white threads for the balls, artificial snow on the cones did their job - the fireplace looks truly snowy.
This is the basic color scheme typical for New Year's decor, but you can use any colors, playing with tones, styles, and shapes. I believe that the design of the fireplace area that matches the design of the Christmas tree is always more successful. If there will be a New Year's beauty in your room, it is better to use the same decorations for it and repeat the color scheme.
Christmas fireplace: step-by-step instructions and photos
- Glue 2 boxes together to form the sides. If you want your product to be sturdy, cover the boxes with white cardboard.
- Make an arch for the future hearth from cardboard and glue it between the columns. Here you will need hot glue.
- Glue the arch in the middle so that it turns out voluminous and beautiful from all sides.
- Make the back strip for the fireplace . Glue the strip and place a weight so that the part is well secured.
- Use polystyrene foam as the base and top panel for the fireplace.
- Your cardboard box fireplace is almost ready. All that remains is to choose decorations and decorative finishes.
various materials as cladding . For example, cut sheets of red paper into bricks, glue stylized wallpaper, or make rectangles from white foam and stick them on the frame.
For more information on how to make a fireplace for the New Year 2020 with your own hands, watch the video.
Star of Bethlehem
The Star of Bethlehem is an indispensable attribute of the Christmas holidays in Europe. It can be made of cardboard and painted gold, or maybe... in the form of a real living flower - poinsettia, blooming with red bracts in the shape of a pointed star. There is a beautiful legend associated with the plant about a boy who did not have money to buy a gift for God, so the child collected ordinary flowers growing along the road. But the strength of the child’s faith was so great that the flowers burst into red—a Christmas miracle happened. This is why pointe flowers bloom in December, on Christmas Eve.
Corner false fireplace made from scrap materials
When there is very little space in the apartment, you can create a New Year's atmosphere with the help of a corner fireplace. This decor is made from a large TV box and scrap materials that everyone can find at home.
Trim one side of the box so that when folded you get a triangle. On the facade of the future fireplace, draw an opening and make a cut in the form of a semicircle. At the bottom of the fireplace, draw a corner for the firebox, make cuts and fold the cardboard inward. Cut out the walls from additional cardboard and glue them with tape or hot glue. Decorate the fireplace with wallpaper and decorate it as you wish.
You can also coat the finished product with water-based paint, make an imitation of brickwork, or stick on a fake molding made of foam plastic or plasterboard.
Fireplace decoration
Any false fireplace consists of a mandatory set of elements:
- upper mantelpiece;
- facade;
- hearth (portal);
- grounds.
In some cases, the list may be supplemented with a blower and chimney.
You can decorate one of the elements of the fireplace, or all at once.
Step 1. Decorating the hearth
The best decoration for a hearth is a natural flame. But this option is only suitable for real fireplaces. For false fireplaces, this method of decoration is unacceptable. But there are several methods to recreate the flame in a safe format.
The optimal way to simulate fire is selected depending on the material from which the false fireplace is made. It could be:
Fire image
You can draw the picture yourself, or print the image you like from the Internet. If you have gadgets that are suitable in size, then you can place a tablet or screen inside the fireplace that broadcasts a video of the burning fire.
Backlight
Most often, Christmas tree garlands or LED strips are used for these purposes. But when organizing such lighting, you need to choose serviceable lighting elements that do not heat up during prolonged use.
Steam plants
From a steam generator, a fan, a few light bulbs and a controller, you can create a fairly realistic and safe “flame”. In this case, there will be an additional smoke effect, which will humidify the room. But this method of recreating a fire is only suitable for false fireplaces made from moisture-resistant materials.
A fireplace made of cardboard or boxes can “float” from excess humidity, but the lighting of a fireplace made of plasterboard or polystyrene foam, made in this way, will be quite functional;
Using candles
This method is quite dangerous. It is only suitable for fireplaces made of fireproof materials, and children and pets should not be near the fire.
Candles can be installed inside the hearth, on the lower base, or in special stands (candlesticks or slits in logs);
Lightweight fabric
A combination of lighting, a fan and several pieces of silk (tulle, organza or other light and translucent fabrics in fiery shades) will give the effect of swaying flames.
You can also play with time. Place a stack of real or decorative logs inside the fireplace, pretending that the fireplace is about to be lit.
Or, on the contrary, use tinted stones and sand for decoration, recreating the look of just burnt firewood. By hiding a garland or LED strip inside the “ashes”, you can create the impression of barely smoldering coals.
