Don’t throw out that box and packaging from your TV! With a little creativity, you can transform what might seem like trash into something incredible. I’ve got a fun DIY upcycle project perfect for the holidays—or even year-round: a cardboard fireplace!

If you don’t have a TV box, don’t worry—I have a detailed tutorial here using large U-Haul boxes. Of course, this fireplace is for decorative purposes only. TV boxes are often sturdy and perfect for this kind of project. Follow along, and I’ll guide you step by step to make your own cardboard fireplace. Let’s get started!

Apologies for some of the photo quality below; I had to use screenshots for a few.

Tape the top of the box closed. I’m using a 55” TV box measuring 56 x 32.

Decide on the shape of the cardboard fireplace opening. I went with a rounded look. Use a pencil to roughly draw your design. Make sure to find and mark the center of the box with a pencil line as well.

Start by cutting along the middle line you drew. If you’re creating an arch like I did, cut out the arch shape too. (Save the arch piece for later—it’ll be used for the log placement.)

Tip: Only cut one arch at a time. Once the first arch is cut, use it as a template for the other side to ensure symmetry.

Measure from the edge of the opening to the back of the box. This will form the depth of the fireplace. Cut along the middle (not the edges) to create flaps. Fold these side flaps inward for a smoother look.

Save the pieces you cut off to use for the logs in Step 10.

Fold in the side flaps to shape the fireplace opening. You can hot glue these flaps to the back of the box if you’d like, but I recommend waiting until after painting. Mine stayed in place without glue.

Paint the outside of the cardboard fireplace in your desired color. I used spray paint leftover from a previous project. I wasn’t planning on keeping this color, but I was pleasantly surprised that only two coats was enough to cover everything (I think the added primer helped here.)  Plus the color kind of blended in with my wall color already. It gives it a more modern feel I think.

For a classic look, try Brick Red by Behr. Use a roller to avoid paint lines.

I used that color in my original cardboard fireplace made from U-Haul boxes.

Paint the inside of the fireplace black. I used craft paint for this step. It’s helpful that the side flaps aren’t glued yet—unfold them for easier access to paint.

Also, paint the arch pieces you cut in Step 3 black. Set these aside for Step 9.

Painted bricks add a nice touch of dimension. I used a stencil, but you could also cut out one cardboard “brick” as a template and trace it repeatedly on the façade.

For a quicker method, use a thick white Sharpie to draw the bricks.

If your TV packaging includes detailed styrofoam pieces, these can make a perfect mantel. Trim the styrofoam with a serrated knife to fit, and glue it to the top of the box. I used two separate pieces here. There may a bit of trial and error here as you figure out along the way.  Be sure your vacuum is handy too.

If your packaging doesn’t lend itself to this, look for alternatives—like a long box from a curtain rod.

If you have an extra rectangular piece of packaging (like the one my TV was resting on), paint it white and glue it to the back of the mantel for added height and detail.

Remember the black arch piece from Step 6? Glue it to the bottom of the fireplace opening to create a base for your logs.

Use the cardboard scraps from Step 4. Separate the layers of cardboard to expose the corrugated texture. Roll these pieces into logs (with the corrugated side facing out) and secure them with hot glue.

For added realism, tear the edges slightly and paint the logs lightly with black paint, allowing some of the cardboard texture to show through.

Wrap red LED lights around the logs. Battery-operated lights work great—you can hide the battery pack inside one of the logs.

For extra ambiance, add battery-operated candles with realistic, flickering wicks.

Attach a small piece of styrofoam or cardboard to the base of the cardboard fireplace to create a hearth. This gives the project more dimension and makes the logs appear elevated.

Decorate your cardboard fireplace for the holidays! Add garlands, lights, or stockings to complete the look.

I placed my cardboard fireplace in our multipurpose extra bedroom, in front of the TV stand. It gives the illusion that the TV is on the mantel. The handles on the box make it easy to move, so it’s functional as well as festive.