DIY Fireplace Cover Seamlessly Built

Transforming an often-overlooked area into a stylish focal point, decorative fireplace covers, or elegant folding screens for fireplaces, offer far more than just concealing a dirty hearth. These versatile decorative elements can brighten up an empty corner, neatly hide children’s toys, mask unsightly radiators, or simply tuck away any item you prefer to keep out of sight within a room. When your fireplace isn’t in use, especially during warmer months, covering it with a beautifully crafted screen is a brilliant way to enhance your interior design.

If you’re searching for an effortless and affordable solution to cover your fireplace with a screen for the summer or when it’s dormant, this DIY decorative folding screen idea is an incredibly simple and rewarding project. It’s a quick win for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their home decor without extensive effort or cost.

Recently, after undertaking a major renovation that involved removing the stone fireplace and mantel in my living room, I embarked on a complete living room makeover. My goal was to rearrange the space for the summer, embracing an easy, breezy, carefree summer decorating aesthetic. This comprehensive redecoration has been an ongoing project over the past few weeks, and I’ve been delighted to share each completed step.

While a few smaller projects remain on my list, the latest addition is a wonderfully simple DIY fireplace cover. This screen was specifically designed to beautifully conceal the firebox during the summer months, allowing the living room to transition seamlessly into its warm-weather vibe.

Effortlessly Hide Your Fireplace During Summer with a DIY Screen

This ingenious fireplace cover can be brought to life in approximately 45 minutes, making it an ideal weekend project. The secret to its remarkable simplicity lies in utilizing a readily available cardboard pattern cutting board. Over the years, I’ve crafted several of these screens, and it remains one of my absolute favorite DIY endeavors due to its incredible ease, functionality, and transformative effect on a space.

For those who sew or quilt, you might already have one of these convenient pattern cutting boards tucked away in a closet. If not, they are easily acquired for around $20 at most fabric or craft stores, or online. The brilliance of this board is that it comes pre-folded, and when expanded, it naturally forms a screen-like structure – effectively completing half of the work for you! Your creative task is simply to add your personal style using fabric, wallpaper, gift wrap, or even old maps to achieve a custom look.

This handy folding screen isn’t just a breeze to make; its design also makes it incredibly easy to fold, store, or reposition whenever your decor needs a refresh or you wish to utilize your fireplace again. It’s the ultimate flexible home decor solution.

As part of my summer living room refresh, I decided to reconfigure the furniture layout. Since we don’t use the fireplace or the adjacent firewood storage area during these months, I strategically placed the sofa in front of the hearth, creating a cozier seating arrangement. The recliners were moved to complement the mirror wall, reflecting light and making the space feel more open.

To provide some context, this is how the wall appeared when we initially moved into the house. The brick fireplace wall in my living room featured a firebox alongside another similarly sized opening designed for stacking wood. One of our first tasks upon moving in was to remove the dark, brown-stained bookshelves that flanked this area, instantly lightening the space.

After carefully removing the old stone fireplace, primarily for safety reasons, the wall reverted to a state much like when we first acquired the home. My desire was to beautifully conceal both the main firebox and the firewood storage area within the wall for the summer. However, I aimed to do so in distinct ways, introducing both visual interest and splashes of color to the recently painted white brick wall.

At this stage, I wasn’t ready for a full-scale fireplace makeover or even the addition of a new mantel. I sought a simple, yet impactful, solution, and crafting these custom screens proved to be the ideal answer, perfectly blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.

To ensure each cover was unique yet cohesive, I first applied a subtle glaze paint in a lovely green color to a decorative wood-paneled screen I already owned. For the second screen, I employed the cardboard sewing pattern cutting board, meticulously covering it with a remnant of grasscloth. This particular grasscloth, a $3 rummage sale find, was the same material I had previously used to refresh discolored picture frame mats. I had just enough left to beautifully cover the folding screen, with a few scraps to spare, proving that stylish decor doesn’t have to break the bank.

I deliberated over which opening the grasscloth screen looked best in. As depicted in the photo above, it elegantly covers the main fireplace box. However, its versatility allows for other arrangements.

