How to Make a Gas Fireplace Look Real

Below are some steps you can take if you would like your gas fireplace to look more like a real, wood burning fireplace.

1. Invest in a set of solid, hand-painted ceramic logs. Most gas fireplaces come with a standard, inexpensive set of hollow, ceramic fiber logs. Upgrade to a more expensive but utterly realistic set and you will immediately notice how much more real your fireplace looks.

2. Purchase a set of fireplace tools that would be used with a wood-burning fireplace. Place them beside the gas fireplace.

3. Place a stack of folded newspapers in a basket next to the tools, and set a box of matches or a lighter on the mantel, so that it looks like you might be starting a fire at any moment. You might even pile some kindling on top of the newspaper.

4. Add a wooden mantel to your gas fireplace. Most gas fireplaces do not come with mantels. Adding a mantel is a great way to make your fireplace look more realistic.

5. Place a fireplace screen in front of the opening. These are traditionally used to keep sparks from flying into the room. Obviously, you will not have sparks with a gas fireplace, but the screen will make it look like your fireplace is wood burning.