Many older homes have brass fireplace screens like this one. With a $7 can of black heat-resistant spray paint, you can completely update your fireplace. Most screens are removable so you can do it outside. Otherwise, use a little painters tape and newspaper to cover the glass and edges and open some windows. We took it a couple steps further by adding a mantel and painting the hearth tile a more nuetral color.
So I like the idea of the fireplace, however I have a LARGE wall in my livingroom that I have NO IDEA what to do with. I was thinking of putting in a fireplace, but my husband doesn’t like the thought or cost of a fireplace. However, we do like what you have done to your fireplace and the cost. I was wondering if you think it would look weird if we did the whole mantle fireplace idea that you have done but WITHOUT the actual fireplace? Just do a mantle looking thing to decorate throughout the months of the year? Any ideas of how to build it? To still have that dimension look to it? since we have no fireplace to build onto. We would like to start working on it in the next week so if you could reply ASAP that would be wonderful!!! Thanks so much.
Consider going to a salvage or antique store and look for a mantle that was removed from an old home. They would have the character and dimension you are looking for and would be great with a candle display in the middle. Remember to look at every mantle no matter the color, condition or size. Paint can change everything and just a few modifications can make it perfect for your space.
Here’s a link to a blog about salvaged mantles….she is using them as headboards, but you could certainly use them in your living room, too.
http://www.poetichome.com/2011/05/05/5-salvaged-mantles-repurposed-as-headboards/