Create a warm, festive atmosphere—no chimney required!
Not everyone has a real fireplace, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the cozy glow and Christmas charm it brings. A DIY cardboard fireplace is the perfect solution—cheap, creative, and surprisingly beautiful.
It’s a great project for families, apartments, parties, or classrooms.
With a few boxes, some paint, and imagination, you can craft a stunning holiday centerpiece that makes your home feel merry and bright.
What You’ll Need
Before diving into the fun, here’s a simple list of materials for your faux fireplace:
- Large cardboard boxes (moving boxes or appliance boxes work best)
- Box cutter or craft knife
- Hot glue gun or strong tape
- White or red paint (or brick-pattern paper)
- Paintbrush or sponge
- Ruler and pencil
- Fairy lights or LED candles (for the “fire”)
- Garland, stockings, and other Christmas décor
Tip: Don’t overthink it — the charm comes from creativity, not perfection!
Step-by-Step: How to Make a DIY Cardboard Fireplace
Step 1: Build the Base and Structure
Start by arranging your boxes into a rectangular fireplace shape. Use one large box for the base and two medium boxes for the sides. Tape or glue them together securely. Leave an open space in the middle where your “fire” will go.
👉 Tip: Reinforce the structure with extra cardboard inside if it feels flimsy.
Step 2: Cut Out the Fireplace Opening
Using a ruler and pencil, draw the arch or rectangular opening where the fire would be. Carefully cut it out with a craft knife. You can make a classic rectangular shape or a curved arch depending on your decor style.
Step 3: Add the Mantel
Use a flat piece of cardboard (or a foam board) as the mantel top. Make it slightly wider than the fireplace so it looks more realistic. You can even wrap it in contact paper that mimics wood or marble for a luxe finish.
Step 4: Paint the “Bricks”
Here’s the fun part!
- Option 1: Paint the fireplace red and sponge on white paint for a rustic brick look.
- Option 2: Wrap it with brick-pattern wallpaper or printed paper for a neat finish.
- Option 3: Go modern with white paint and a faux stone texture using a dry sponge technique.
Step 5: Create the Fire Effect
Transform the empty opening into a cozy glow:
- Use orange, yellow, and red tissue paper to mimic flames.
- Add a few fairy lights underneath for a realistic flickering effect.
- You can also place LED candles or a small electric string light set inside.
It’s completely safe, even for kids and pets.
Styling Your Faux Fireplace for Christmas
Once your base is done, the decorating begins — and this is where your creativity can truly shine!
1. Classic Christmas Mantel
Hang stockings across the mantel with small hooks or clips. Add a garland of greenery, fairy lights, and pinecones for that timeless holiday feel.
2. Winter Wonderland Look
Paint your fireplace white and decorate it with silver ornaments, frosted pine branches, and snowflake accents. Perfect for modern or minimalist homes.
3. Rustic Farmhouse Vibe
Use neutral tones like cream, brown, and green. Add burlap stockings, twine garlands, and wooden accents for a cozy country charm.
4. Kid-Friendly & Fun
Let kids help decorate with paper snowflakes, candy canes, and small gift boxes. You can even tape on photos or drawings to make it more personal.
5. Party Backdrop or Photo Booth
Hosting a Christmas party? Your cardboard fireplace makes the perfect backdrop for photos! Add fairy lights, a small Christmas tree beside it, and faux gifts for a magical setup everyone will love.
Extra Tips to Make It Look Realistic
- Use 3D details like fake logs made from rolled cardboard tubes or real wood pieces.
- Add a mirror or printout of a roaring fire behind the tissue flames.
- Light your scene with warm white fairy lights to give a soft, glowing effect.
- Sprinkle fake snow or glitter on top for an extra magical finish.
Where to Display Your DIY Fireplace
- Living room or family room centerpiece
- Apartment corner for Christmas coziness
- Office or classroom decor project
- Photo booth for Christmas parties
- Store window or event decoration
Why You’ll Love It
Creating your own DIY cardboard fireplace is more than just a craft — it’s a heartwarming project that adds a festive focal point to your space. It’s affordable, fun, and customizable to your holiday theme.
Even after the holidays, you can repurpose it for other seasons — just swap the decor for candles, flowers, or seasonal garlands.
5 Cozy & Creative Ways to Decorate Your DIY Cardboard Fireplace
Your faux fireplace is the perfect blank canvas for Christmas decorating! Whether your style is traditional, elegant, or playful, here are festive ideas to bring your creation to life.
1. The Classic Christmas Mantel
Nothing beats the timeless red-and-green look.
- Hang matching stockings for the family.
- Add pine garlands across the top.
- Use fairy lights to highlight the greenery.
- Place a few wrapped gift boxes on the hearth.
Finish with a large wreath or “Merry Christmas” sign above the mantel for a picture-perfect holiday setup.
2. Rustic Farmhouse Charm
If you love cozy, homey vibes, go rustic:
- Paint your fireplace white or cream.
- Add plaid ribbons, twine garlands, and pinecones.
- Use neutral stockings made of burlap or linen.
- Decorate with mini evergreen trees or lanterns.
This look fits beautifully into cottage-style or farmhouse holiday decor.
3. Winter Wonderland White
Want something elegant and icy? Try a white-on-white theme:
- Paint the fireplace and mantel snowy white.
- Use silver ornaments and frosted pine branches.
- Add fairy lights for sparkle.
- Decorate with snowflakes, white candles, and faux fur stockings.
The result? A dreamy winter look straight from a Christmas movie.
4. Santa’s Workshop Theme
For a fun and kid-friendly vibe:
- Add toy trains, candy canes, and mini elves to the mantel.
- Place colorful wrapped boxes inside the fireplace instead of flames.
- Add red and white striped paper or bows.
This playful setup is perfect for family rooms, classrooms, or Christmas parties.
5. Cozy Cabin Glow
Bring mountain-lodge warmth into your living room.
- Paint the cardboard fireplace in rich brown or gray stone tones.
- Decorate with chunky knit stockings and plaid blankets.
- Stack “logs” made of rolled cardboard or paper tubes for a rustic firebox look.
- Add warm amber lights or lanterns nearby for a campfire glow.
Perfect for anyone who wants that ski-lodge-in-the-woods feeling without leaving home.
Final Thoughts
Who says you need a real chimney to feel Christmas magic?
With a little cardboard and creativity, you can enjoy the glow of a cozy fireplace that makes your home feel merry, warm, and picture-perfect.
So grab those boxes, paintbrushes, and twinkly lights — your dream holiday fireplace is just a DIY away!
I’m Katerina Lithopoulou, co-creator of DIY Cozy Living. I’ve always loved the little things that make a space feel special — soft textures, warm lighting, thoughtful details. With a background in language and a passion for photography and cozy design, I enjoy turning everyday inspiration into simple ideas people can actually use.
My motto: “Cozy isn’t a trend — it’s a feeling.”
