If you’ve got an old chimney in your home, you may be wondering what to do with it. After all, it’s outdated, not to mention a potential fire hazard.
But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to use an old chimney that are both creative and useful.
What to do with your old chimney will depend on your interests, such as adding a fireplace screen, book nook, planting area, storage or add some shelves. Let’s take a look in a bit more detail.
1. A Book Nook
One great way to use an old chimney is to create a book nook. You can do this in a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to clean the chimney from any debris or soot that has accumulated over time.
Next, you’ll want to add shelving and seating to the space. You can use bookshelves, large pillows, or even bean bags for a comfy reading spot.
Finally, fill the book nook with your favorite books and magazines for hours of enjoyable reading!
2. Install Shelves
Creating shelving in an old chimney is easy to do with a few wooden planks, some screws and nails, and a bit of elbow grease, you can turn your outdated fireplace into a charming storage area for books and trinkets.
You can source some instructions online if you aren’t a seasoned DIYer, there are loads of them!
The task requires:
- Tools
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Hammer
- Nails
- Materials
- Wood planks (2×4’s or 2×6’s)
- Brackets or brackets with shelves included
Depending on the shape of the chimney, you may need to get creative when building shelves. Consider adding additional shelving outside the actual chimney for extra storage space.
Once you’ve installed your shelves you’ll have your own unique storage area that only you have! No two installations will be alike because every chimney has its own character.
Whether it’s bookshelves for literature or cubbies for trinkets and tools, your old chimney will come alive again with this new purpose.
3. Classy Fireplace Screen
Now that your shelves are installed, it is time to consider what to do with your old chimney. A fireplace screen can be a great way to add a touch of class and elegance to the room, even if you don’t use the fire.
Fireplace screens come in a variety of materials and sizes, and you can customize them for any space.
When picking out a fireplace screen, make sure it’s the right size for your chimney and suits the look of the room.
If you’ve got a fancy mantel or any other decorative features in the room, go for a fireplace screen that works with them.
4. Grow A Plant
How about transforming your old chimney into a vibrant, blooming garden? To start, you need to pick the right plant that will thrive in the environment.
A climbing plant is a great choice for an old chimney as its roots can easily find their way through the crevices of the chimney.
The lush foliage and colorful flowers of the climbing plant I added to my old fireplace look stunning cascading up the chimney walls.
Once you choose your desired plant, remove any debris from the chimney, such as bricks or mortar that may have fallen off over time.
Wear gloves when dealing with an old chimney or you’ll be covered in soot. Trust me, it’s not a good look! Protect yourself from any hazardous materials that could be present.
Next, you’ll want to fill any gaps with soil or compost to create a bed for your new climbing plant. Don’t forget to water it regularly and watch it grow!
Your old chimney will soon become an eye-catching addition to your home’s landscape with its vivid colors and lush foliage!
Not only will you get to enjoy it every day, but by transforming your old chimney into a garden, you’ll also be improving air quality in your home. Plus, you’ll have something unique to show off to family and friends!
5. Store Records Or Other Types Of Music
If you’re an avid music lover, then an old chimney can also be used to store records or other types of music. This is an especially great option if you have limited space in their home.
With the right setup, you can create a small but efficient storage area that can accommodate both vinyl and music playing devices. What’s not to love?
To start, it’s important to make sure your chimney is strong and stable enough to support the weight of the records.
You’ll also need some shelves or racks to organize them, as well as something to cover the open-top of the chimney so that moisture doesn’t get inside.
Once these steps have been taken care of, you can begin to fill your new storage area with your collection of music.
Once it’s set up, you’ll be able to easily access your favorite albums and find what you’re looking for quickly. And if you ever want to switch things up, simply rearrange the shelves or racks for a different look.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there are lots of ways to put an old chimney to good use. You should concentrate on repairs and sweeping first as a chimney can be a hazard if not properly maintained.
After that, you can create a book nook or install shelves for displaying decorations.
A classy fireplace screen will make your old chimney look like new again. You could also use your chimney to grow plants in, or even store records or other types of music.
For example, I recently renovated my old stone chimney and decided to turn it into a reading nook.
I installed some cozy chairs and shelves for books, along with some tasteful decorations and the plant I mentioned earlier.
Now I have a great spot in my home where I can relax and read without any distractions. It’s bliss!
Creating something useful out of an old chimney is both rewarding and fun. Not only does it make your home look better, but it can also increase its value significantly.
So don’t let your old chimney become an eyesore; instead, put it to good use!
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