Lots of questions about how to go about creating the European inspired fireplace village and today I am sharing a few tips and details on how it came it together.
Creating a Fireplace Village
Such a fun project and styling to put together- those little houses glowing in the firebox make me smile every time I see them. When my mom and dad were up for a visit the day after Thanksgiving- they walked by the room and my dad said ‘What is that? That looks incredible’ and had to wander in for a closer look. I think there is something about the magical feeling those little houses create- and the unexpected charm they bring.
If you have ordered them- you might be wondering just how to get all those houses to stack correctly And link up correctly so that they light up. I mentioned before that I had to tinker with a few things. And a handful of ‘stereo’ wires from Amazon later- I figured out what worked.
Note: the stereo wires did not work haha.
Creating the Terrace
Simple and easy was what I was after- and since I am a tad impatient-something that I could put together in a snap. Which means – I looked to the always growing leftover wood pile for creating the ‘risers’. I ordered 3 sets of the houses to get this look and simply played with ‘blocks’ aka 2×4’s and a 2×12 to create layers. We cut the 2×4 to the right length for the firebox and then added the pieces underneath to give it height. If you are not using 2×4 wood – just know that about the 2×4 size was the right width- allowing for the houses to sit without tipping and the wires -which do bend out a tad – to fit as well.
The first layer of the houses was on the floor. The second was about 3″ – 4″ higher. The third another 3″ – 4″ higher and the 4th were stacked on the pieces of firewood that I always have in the firebox. Pardon the snow and dropped garland bits- if sprinkling with snow- it does get everywhere folks.
Connecting the Houses
This was the tricky part. Though the houses all connect together and just require 1 cord to connect 1 set- to get one row to connect to one that was higher was not as easy. The wires that connect each house are short. And they didn’t reach far enough to be able to do that.
So, the story about stereo wires from Amazon. I ordered several wires to see which one might connect one house to the other and extend the distance. The ends looked correct and I thought sure they would work. My oldest son came for dinner and I showed him the wires to see which one would fit and he just looked at me like I was nuts. He said they were ‘stereo’ wires for sound- not lights. I argued that they had the right connector so I thought they should work. And he basically just shook his head and laughed. SO, yeah, they went back and I tinkered to find another way.
Reversing the Houses
Here is what worked folks. The first row of houses facing the correct way. The second row of houses is reversed so that the wire reaches. Know that it is a stretch and you may have to scoot the bottom and top connecting houses closer – but it should reach if you don’t have 27″ tall risers. haha.
The houses have the design on both sides- but the wires will be visible to a certain degree. If you walk up and look down- you will see them. But really- not a big deal.
After the village was set up- I plugged each of the rows of houses in and set them on the timer to automatically turn on and off and sprinkled them with a bit of ‘snow’ for another layer of charm.
Winter Village
So there you have the details behind setting up this charming little hillside European village. I hope this helps explain just how to get the look in your own home. And I do think I will leave these houses up all winter long to warm up the winter bedroom- I am in love with how they turned out.
Peggy spencer says
How many sets are You using? beautiful.
Courtney says
3 sets
Pamela says
How many sets oF houses did you use? Its beaut and reminds me of all the beautiful wooden houses we bought while living in Germany.
Courtney says
3 sets
Kathy Keeley says
This is so beautiful. where did you get the village sets?
Courtney says
They are from Balsam Hill- the direct link to them is at the bottom of the post.
VanesSa says
Im inter in the garland. Is it real or ARTIFICIAL? How did you attach them to the mantle?
The whole look is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!
Vanessa says
(Sorry about the weird wording. On my phone, the words are defaulting to all caps when i type, and some of the endings have dropped off.)
Courtney says
Hi Vanessa,
The garland is fresh eucalyptus and bay that I custom ordered. This is an antique mantel- it has a lot of old holes in it where we can place a screw or nail to create a ‘stop’ for keeping the garland from falling off.
Cheryll says
You are so talented, next season I am hoping you will sell them here! Your little houses are perfect.