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The fireplace is the center of attention in millions of homes during the cold winter months. It’s an inviting space where families gather for warmth and comfort around the soothing sounds of a crackling fire. When the flames go out in the summer, the fireplace is often a dark space. Many homeowners want to rekindle the inviting atmosphere that a fireplace brings, even with warmer weather on the horizon. Here are a few ideas for decorating the fireplace in the summer.
Use the space around the fireplace to create an inspiring art gallery. You can display two or three pieces of art, photo prints, or family photos on small wooden easels on a slight angle in front of the fireplace. You can also use the space above the mantle to hang additional artwork as well. Another option is to display art that relates to a theme you enjoy, like seascapes, landscapes, abstracts, and wildlife, for example.
Another option for decorating the fireplace is to mount an LED television above the mantle to create a cozy television nook. Fire up a bowl of fresh popcorn and have a movie night that will bring the family together in front of the fireplace during the summer, just like they enjoy doing in the winter. Another option is to get some beautiful wooden bookends and display your book collection across the mantle to encourage more summertime reading.
There are quite a few green plants that thrive indoors with low indirect lighting and water. Some options to consider include the bamboo, philodendron, spider plant, and the Rattlesnake Calathea plant, to name a few. You can also plant them in clay or ceramic pots for additional color. They can be placed directly in front of the fireplace.
There are also herbs that will grow well in an indoor environment. While many herbs need direct sunlight, there are a few that will do well in shady spaces. As long as your fireplace has some indirect sunlight, you can use the area for an indoor herb garden that includes cilantro, mint, parsley, and thyme. They will add nice, fragrant aroma to the room and you will also have fresh herbs to enjoy in your summer cookouts.
Use some of the left-over firewood to decorate your fireplace in the summer. Stack them in alternating horizontal and vertical positions to create your version of an impressionist rustic work of art. You can even tie a bundle of kindling on top for a cozy effect.
Summertime is also a great time of year to have your chimney sweep inspect and clean the fireplace. The chimney sweep will clean out the soot, creosote, and other debris accumulating in the chimney during the previous winter. Any obstructions in the flue will also be cleaned out, and if the masonry or components need some repair, you will be able to get it fixed before the next winter season.