Here, I’ve moved the grasscloth screen to adorn the wood storage opening, allowing you to see both delightful options. It’s always wonderful to have choices when styling your home. For another unique fireplace cover idea, you might appreciate one crafted from a brick panel and Spackling, offering a more rustic yet refined aesthetic.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Own Decorative DIY Fireplace Cover

Creating your own folding fireplace cover allows for endless creative expression. Whether you prefer the soft texture of fabric, the intricate patterns of wallpaper, the vibrant designs of gift wrap, or even the unique character of maps, any of these materials can be used to craft a truly personalized piece.

For this comprehensive tutorial, I’ll be referencing images from a previous post detailing the creation of a fabric-covered fireplace screen. The process remains largely identical whether you choose to work with wallpaper or gift wrap, making these instructions universally applicable for your custom DIY fireplace screen project.

First, assess the width of your fireplace opening. If necessary, you can easily adjust the width of your screen by removing one or more panels from the cardboard board using a utility knife. The goal is for the accordion-folded board to be slightly wider than your fireplace opening, ensuring it effectively covers the space. For the specific DIY fireplace cover featured, I utilized all six panels to achieve the desired coverage and aesthetic.

Supplies You’ll Need:

• Cardboard pattern cutting board: These are readily available at most sewing and craft stores or conveniently on Amazon – refer to the link in the caption above for an example.
• Fabric/Wallpaper/Gift Wrap: You’ll typically need 2 to 3 yards (or rolls) of your chosen material. The exact amount depends on whether you use the entire screen or cut off panels to better fit your fireplace opening.
  • Pro Tip: If you select a light-colored fabric, consider adding a liner fabric. This will prevent the blue grid lines of the cutting board from showing through, or alternatively, ensure you apply your chosen material to the plain brown side of the cardboard if available.
• Spray adhesive: Essential for a smooth, secure bond.
• Scissors: For cutting your chosen covering material.
• Pencil: For marking measurements and outlines.
• Utility knife: (Optional) If you need to remove panels from the board or trim materials.
• Awl: (Optional) For creating holes for decorative accents.
• Brass fasteners: (Optional) For decorative embellishments.
• Duct tape: (Optional) For extra security on the back, especially with wallpaper.

Optional: Enhance Security with Duct Tape

When you’re attaching wallpaper to your cardboard folding screen, for an extra layer of durability and to ensure the paper remains firmly secured over time, consider using duct tape. After applying the spray adhesive and wrapping the edges, strategically place strips of duct tape along the seams and edges on the back of the screen. This provides robust reinforcement, especially in high-traffic areas or if the screen will be moved frequently, guaranteeing a long-lasting finish.

Adding a Decorative Arch: Elevate Your Fireplace Screen Design

If you desire to craft a truly unique and elegant cover for your fireplace, particularly when it’s not in operation, consider adding a decorative arch shape to the top edge. This simple modification can mimic the sophisticated appearance of many commercially available fireplace screens, giving your DIY project a high-end, custom look that will impress. This technique was a featured project in my book, “Instant Decorating,” showcasing how small touches can make a significant difference in home aesthetics.

The fundamental process for creating this arched screen is similar to the folding screen covers detailed above. However, here’s an overview focusing on the specific steps for cutting and covering the screen when you’re incorporating a decorative top edge design.

Supplies Needed for the Arched Screen:

• Cardboard sewing pattern cutting board
• Utility knife
• 2-3 rolls of gift wrap (or fabric/wallpaper), depending on the number of panels used. For a 4-panel screen, two rolls are usually sufficient; if you use the entire board, you will need a third roll.
• Spray Adhesive
• Pencil
• Large plate or platter (for drawing the arch)

1. Prepare Your Panels: This particular board is typically 4 panels wide. To match the example shown, use a utility knife to carefully remove 2 panels from your pattern cutting board. Remember, you want the final folded board to be slightly wider than your fireplace opening for optimal coverage.

2. Draw the Arch: Fold the entire prepared board in half, as illustrated. On two of the panels, carefully draw and mark the desired arch pattern for the top edge. You can draw this freehand for a unique organic look, or for a perfect curve, use a large dinner plate or platter as a guide to create a beautifully rounded edge. Once drawn, use your utility knife to precisely cut out this pattern.

3. Ensure Symmetry: To create an identical, symmetrical pattern across both halves of your board, follow this simple trick: After cutting the arch on the first two panels, fold these newly cut panels over the remaining uncut panels. Trace the exact outline of the cutout onto the uncut sections. Then, carefully cut out this traced pattern with your utility knife (refer to Figure 1 for visual guidance). This method ensures your screen has a perfectly balanced design.

