Style Your Fireplace with These Helpful Tips

Your fireplace isn’t just for winter, with a few creative touches, it can be a stylish focal point all year round. Here’s how to make it shine this summer.

As the weather warms up and your fireplace takes a break from its winter duties, it doesn’t have to fade into the background. A well-styled fireplace can remain a striking centrepiece in your home — even in summer. Whether you’re refreshing your space for the season or decorating for a classic Aussie Christmas, here are some simple and creative ways to style your fireplace during the warmer months.

1. Decorate with Native Flora

Celebrate the season by styling your fireplace with native Australian plants. Think eucalyptus branches, banksias, or kangaroo paw arranged in woven baskets, ceramic pots, or glass vases. This brings a fresh, natural feel into your home — and when it’s time to light the fire again, many of these can be left in to burn off safely.

2. Create a Mini Herb Garden

Give your fireplace a practical summer makeover by transforming it into a mini herb garden. Basil, mint, rosemary and parsley thrive indoors with the right light — and they’ll add both greenery and flavour to your kitchen routine. Arrange them in terracotta pots or decorative planters for a functional and fragrant focal point.

3. Add an Ethanol Burner

If you’re missing the glow of flames but not the heat, consider an ethanol burner. Clean-burning and low maintenance, these burners provide real flame ambiance without overwhelming warmth — perfect for evening entertaining in summer. They also slot neatly into existing fireboxes and are easy to move when winter returns.

4. Embrace Summer or Festive Decor

Make the most of an Australian summer Christmas by styling your fireplace with light, beachy or festive touches. Add:

Coastal elements like driftwood, coral, or shells

Twinkling fairy lights or lanterns

Gold-accented pinecones or light-toned ornaments

A cheeky Christmas elf or Santa figurine peeking out of the chimney — always a hit with young kids!

5. Illuminate with Candles

Filling your fireplace with candles is an easy way to create a warm, relaxed vibe without the heat of a real fire. Use a mix of pillar candles, lanterns, or LED options. Try citronella candles to help keep mosquitoes at bay on summer evenings.

6. Add Texture and Functionality

For a cosy, styled look, add a stack of decorative timber logs, woven baskets, or even rolled-up throw blankets. This adds texture and warmth without making the space feel heavy. Books, artwork, or soft linen storage can also work beautifully in a styled fireplace cavity.

7. Refresh the Mantel

Your mantel deserves some summer attention too. Lighten the look with fresh flowers, framed prints, or coastal decor. Opt for a palette of natural tones, soft whites, and pastels to reflect the relaxed energy of the season.

Final Tip

Just because it’s summer doesn’t mean your fireplace should fade into the background. With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn it into a stylish, functional space that brings character and charm to your home year-round.

For more tips or to explore new fireplace options for every season, visit us at Woodpecker Heating & Cooling or drop by our Mornington showroom.