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20 Simple Ways to Decorate a Fireplace & Mantle with Flameless Candles

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Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, faux greenery, candle holders, lanterns

Here’s an easy way to add a warm glow to your hearth without the risk of fire – decorate a fireplace with flameless candles! 

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How to Decorate a Fireplace with Flameless Candles

Are candles in a fireplace tacky? It’s a good question, and comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Battery operated candles can be used in a variety of ways to create a stylish, elegant look for your fireplace and mantel.

They are safe to use around small kids and pets. Plus many of the styles on the market today look so similar to real candles, it’s hard to tell the difference.

A cozy living room features a white fireplace adorned with a large autumn-themed wreath and lit candles. Various candles are arranged on the mantel and inside the fireplace, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Consider these ideas for decorating your fireplace and mantel with flameless candles.

Note: some of the pictures show real wax candles – just substitute with flameless candles for extra safety! Or feel free to use the same look with wax candles – it’s up to you.

Flameless Votive Candles in Fireplace Candelabras

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, & a metal candelabra

Fireplace candelabras or candelabrums are a unique way to decorate a fireplace with flameless candles and fill a space in a non functioning fireplace.  Candelabra inserts come in many different shapes and designs and thus are fitting for a wide variety of decor styles. 

These fireplace candle holders work best with smaller sized flameless candles. LED votives or tealights will usually do the trick and are more safe than traditional candles.

Fireplace Candelabras

Candelabras can be inserted into the fireplace as shown above or can rest on the hearth stone outside. The latter is a great option for those that occasionally use their fireplace but want an easy way to decorate it when not in use. 

Simply move the candelabra to the side when you’re ready to start a fire.

Candles on the Side of a Hearth

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, candle holders, lanterns

You can easily use LED candles on the side of your hearth either by themselves or with additional decor pieces. 

These rustic lanterns and a tall candle holder add an elegant touch to this fireplace. Because each of these items are a different height, it fills the space but doesn’t look too cluttered. Consider using different style lanterns and candle holders to match your decor theme.

Candle Lanterns

Flameless candles work well here if you’re concerned about pets or kids knocking things over.  With flameless candles, there’s no risk of fire involved. 

Another benefit of using flameless candles here is that many of them come with remotes and timer features. This way, you don’t have to worry about opening the lanterns each time you want to turn on the candles.  Just use the remote control or set it to the timer feature.

LED Tealights in Logs

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, wood log candle holders

This is a fun way to get the look of wood logs in a fireplace without having to burn any wood! LED tealights or LED votive candles placed in logs offer a glowing, rustic look for your fireplace. 

Making this fireplace candle holder is an easy DIY project.  Simply get a few medium sized logs and drill out holes for the candles.  Or consider using one large log to fill the space.

Fireplace Candle Inserts

Not handy?  Many companies make candle log inserts that are ready to use. Different wood textures and grains (such as birch) are available so shop around and find something that suits your look. 

This is also a creative way to change up your fireplace decor for the holidays. Fairy lights or string lights used around the logs will create a festive glow. 

Pillar Candles in Front of a Mirror

Mirrors are a popular decor accent to use with fireplaces for good reason. They give additional depth to a space and make it appear larger. 

When used with candles, mirrors help bounce the light around and make it seem as though you are using twice the amount of candles. For a really dramatic effect, use a flameless candle set with LED candles of different sizes in front of the mirrors.

Mirrors can be place in the back part of the hearth as shown above. One mirror place straight ahead or multiple mirrors placed at different angles can be used. 

Flameless Pillar Candle Sets
Batteries for Flameless Candles

By angling the mirrors toward the middle of the fireplace, you’ll create additional views of the objects placed in front of the mirror. Consider then arranging flameless candles and other decorative accents in front of the mirror for a bold look. 

Additionally, a large mirror can be place above the mantel which will help enlarge the space.

LED Candles on Top of a Fireplace Grate

A fireplace filled with lit candles on a black grate, surrounded by dark gray stone. A lantern with a candle inside sits on the hearth to the left, adding a cozy ambiance.
StyleWell Brindle Flame Electric Fireplace Insert

If you don’t burn wood in your fireplace or do it only on occasion, consider using your fireplace grate as a fireplace candle holder instead. Keep in mind that if you use your fireplace for fires, then the grate might be dirty and can get soot on the bottom of your candles. Consider placing a piece of cardboard in between the grate and the bottom of the candles to keep them clean. 

You’ll also want to make sure your using a grate with rungs that are close together or one that has an ember retainer on the bottom. This way the candles will sit evenly on the grate. 

However, if your grate rungs are still too far apart, use a thin piece of wood or plastic sitting on top of the grate to provide support.

Extra Large Flameless Candles in the Hearth

Flameless candles come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes including very tall, extra large styles. They make for an interesting focal point in your decor because of their height.

Here is a hearth display using extra large flameless candles in the fireplace along with dramatic decor pieces for a nice living room candle arrangement. 