It is not at all necessary to imitate a real hearth. Inside the portal you can place a composition of Christmas tree decorations and pine needles, adding tangerines and pine cones to the decoration. This decor will look unusual and festive.
You can also place a piece of Santa “stuck” in the chimney inside the portal. Or gifts and the symbol of the year scattered from his bag.
If the main emphasis is on celebrating Christmas, then a Christmas nativity scene can be placed inside the portal.
Step 2. Decorating the facade
The front side of a false fireplace is usually decorated with a variety of garlands. They can be made from any available materials: pine branches, tinsel, paper, Christmas tree decorations and snowflakes, etc.
Western style lovers can decorate the front of the fireplace with colorful stockings for gifts.
The center of the Christmas composition can be the Star of Bethlehem, located above the hearth. In this case, a Christmas tree garland made of warm yellow light bulbs will become a wonderful imitation of the starry sky.
Don't forget about snow and icicles. A garland of snowflakes or “drifts” made of foam plastic, painted frosty patterns and the shine of crystal icicles will become an original contrast for the “smoldering” hearth.
But here it is worth taking into account the primary finishing of the fireplace. If the facade was painted white or covered with white paper or foam bricks, then decorations imitating snow may get lost against such a background.
In this case, a partner color will save the day, diluting the monochrome palette. The complementary shade should serve as a link between the color scheme of the fireplace and the rest of the room. You can strengthen the connection using patterns that imitate patterns on curtains, carpets or wallpaper.
You also need to monitor the number of decorations. If the interior of the room is made in a minimalist style, then the abundance of decor on the false fireplace can ruin the overall style of the room. In this situation, decorations should be purely symbolic. For example, moldings imitating frosty patterns and snowflakes. Or a few small details hinting at the holiday atmosphere.
New Year's decor! Decorated the fireplace! Decorated the fireplace
Step 3. Decorate the mantelpiece
There are two ways to decorate your mantelpiece:
- decorate the shelf itself by attaching garlands, tinsel, Christmas tree decorations, etc. to it;
- place New Year-themed decorations on it. Can be placed on the fireplace to create a Christmas interior: candles;
- compositions and bouquets of fir branches and tinsel;
- photographs and pictures on a winter theme;
- figurines or small soft toys;
- flowers (especially in tandem with a coating of “frost”);
- vases with tangerines and other winter fruits.
In principle, you can put anything on the mantelpiece, as long as it can withstand the load.
So, it is better to decorate a false fireplace made of cardboard with a paper garland of New Year's flags or Christmas photographs.
If not very thick cardboard was used to imitate a fireplace, then even a Christmas tree garland can deform it. Therefore, it is better to leave New Year’s compositions with elements of stucco molding and massive decorations for the design of a real fireplace stove in a wooden house.
Step 4. Decorating the base
A real fireplace usually has a fireplace grate and a firewood rack in this part, which are usually not decorated. The design of a false fireplace can be done according to the same principle, by constructing an imitation fireplace grate below from painted polyurethane or cardboard.
If the base protrudes forward, then candlesticks or Christmas figurines can be marked on it. These don't necessarily have to be little Santas and angels. A family of snowmen or reindeer would look very appropriate.
If the fireplace is made in a dark color, then in the lower part you can put a “border” of piercings (kirigami). A snow-covered forest or village in combination with the illumination of the hearth will give a simply fabulous effect. On the Internet you can find simple schemes for beginners, and large-scale projects for professionals that can only be implemented in stages.
When decorating a fireplace from boxes or polystyrene foam, the most massive decorative elements should be located on the base. They will create a counterweight and make the structure more stable.
Foam fireplace: simple options for the home
An excellent material for creating a DIY Christmas fireplace is polystyrene foam. It is lightweight, quite durable, inexpensive and very flexible to work with. To make a false fireplace for the holiday, you will need:
- 2 rectangles, size 40x60 cm;
- 2 rectangles, size 40x20 cm;
- sharp knife;
- masking tape;
- primer and glue.
You can also choose other measurements for the details of your future product, it all depends on the free space. Watch the video on how to make a luxurious fireplace from foam plastic step by step for the New Year 2020.
Pine cone decorations
From time immemorial, pine needles, spruce or pine have been considered a real symbol of the New Year holidays. The peculiarity is that you can use not only whole trees, but also their individual elements, for example, branches or cones. These will make a chic festive garland for the fireplace.
