When it comes to decor, nothing tops the natural structure of your home. Large well-proportioned windows, crown molding, are essentially the ‘bones' of your home. These elements frame your home and set the stage for any additional decor elements.

One of the most striking elements in any home is a well-placed and well-decorated fireplace.  A fireplace is the symbolic ‘hearth' or ‘heart' of the home and is the immediate focal point of any room.  A fireplace can add a whole new level of charm, especially if it's decorated well and accented with key pieces.

How to Decorate Your Fireplace

Forget Symmetry - The best decorated fireplace toss symmetry out the window. In fact, having symmetrical decor on your fireplace is the design ‘kiss of death'.  The well accepted trend in design is to embrace asymmetry - and fortunately, unlike fashion, this trend suits every fireplace.

Layers - Instead of lining everything up along your mantle, trying using a layering effect.  Rather than hanging a mirror or painting above your mantle, have it rest on the mantle instead.  Your decor pieces can then be arranged around this centerpiece.  Using the mantel as a rest point for your art actually heightens the fireplace and gives it a grander appearance. This trick also helps break up the style barrier most people have when it comes to fireplace, and creates a more chic, casual feel.

Prints and Patterns - If you have a favorite wall paper that's perhaps too bold for your room, use it as a center piece above your mantle, much like you would a picture.  If you have a fireplace you're not using anymore, than use the wall paper as a stylish cover up.  This is easily done by lining the inner walls with the wallpaper of your choice.  This is also a quick way to turn your unused fireplace into an eye-popping design feature. 

When All Else Fails - If you're ever completely at a loss for what to do with your fireplace, remember you can never go wrong with a clutter of candles that will always create a warm soft ambiance.  

What to Do if You Don't Have a Fireplace

If you don't have a fireplace already built into your home, you can still create the same effect with faux fireplace that doubles as an energy-efficient heater.  An electric fireplace heater lets you fill your home with a mesmerizing, soft glow without the hassle of burning ash and buying wood.

Electric fireplace heaters are perfect if you live in a small home or apartment and prefer the stylish addition of a fireplace.  Fireplace heaters make it possible for these types of spaces to still enjoy the warm glow of a fireplace. 

The look of an electric fireplace heater is surprisingly realistic since it includes light bulbs to simulate the gentle smoldering of a fire down to the glowing embers.  With portable fireplace heaters, you can get the coveted architectural element of a fireplace, without the cost - plus its portability allows you to move it whenever you decide to rearrange your decor. The best bets are NewAir electric fireplaces or Dimplex fireplaces.

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