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Faux Fireplace Cabinet with Hidden Storage

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faux mantle plans
Difficulty
Intermediate
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No fireplace?  No problem!  Build your own faux fireplace with our free plans. Includes hidden storage for tv controllers, board games, and more!

Free step by step plans with diagrams, shopping and cut list from Ana-White.com

faux fireplace plans
faux fireplace plans

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faux fireplace

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Faux Fireplace Features

  • All in one design - just build and move into place
  • Perfect sized faux fireplace for use as an entertainment console
  • Build using all off the shelf materials
  • Hidden storage for controllers, books, DVDs and more
  • Easy to build "doors" 
  • Customize to suit easily

How to Build It

The plans for this faux fireplace are below (just scroll down), but I wanted to add a few more photos of the build -

faux fireplace diy

First I just built a bookshelf with 1x12 boards.  I used a Kreg Jig (recommended) but not essential.  You can also use 2" screws or brad nails and glue.

faux fireplace diy

Then I added the top trim - just 1x boards

diy faux fireplace

To fancy up the top, I added some off the shelf moulding.

faux fireplace diy

I did the same for the base, I added off the shelf base moulding.

From there, it's just doors!

faux fireplace diy

The side doors are just 1x12s with moulding nailed to the front.

diy faux fireplace

The final flip down door is also a 1x12.  I added the 1x2s just to strengthen it up.

faux fireplace plans

Here's what it looks like with all the doors on.

 

Hearth Modification

We love how some of our readers have added hearths below

faux fireplace with hearth

The easiest way to do this is to build a platform with 1x8s to build up the base, 2x6s on top.  You'll also want to omit the base on the cabinet.  Let me know if you are interested in seeing a full plan tutorial - I'd love to help you out if the interest is there.

 

 

 

 

Video Tutorial

To help you build this faux fireplace, we put together a video tutorial.

 

 

Faux Fireplace Plans

The plans for this faux fireplace follow.  If you build, please share and tag us - we love seeing how your projects turn out!

Dimensions
Faux Fireplace dimensions diagram
Faux fireplace dimensions shown above

Preparation

Shopping List
  • 3 – 1x12 @ 8 feet long
  • 1 – 1x12 @ 10 feet long
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 10 feet long
  • 1 – 1x6 @ 5 feet long
  • 1 – 1x2 @ 8 feet long
  • 8 feet of medium sized crown moulding (less than 1-3/4” finished width and 2-1/2” finished height)
  • 8 feet of 5-1/4” base moulding
  • 1-1/4” pocket hole screws
  • 1-1/4” and 1” brad nails
  • Wood glue
  • Optional back – 4x8 sheet of ¼” plywood or paneling
  • 3 sets of Euro Style concealed hinges, non-mortise surface mount
Cut List
  • 1 – 1x12 @ 57-1/2” (Top)
  • 2 – 1x12 @ 39-1/4” (Sides)
  • 1 – 1x12 @ 52-1/2” (Bottom)
  • 2- 1x12 @ 33-3/4” (Dividers)
  • 1 – 1x12 @ 31-1/2” (Center Divider)
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 57-1/2” (Top Header)
  • 1 – 1x3 @ 54” (Bottom Header)
  • 1 – 1x6 @ 54” (Footer)
  • 2 – 1x12 @ 31” (Side Doors)
  • 1 – 1x12 @ 31-1/4” (Middle Door)
  • 2 – 1x2 @ 11-1/4” (Side Door Trim)
  • 1– 1x2 @ 31-1/4” (Middle Door Trim)
  • Crown Moulding and Base Moulding cut to fit
  • Optional back is 54” x 40”
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Hearing Protection
Kreg Jig
Drill
Miter Saw
Brad Nailer
Power Sander

Instructions

Step 1

Build the bookshelf as shown with the 1x12s.

Pocket hole locations shown for your convenience, but pocket holes are not required - you can use 2" trim screws or 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 2

Add the trim pieces.

I highly recommend building the top trim piece first (see next step), then attaching all at once, to get the top perfectly lined up.

Step 3

Top piece can be attached first to the bottom piece from step 2, the attached as a whole.

Step 4

Cut doors to fit.  Install on the euro hinges.

