How to Convert to a Victorian Fireplace

Measure the front of the top edge of the mantel. Use a miter box to cut a piece of trim molding to fit the front edge. Cut the ends at a 45-degree angle. The angles should face in opposite directions so that the short side of the molding is the back side and the long side is the front side. The length of the short side should equal the length of the front of the mantel.

Measure the side edges of the top of the mantel and cut a piece of trim molding with a 45-degree angle on one end. The shorter side should be the back side of the molding and should equal the side measurement of the mantel. Cut a second piece of molding so that it is the mirror image of the first piece. Place the three pieces of molding against the top of the mantel to check their sizes. The angled cuts should fit neatly together at the corners.

Nail the molding to the edges of the mantel with finishing nails. When the top of the nail is flush with the trim, place the small end of a nail set against the nail and tap the other end a few times with a hammer to drive the nail slightly below the surface of the wood. Do not worry about small cracks between the pieces of molding, as they will be filled in later.

Center a large wooden applique on the fireplace under the mantel. Use finishing nails to attach the applique. Use the nail set to drive the nails below the surface. If desired, add more appliques to the sides of the fireplace.

Fill the nail holes and any cracks with wood putty or spackle. If the fireplace will be stained, use wood putty that closely matches the wood. If it will be painted, use spackle. Paint or stain the fireplace as desired.