DIY Fireplaces You Can Build Anywhere

16 beautiful DIY fireplace ideas using electric inserts, faux mantels, or upgrades to existing fireplaces — options for every budget and skill level.

We’ve been tackling a lot of overdue home projects lately — refinishing a side porch, replacing an exterior door, and now planning a fireplace for the back porch. When we first moved in, that wall held a TV and a small fridge. Since building an outdoor kitchen and updating the backyard, the fridge and TV felt unnecessary, so we replaced them with a simple faux mantel shelf while we considered a more permanent solution: a porch fireplace.

DIY Porch Fireplace Planning

Since we no longer needed the fridge and the outdoor space had been refreshed, the idea of an outdoor fireplace made perfect sense. A fireplace on a covered porch creates a cozy focal point and extends the seasons you can use the space. For covered or semi-exposed areas, choose a damp-rated electric insert or a professionally installed gas insert for safety and durability.

16 Stunning DIY Fireplace Ideas for Any Room

Over the years I’ve saved dozens of electric and faux fireplace ideas, plus tutorials for built-in boxes and custom surrounds. While we plan an outdoor fireplace with a damp-rated insert, many of the concepts below translate beautifully indoors — living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, or any space that needs a warm focal point. Each idea highlights a different finish, material, or styling approach so you can adapt them to your budget and skill level.

1. DIY Faux Plaster Fireplace Surround

A clean, modern surround finished to look like plaster creates a minimalist focal point. This approach works well over an electric insert or to update an existing fireplace — sand smooth, skim-coat, and paint for a refined, contemporary result.

2. Bold Fireplace Surround

Add dramatic color and texture with tile, molding, and a saturated paint hue. A bold green or deep navy instantly makes the fireplace the star of the room and pairs nicely with simple mantels or built-ins.

3. Electric Fireplace With Custom Surround

Frame an electric insert with a custom-built surround for a tailored look. Use simple framing and a faux concrete finish, painted or plastered, to achieve a modern, architectural feel without expensive materials.

4. Built-In Electric Fireplace With Venetian Plaster

For an elegant, high-end finish, consider Venetian plaster over a built-in frame. The layered application gives soft depth and a natural sheen that elevates a simple electric insert into a sophisticated feature.

5. French Marble-Style Faux Fireplace

A replica French mantel combined with ceramic tile and a painted black firebox creates the look of an antique fireplace with minimal carpentry. This approach is ideal for renters or anyone who wants stylish impact with little construction.

6. Electric Fireplace With Built-In Shelves

Combine storage and warmth by flanking an electric fireplace with built-in cabinets or shelving. Using thrifted mantels or affordable MDF bookcases can keep costs low while delivering a polished, built-in appearance.

7. Faux Cast Stone Mantel

Create the look of old-world cast stone by shaping plywood or flexible paneling, then sculpting details with joint compound. This technique achieves a sculptural mantel without the cost or weight of real stone.

8. Electric Fireplace Using an Antique Mantel

Pairing an electric insert with an antique mantel adds instant character. Accent the surround with dark tile or paint for contrast and drama while preserving the mantel’s vintage charm.

9. Electric Fireplace Flanked by Windows

Centering a slim electric fireplace between windows creates a symmetrical, cozy nook. This layout is budget-friendly and can be completed with basic framing and trim carpentry.

10. Fireplace With Hidden Cabinets

Integrate storage by designing cabinets built into the fireplace sides. Concealed storage keeps the area tidy while maintaining a seamless look.

11. Semi-DIY Gas Fireplace

If you want real flame without a full custom build, consider installing a gas insert with professional hookup. With careful planning and a contractor for the gas work, you can craft much of the surround yourself for a custom look.

12. Modern Fireplace With Wood Mantel

A smooth skim coat or joint compound finish paired with a simple wood mantel balances modern minimalism and rustic warmth. It’s an accessible, stylish finish for many rooms.

13. Realistic Modern Traditional Electric Fireplace

Add traditional details like dental molding and classic proportions to an electric fireplace to create a timeless, transitional feature. Soft, muted paint colors enhance the traditional-modern balance.

14. Modern Fireplace With Roman Clay

Roman clay offers an eco-friendly, tactile plaster finish that dries to a soft, natural surface. It’s ideal for creating a modern yet organic fireplace wall that feels both refined and warm.

15. Covered Porch Fireplace

A fireplace built into a covered porch with flanking brick or curves in the surround creates a dramatic outdoor living focal point. Even if not fully DIY, this type of design is a great source of inspiration for scaling to a porch-safe electric or gas option.

16. Outdoor Brick Fireplace

Painted brick offers a classic, durable finish for an outdoor fireplace. The proportions and placement can inform your own porch layout, whether you mount a TV above it or keep the design purely for ambiance.

With so many directions to choose from, we’ve narrowed our inspiration and are starting to visualize a finished porch fireplace that fits our style and needs. The right combination of insert, surround material, and mantel will create a cozy, stylish focal point that extends our outdoor living season.

Which design stands out to you as the best choice for a covered porch or indoor room?