Step 5

Add 1x2 trim to complete the fireplace "look" but also the 1x2s act as handles.

Step 6

Moulding can be used to improve the look.  Miter corners and attach with 1-1/4" brad nails and glue.

Step 7

Cut back plywood with a circular saw or table saw.

Attach to all shelves, dividers and sides of the faux fireplace with glue and 3/4" brad nails.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Project Type
Media and Entertainment Centers
Room
living room
Style
Tradditional Style Furniture Plans

Comments

TaylorMade1205

Wed, 11/05/2014 - 12:21

Anna, This is beautiful beyond words.  I don't know how you think of all the things you build, but keep them coming girl.  I live in Florida and this Faux Fireplace may have just found a new home.

birvine

Wed, 11/05/2014 - 17:01

I have built quite a few of your projects. I think I will build one for us and one to give to a charity to raffle as a fundraiser. I always look forward to your projects. Thanks so much... helps the winter months seem shorter! Three feet of white stuff within the next week!

 

B

spiceylg

Thu, 11/06/2014 - 08:40

Love the build, what a great idea!  You are so resourceful!  The icing on the cake is the staging!  It is so beautifully done!!!

Subject change.  Question for you Ana.  Unless I missed it, I don't believe you ever showed us the completed bathrooms in either side of the Momplex and the kitchen of the one you are living in.  Would love to see them, pretty please!  :D

Ana White

Thu, 11/06/2014 - 09:31

Thanks!!!  Okay - we haven't been able to do much yet - this baby keeps us busy! - but things are getting better and we will be trying to return to more personal blogging soon!  Thanks for not giving up on us yet!  Ana

kmetter

Fri, 11/07/2014 - 11:18

Ana,

I think this looks great, but when I am looking at the page I can't see any of the step by step instructions how to build it. Am I doing something wrong? thanks, Kevin

All I see is:

Cut List: 

 
Cutting Instructions: 
 
Step 1: 
 
Step 2 Instructions: 
 
Step 3 Instructions: 
 
Step 4 Instructions: 
 
Step 5 Instructions: 
 
Step 6 Instructions: 
 
Step 7 Instructions: 
 
Step 8 Instructions: 
 
Step 9 Instructions: 
 
Step 10 Instructions: 

- See more at: http://ana-white.com/node/13348#comment-form

Megan.Booth.

Fri, 01/02/2015 - 12:14

In your picture, is the TV wall mounted? Or would a 40" tv be safe to put on the top of the mantle?

Loripetnut

Sat, 04/03/2021 - 09:42

I did.....it has with/without heat, with/without crackle sound effect. Looks wonderful in my version of this fireplace. It can heat half of my small house. Houses my big screen tv, my dvd player, my cd player, remotes, cds, books. Very nice focal point for the entire room.

waack.rebecca

Tue, 02/23/2016 - 04:49

Good Morning!

As of today I am officially a stay at home mom of two beatiful little girls. So my project list keeps growing now that I won't be away from home 50 hours a week! I am LOVING this unit and we really need a TV stand. My only issue is the only place we have to put our TV is in a corner. Is there a way to modify this to fit into a corner space? I thought about doing the tall media console, but I like this unit a lot better.

Freelightdaisy

Sat, 12/30/2017 - 19:21

Hello Ana!

I am curious if it would be safe to put an electric fireplace into this. I love your design and I would love to build it with an electric fireplace in it. Any thoughts?

Thank you in adavance,

Mindy

Char1960

Sun, 01/14/2018 - 18:49

I am planning on building this fireplace this spring. What would I need to do to be able to use aa electric fireplace insert?

Jnrbigler

Wed, 11/13/2019 - 06:52

Do you have plans for the big base of the fireplace.  I love the original one but because I have a small house need extra storage and love the fact that you could sit on it or even use it for storage.  I would love the plans!

Loripetnut

Fri, 04/02/2021 - 13:57

I made this and thank you for providing the plans I used as a launching point. I made a couple modifications: I extended the hearth a bit, extended the firebox with a 1x4 for added depth, used 2 1x12 boards for the mantle, and added a chimney with 1x12 boards. The firebox is lined with thick styrofoam covered in brick textured wallpaper. That insulated the mantle and sides from the heat.

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