The design elements are paired in such a way that nothing feels too overwhelming for the space.  This is another simple but elegant way to decorate a fireplace with flameless candles.

Flameless Candles in a Box or Chest

Another great way to decorate a fireplace with flameless candles is to display LED pillar candles in a large decorative box or chest. The candles shown above in the treasure chest add a fun sense of style to this dark green tiled fireplace.

To make this candle holder for fireplace work, you’ll want to fill the box with newspaper or some sort of stuffing so that the candles appear closer to the top. Greenery or fairy lights can be used around the base of the candles to cover any filling. 

Different sized candles create depth and height.  Another benefit of this design:  the box can easily be moved when it comes time to clean!

Candles Behind a Fireplace Screen

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, candle holders & a fireplace screen

Knowing cats, there’s a good chance that the one pictured above could still get to those candles! But a fireplace screen offers an additional way to keep pets and small children away from candles in your fireplace. 

Of course this isn’t such a big deal when you use flameless candles as there is no risk of fire. Still, the screens offer a decorative touch and make it appear as though there are logs burning in the hearth.

Fireplace screens also offer a unique way to hide flameless candles if you don’t like the look of faux flames. 

Fireplace Screens

By using a stained glass fireplace screen, you can still create a flickering light in your fireplace using flameless candles but the flame pieces will be hidden from view.

Lanterns in the Fireplace

Lanterns and flameless candles go so well together – it’s a favorite way of designers to style them throughout a home. 

The nice thing about the lanterns in this fireplace look is that they take up a good amount of space within the hearth. This is balanced out by a minimal selection of decor items on the mantel. 

Candle Lanterns

If you have a working fireplace, use lanterns on the side for some extra glow in the evening. Or for non working fireplaces, use lanterns to fill the empty space.

Candles on a Tray for Non Working Fireplaces

A collection of different-sized white candles arranged on a burlap-covered surface, surrounded by a thick rope. Seashells are scattered around the base, and the setting is inside a brick fireplace.

Speaking of empty fireplaces, using candles paired with decorative items is another great way to fill this space.

In the photo above, large pillar candles are grouped together on a sisal tray and set on a box covered with burlap. Beautiful seashells complete the look for a beautiful coastal vibe in the non usable fireplace.

For more ideas on how to decorate an empty fireplace, check out this article: 16 Empty Fireplace Decorating Ideas for an Attractive Look

Lanterns Hanging from the Mantel

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, hanging lanterns & stacked logs

This is such a fun way to use lanterns in your home! 

If your mantel is sturdy enough to hold the extra weight, consider adding hooks to the bottom of it and hanging lanterns with rope or twine. Hanging lanterns in this way is not only eye catching but is a fun decor accent to show guests and visitors.

This look is balanced by having the equal amounts of decorative accents on each side of the mantel in relatively similar heights. Moving flame flameless candles are perfect for hanging lanterns as there is no risk of fire if the candles are accidentally knocked over.

Candles in a Fireplace with Greenery

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, faux greenery

A very simple, easy way to decorate your fireplace with flameless candles is to just place them in the directly in the fireplace with a strand of artificial (or real!) greenery garland. 

The look above uses ivory colored Luminara flameless pillar candles in different heights to add variety and depth. Luminara votive candles are also used. The greenery helps to tie the look together and adds a bit of color. The candles are spaced far enough apart to fill the space. 

LED Votive Candles

You could also push them closer together which gives more of an appearance of logs burning the the hearth when viewed at a distance. Either way, the more candles used, the better the glow. You’ll want to use enough candles to fill the space.

Are candles in a fireplace tacky? I don’t think so, but if it feels off to you, then switch it up with something else. There are lots of ways to decorate a fireplace, candles being just one option.

Flameless Taper Candles & Holders

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, mercury glass candle holders, taper candles & a mirror

Taper candles are such a classic, elegant way to add ambiance to a space. Wax tapers can be messy though and are not safe to have around pets and kids. With LED taper candles, you don’t have to worry about the risk of a fire.

Flameless Taper Candles

This fireplace with candles look incorporates taper and pillar candles on different sized holders. Glass and metal taper candle holder for fireplace in unique designs make for a beautiful, chic look. 

An antique mirror behind the candles helps reflect the light and magnifies the space. Additional taper candles could be used on the mantel to help balance out this shabby chic fireplace.

Creative Candle Holders in a Fireplace

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, wood candle holders & a fireplace screen

Small candles may not initially fill the space in your fireplace. So consider pairing them with candle holders to create depth and height. 

Flameless candles resting on birch logs are shown above for a rustic fireplace decor style. Candle holders for fireplace can be purchased from your favorite home decor or craft store. 

Candle Holders

Or try getting creative and using things you might already have around the house. Consider using old books, boxes, crates or cases as a way to give candles in the fireplace some height and charm. A fireplace screen helps finish the look and adds visual interest.