4. Lay Out Your Gift Wrap/Fabric: Lay two rolls of gift wrap (or your chosen fabric/wallpaper) pattern side down on a clean floor. If your material isn’t wide enough to cover the entire board in one go, decide where you want the seam to fall – the middle fold of the screen is often an ideal and inconspicuous place. Critically, ensure that any patterns seamlessly match up where you are joining the rolls of gift wrap or fabric to maintain a continuous design.

5. Cut Your Covering Material: Place the cut cardboard board (plain side down) squarely on top of your laid-out gift wrap. Using a pencil, lightly trace the exact outline of the board onto the gift wrap. Next, draw a second line approximately 5 inches outside the first traced line, following the contours of the board, including the newly cut arch. Carefully cut the gift wrap along this second, outer line using sharp scissors (as shown in Figure 2). This extra margin is essential for wrapping.

6. Adhere Material to Board: Turn the cut board over so the side you wish to cover is facing up. Apply spray adhesive evenly across the entire surface of the board and allow it to become tacky for about a minute. Carefully center the first piece of gift wrap (or fabric/wallpaper) over the board. Working from the center outwards to all sides, use your fingers to gently smooth out the material, ensuring there are no creases or trapped air bubbles. Repeat this process with the second piece of gift wrap to cover any remaining sections of the board, paying close attention to pattern matching at the seam.

7. Wrap and Secure Edges: Once the front is smooth, cut away any excess gift wrap as needed around the edges and curves, leaving enough material to wrap neatly around the board’s thickness. Spray adhesive along the back edges of the board. When the adhesive is tacky, carefully fold over the gift wrap, pressing it firmly onto the back of the board, as depicted in Figure 3. Use your hands to smooth and flatten the material, ensuring a clean, crisp finish around all edges, including the decorative arch.

For a completely refined look, you have the option to add additional gift wrap, fabric, or wallpaper to the entire back of the screen. This creates a more finished appearance from all angles. Alternatively, leaving the back as is also works, especially if the screen will primarily face one direction.

More Creative Fireplace Summer Cover Ideas

As demonstrated through the three decorative folding fireplace cover screens I’ve shared, crafting your own fireplace screen is remarkably straightforward and allows for immense personalization. You can tailor these screens not only to perfectly fit the dimensions of your fireplace opening but also to complement your unique decor style, simply by selecting different fabrics, papers, or embellishments. These DIY projects empower you to create functional art pieces that enhance your home’s aesthetic.

Here are a few more inspiring ideas to consider when designing your custom fireplace screen:

• Decoupage Collage: Instead of a single sheet, cut or rip your chosen paper (maps, sheet music, patterned paper) into 2-inch to 3-inch sized pieces. Use decoupage medium to slightly overlap these pieces, creating a textured, artistic collage that fully covers the folding screen. Seal with several coats of decoupage medium for durability and a consistent finish.

• Distressed Tape Finish: For a rustic or aged look, rip 2-inch sections of beige masking tape and slightly overlap them to completely cover the cardboard board. Once the board is covered, use a paper towel or rag to rub shoe polish or a transparent gel stain in a color of your choice over the taped surface. This technique creates a beautiful, distressed effect. Seal the entire surface with a matte sheen decoupage medium to protect and enhance the finish.
• Fabric Patchwork: If you have an assortment of fabric scraps in coordinating colors or patterns, consider creating a patchwork design. Cut fabric squares or rectangles and adhere them to the cardboard board using fabric glue or spray adhesive, overlapping slightly or butt-jointing them for a seamless look. This is a fantastic way to use up remnants and create a cozy, bohemian vibe.
• Stenciled Design: Paint the entire cardboard screen with a base color. Once dry, use stencils and contrasting paint to add intricate patterns, monograms, or geometric designs. This allows for precise customization and a highly polished look.

Can you envision any other inventive ways to cover these versatile folded screens, or perhaps alternative uses for them beyond just a fireplace cover? Share your creative ideas!

Discover More Inspiring Home Decorating Ideas:

• How I Decorated My Fireplace Mantel for Summer
• DIY Floor Lamp Makeover for Less Than $10
• DIY Picture Frame Mats Using Wallpaper Scraps
• Creative Window Sash Fireplace Screen Idea