OT: HELP! What to do with an unused fireplace...

[mamato2princesses]

I've racked my brain to try and figure out what to do with our unused fireplace that is in our dd's playroom . The mantle is brick---a danger, I know! Anyone have any suggestions on what I can do to make it safer, and possibly look better? I know that I can buy those cushions that border the edges, but what about the rest of the brick? I thought about buying a Princess Hop Scotch (the foam one) and figuring a way to attach that to the brick.

I figured I should ask here. The ideas that I've heard you all give others were great. Any ideas for me? Thanks so much!!!

Shannon

 

[WDWorBUST]

This is what we did and it turned out great if I say so myself. We went to Lowes and bought a couple of sheets of MDF. Then we made a frame that went over the brick hearth - picture three sides and a tabletop. We then got foam and used spray glue to put the foam on all sides and then took cotton batting and covered it with that and navy blue fabric and stapled it underneath. It slid right over the hearth and was a comfy place to sit - now our heart was only one brick tall - if it's a tall one you probably could still do it - it might just not turn out as well.

 

[maxtomsmom]

I would go with the bench idea. You could put books in baskets and place them in the fireplace itself and use that space as a reading spot. You could also install a dry erase board or a chalk board on either side and she can decorate over the brick. Try Google. I'm sure there's mcuh more creative people out there.