Flameless Candles in Clear Glass Hurricanes

A cozy living room with a white fireplace adorned with open books, tall candles, and decorated wreaths. Books and candles are arranged on the mantel and in front of the hearth. A soft beige armchair and a fluffy white rug complete the setting.

Clear glass hurricanes are a beautiful way to display candles. The light is reflected off of the glass and they can be filled with decorative items for a festive look. 

Candle hurricanes are cheap to buy at discount stores. In addition to using them for centerpieces, candle hurricanes make a great addition to any fireplace or mantel decor.

Candle Hurricanes

The fireplace with candles look above gets creative with old books and taper candles set amongst candles in glass hurricanes. Such a beautiful way to decorate a fireplace with flameless candles.

LED Candles Paired with Dramatic Fireplace Decor

If there’s one place in your home where you can get away with dramatic decor styles, it’s the fireplace. Because of the height, bold decor pieces can be paired together on both the mantel and the hearth. 

The extra tall candles shown above are in the same vein as the oversized pieces used on the mantel and thus none of the design elements feel overwhelming.

With a little luck, you can easily find extra large flameless candles to meet your decor needs. Another way to accomplish the look above is to use candles placed on large pillar candles holders. 

Don’t be afraid to be bold in your everyday fireplace and mantel design.

Candles on Either Side of a TV

Many people like to hang their TV above their mantel for easy viewing.  The question becomes how to decorate the mantel without blocking the TV?

In this instance, two glass hurricane where paired with Luminara flameless candles on either side of the TV. The two tall dog statues on both sides of the fireplace add symmetry to the design and give it some height. 

Since many flameless candles are remote controlled,  it will be easy to turn the candles on and off while watching television.

Flameless Candles Paired with Neutral Accents

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, framed pictures, lanterns & candle holders

If you’re not sure about what decor style you want to use to decorate your living room fireplace and mantel, consider using neutral decor accents. Fireplaces are often visually stimulating all by themselves. So if your fireplace decor feels overwhelming, keep it simple and neutral.

Soft ivory Luminara candles with lanterns, photo frames and candle holders are used to decorate this white mantel. Birch bark Luminara faux candles in clear glass hurricanes flank one side of the fireplace hearth.

Flameless Pillar Candles

A fireplace is usually a bold focal point for any room and neutral accents help keep the space from looking too cluttered.

Faux Candles Throughout the Living Room

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, lanterns & candle holders

Who says you have to decorate a fireplace with flameless candles and that’s it? In this living room shown above, LED candles are used in a variety of ways to add light and charm to the space. 

Faux candles are featured along the mantel, in lanterns on the bookcases, along the sides of the fireplace and as part of the coffee table centerpiece.

Adding lots of flameless candles around a room helps give it a very cozy feel in the evening hours. Many brands offer candles that come with a built in timer feature. 

Fireplace Candelabras

The timer allows you to have all the candles in a room turn on at a similar time of day.  When the cycle has completed, the candles will turn off again.

For more ideas on how to decorate a living room with candles, check out this post: 9 Attractive Ways to Display Candles in a Living Room

Flameless Candles for Outdoor Fireplaces

Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, flowers, greenery, candle holders, lanterns

If you’ve got an outdoor space with a fireplace, flameless candles paired with lanterns & plant can be used to decorate it throughout the year. 

This is a great way to add flickering light to an outdoor area without having to start a fire or light candles. However, when shopping for flameless candles that you will use outside, make sure to look for outdoor flameless candles. 

Outdoor & Waterproof Flameless Candles

These are candles that are made of plastic and are designed to be used in all weather conditions. Regular wax LED candles may melt in the sun.  Some plastic flameless candles are not rated for outdoor use and can get water damaged. 

Liown makes a popular outdoor flameless candle that will work perfectly for your outdoor fireplace area. 

In conclusion, there are tons of great ways to decorate your fireplace and mantel with flameless candles or real wax candles. How do you plan on using flameless candles in your space?

Enjoy decorating for the seasons and holidays? Me too! Get organized for seasonal decor this year with this FREE printable seasonal decorating schedule. Keep track of when to decorate for holidays & when to shop for decor. Sign up below for an instant download!

More Candle & Fireplace Decor Ideas

For more candle, fireplace & mantel decor inspiration, tips and styles, check out these posts:

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Decorate a fireplace with flameless candles, candle holders & a fireplace screen
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flameless candle ideas for fireplaces
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Comments

  2. Afton Jackson says

    I like the part of your article that brought up fireplace screens and how they’re a great way to ensure the safety of the people around it while still letting the warmth and light through. Having kids that are excited about the holidays has been hectic, but I only know it’s about to get worse if I ever decide to use a fireplace with them running all over the place. To ensure their safety, I’ll look for a fireplace service that can get me one and have a screen set up for it as well.

    Reply

  3. Dee says

    I loved the idea of the mirror behind the candles. My next dyi is to remake an old set of book cases it to an entertainment center. This will cap it off beautifuly

    Reply

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