Combination of cones and garland
To create it, you need to ensure that you have the following materials:
- The required number of spruce or pine cones, depending on the required length of the finished product.
- Pine or spruce branches, or a combination of both.
- Wood varnish as the main coating for materials.
- PVA glue.
- Gold foil.
- Gold spray paint or glitter.
- Sponge and twine.
- Hooks and stationery scissors.
- Paint brush, pliers and tweezers.
Homemade snow-covered cones
- First of all, the cones are prepared for work. To do this, they are washed under running water and cleaned of dust and dirt. Then leave until completely dry.
- At the next stage, using a sponge, apply two thick layers of glue on them. This is necessary to prevent deformation and shedding of the material. Again you need to let it dry for an hour.
- At this time, you should start preparing other materials. Take the made metal hooks and cover them with gold paint. Allow to dry for 20 minutes.
- When the cones have dried well, they are wrapped in foil and walked over it on top, as if they were painting something. As a result, excess pieces of foil will fall off, and where there was glue, on the contrary, they will stick well.
- At the final stage, each cone is coated with varnish.
We invite you to familiarize yourself with New Year's fireplace decoration: new ideas and classic options
The next thing that remains is to attach the dried hooks to the base of the cones. Pliers help with this, and when the process is finished, string is pulled through them. For decoration, use a Christmas tree branch in this quantity. So that it is enough for the entire length of the product.
If the branches were used, then for a more organic integration of the element into the decoration, it is worth covering the branches with golden varnish. Experts recommend applying wood varnish to finished cones; it will make the product safer. We hang the product on the hearth and the Christmas fireplace is ready.
Many false fireplaces, especially those made from more durable materials, serve their owners all year round. And they become New Year’s, of course, thanks to the decoration. First of all, the mantelpiece. Christmas wreath and stockings, candles, pine and spruce branches, pine cones... And, of course, Christmas tree decorations!
How to decorate a fireplace: a selection of fresh ideas for the New Year 2020
You can decorate your fireplace for the New Year 2020 according to your taste: we have already told you a little about DIY decorative methods. Look at several options in the photo - imitation white or red brick, snow-white trim or improvised stucco. All these ideas can be easily implemented at home using available materials - colored paper, old wallpaper, paint, leftover drywall.
A little imagination and festive decor, and a chic fireplace for the New Year 2020, made by yourself, will delight you and your loved ones. See how you can transform a false fireplace for the New Year and Christmas holidays.
It’s simply incredible how such beauty is born from ordinary materials! Decorate the Christmas tree, light the candles, turn on the New Year's garland and enjoy the cozy holiday atmosphere.
See also 6 cool ideas on how to wrap a gift for the New Year 2020.
Boot for gifts
Despite the fact that the tradition of hanging boots on the fireplace came to us from the West not so long ago, every child is not against hanging such an attribute on their home fireplace. Don’t forget to leave room for it when you start drawing a picture of how to decorate a fireplace for New Year’s Eve. You can buy such a Christmas decorative element in a store, but it is much more interesting to sew it yourself on one of the winter evenings.
Making a boot:
- for the boot you need two pieces of thick fabric, preferably felt, red and white or green and white;
- colored fabric should be larger, white - a strip for the lapel;
- a white stripe is sewn to a colored piece and the fabric is folded in half;
- the outline of the desired boot is drawn on the fabric with chalk, but cut out with an allowance of one centimeter;
- you need to sew around the perimeter, leaving it free at the top and turn the boot inside out;
- you need to sew a loop in the upper corner;
- additionally decorate the boot with snowflakes or other themed figures.
If there are several children in the family, it is important to write names on the boots to avoid confusion with gifts. You can play on flowers and make a blue boot for a boy, while a red one will suit a little princess.
Is it possible to make a false fireplace from old furniture?
Don't rush and get rid of that boring chest of drawers or sideboard. With the proper approach and imagination, this worn-out piece of furniture can easily turn into an interesting false fireplace.
The work takes place in several stages:
- We take out all the shelves, completely freeing up the interior space.
- In front we organize a facade of boards or plywood.
- Inside we measure out the space for the firebox. It can be assembled in different ways: it can be an empty cardboard box or box of suitable size, or the firebox can be simply assembled from plywood.
- We prime the product, sand it and paint it.
It turns out to be an interesting decorative item for the interior.
