15+ DIY Shiplap Fireplace Ideas
Shiplap took the design world by storm ten years ago and has been trending in modern homes ever since. Shiplap everywhere can be a bit much, but a shiplap fireplace can be a perfect way to use this trend intentionally and create a textured, warm and stylish focal point in your living room.
A fireplace with shiplap adds a touch of textured appeal that works with many decor styles - modern, transitional, modern farmhouse, and rustic. (If you don't know what your style is, find out by reading How to Define Your Decor Style).
If you're dreaming of a fresh new look to your fireplace, this roundup will inspire you with clever ways to incorporate shiplap into your home design and add another dimension to you decor style.
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In This Article
Why A Shiplap Fireplace Works
Shiplap creates visual interest without clutter. It’s a budget-friendly way to add architectural character, define a focal point, or give a builder-grade fireplace an instant custom look. Whether your vibe is painted bold colors, classic black or white, or combined with stone and tile, shiplap adapts beautifully to your home’s style.
Fireplace Shiplap Style Ideas
Farmhouse shiplap fireplace
Traci at Beneath My Heart tried whitewashing for their brick fireplace makeover but wasn't satisfied with the results. Then she decided to build a new wood surround with shiplap above the mantel. This transformation is just perfect!
Rustic shiplap fireplace
Raw unpainted barn wood is an unexpected choice for shiplap, yet it infuses this living room with a rustic style warmth and character.
Modern shiplap fireplace
This sleek example nails a modern look with pre-painted black shiplap boards and a recessed electric insert for a smooth, seamless profile.
Pro tip: For working fireplaces, always use a non-combustible material (like tile or fire-resistant cement board) directly around the firebox. Consult your local building codes or a local safety expert to stay safe and compliant.
Painted Shiplap Fireplace Ideas
Shiplap costs more than painted drywall but adds a ton of character and it can be painted any color to fit into your home's color palette.
White paint is always timeless but don't overlook darker shades that make a statement. Generally white leans toward farmhouse style, while darker shades lean contemporary.
Black shiplap fireplace
The vaulted ceiling in this hearth room at House of Silver Lining sets off the soaring drama of this black shiplap fireplace surround. Paint is Tricorn Black SW 6258.
Grey shiplap fireplace
This DIY modern shiplap fireplace (15 feet tall!) paired with a chunky wood mantel make a striking statement in this living room. Complete tutorial at What BB Built.
Blue shiplap fireplace
Precision is the word for the carpentry work in this above the mantel skinny blue shiplap placement. Notice the shiplap is carried through to the ceiling, but in a different width and color.
White shiplap fireplace
Rambling Renovators took their outdated stone fireplace from the 70s and framed and resurfaced it in 11-½ inch white shiplap for a whole new look. Painted in Benjamin Moore Simply White.
Want more ideas for what to do with that boring blank wall behind your TV? Take a look at these 9 Stylish TV Accent Wall Ideas for a dose of inspiration.
More white classics
This fireplace started life as stone blocks surrounded by wood. Nesting With Grace removed the surround, built a frame, and attached 8 foot primed shiplap boards finished off with two coats of Behr Ultra Pure White.
Alabaster by Sherwin Williams was the color of choice when Simply Michele B added shiplap to a simple brick fireplace. The decorative moulding around the fireplace and at the top finish off the soft, warm look.
Pro tip: Purchase primed shiplap boards and always paint them before installing. This makes covering the grooves easier. Two coats in a matte or semi-gloss finish are ideal.
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Shiplap Fireplace Placement Ideas
Fireplace shiplap can be placed in lots of creative ways: above, around, across an entire wall - the possibilities are endless.
Vertical shiplap over the fireplace
Vertical shiplap fireplace boards instantly adds unexpected interest and height to a small room. This homeowner covered an old brick fireplace with modern concrete and attached shiplap over the mantel. By Cherished Bliss.
Shiplap fireplace with TV
The design simplicity of this DIY shiplap fireplace wall creates a lot of impact in this living room by Abbotts at Home. Their flat screen TV blends cleanly with the wall (cables are hidden behind the shiplap).
Full shiplap fireplace wall
Charleston Crafted removed a small builder-grade fireplace surround and expanded it with shiplap across the entire wall and topped it off with crown moulding. Tile stickers over the granite completed the custom-built feel.
Chevron pattern shiplap
This recessed fireplace is painted blue (Distance Sherwin Williams 6243) with shiplap placed in a bold, distinctive chevron pattern. Designed by @fixitcontracting.
Vaulted ceiling shiplap fireplace
This fireplace surround combined shiplap with a vaulted ceiling for a cozy-meets-chic transitional living room. Designed by Adrian Smith Construction.
Pro tip: Common shiplap wood compositions are plywood, pine or MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard). Choose based on your decor style and budget (pine for a rustic texture; MDF for a smooth modern look). Buying the wood precut vs cutting it yourself also affects the price.
Shiplap Fireplace DIY Design Ideas
If you have a big blank wall and no fireplace, create one! These DIY shiplap fireplace ideas show you how easy it is.
Megan and Aaron at Healthy Grocery Girl installed an electric insert, built a frame, and placed wide white shiplap around the fireplace up to the ceiling. This added a beautiful modern and cozy aesthetic to the living room.
Harbor and Pine paired a new electric fireplace with an existing board and batten wall. Since they loved the board and batten, they decided shiplap placed vertically on the surround would complement the look. Painted Pure White SW 7005.
Finally, take a look at this cute faux shiplap fireplace! Made with untreated cedar wood, this small budget-conscious project added big style to an otherwise plain living room. Built by Deeply Southern Home.
Pro tip: Shiplap comes in many widths and you can even mix sizes for a custom designer look. The width you choose depends primarily on the look you love most; the most popular width is 6 inches.
Final Thoughts: Choosing The Right Shiplap Fireplace
A shiplap fireplace can be rustic, modern, or somewhere in between - it’s all about the details you choose. From paint color and board width to placement and materials, every decision helps shape the personality of your space.
If you love the idea of a shiplap fireplace but aren’t sure which direction fits your home, start by understanding your decorating style.
➡️ Read next: How to Find Your Decorating Style
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