Summer is here, and you’re thinking about vacations, relaxing in the backyard, grilling out, and enjoying the long days. What you’re probably not thinking about is your fireplace. Are you going to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate in front of a roaring fire when it’s 85 degrees out? Certainly not. But that doesn’t mean your fireplace has to sit empty and forgotten just because it’s summer. In fact, it can become a unique and fun centerpiece for your home this time of year if you get a little creative.

Here are several fun and stylish things you can do with your fireplace this summer season.

Clean It!

Before doing anything summery with your fireplace, you’ll have to clean it. Use a shovel, wire brush, scrubber, and a powerful vacuum cleaner to remove soot and ash.

Pro tip: Summer is an excellent time to schedule a professional chimney cleaning and inspection. That way, you won’t have to scramble at the last minute trying to get a crew to come out when you want to start your first fire for the cold season.

Light it Up!

Lights aren’t just for the holidays; they can bring a magical summer glow to your fireplace even when it’s not in use. Fill the firebox with string lights and let them spill out for a dreamy, ethereal effect. You can wrap them around a few logs for a faux “firelight” look or nestle them into a bowl, decorative orbs, or glass. This is a great option for families with young children—no flames, just fun!

Create a Candle Display

One of the easiest and most beautiful ways to repurpose your fireplace during summer is by filling it with candles. Use a variety of heights, shapes, and styles for a layered, dynamic look. Flameless LED candles are a great option for safety and convenience, and many come with remote controls and timers. If you like real flames, just be sure to supervise and keep the area clear of anything flammable.

Build a Mini Indoor Garden

Transform your fireplace into a summer garden. Fill the hearth with potted plants, succulents, ferns, or trailing ivy. The brick or stone background of the fireplace provides a lovely rustic contrast to the vibrant greenery. You can place plants directly in the fireplace or arrange them on tiered plant stands to create height and variety.

This is especially great if your fireplace gets a lot of natural light. If not, opt for low-light plants or invest in some grow lights.

Make a Decorative Bookshelf

Why not use your fireplace as an unexpected bookshelf or reading nook? Stack books horizontally inside the firebox or display them upright with small bookends. Add a few decorative items, like a vase, lantern, or framed photo, to personalize the space. This works especially well if you’re already using your mantel to display favorite objects.

Make a Beverage Station or Bar

If you’re hosting summer parties, turn your fireplace into a quirky and memorable beverage station. Line the inside with trays, bottles, and glasses. Set up a mini wine rack or cooler in the firebox or create a self-serve cocktail bar with mixers and garnishes. You can even hang a small chalkboard from the mantel with the evening’s drink menu.

Display Art or a Seasonal Scene

Use your fireplace as a summer-themed shadow box. Prop up a large piece of art, a coastal-style sculpture, or even a framed beach photo where the fire would normally go. Or fill the space with seashells, driftwood, and sand in glass containers for a beachy vibe.

Use it for Cozy Floor Seating

Put some plush cushions, pillows, or a soft throw blanket inside the fireplace to create a cozy reading, play, or meditation nook. It won’t be functional for a fire, but it can be a fun little retreat, especially for the kiddos.

Call Keystone’s Fireplace and Stove

Yes, it’s summer, but now’s the best time to get your fireplace and chimney ready for winter. Call us today to schedule a professional cleaning and inspection and scratch that off your to-do list now instead of waiting until winter.