A DIY fireplace wall is one of those projects that instantly makes a living room feel finished and intentional. I’ve built a few in my own spaces and for workshop clients, and the magic is always the same: add depth, add texture, and give the room a real focal point.
Symmetrical Bookcase Built-Ins
Full built-in bookshelves flanking the fireplace are classic for a reason—they frame the center like a picture. I’ve built these with adjustable shelves, and I swear the flexibility makes styling the fireplace wall way less stressful.
You might give these a try:
- Adjustable Shelf Pin Jig: Create perfectly spaced holes for your adjustable shelving to ensure versatility and a professional finish for your built-ins.
- Cabinet Hardware Pulls: Upgrade your lower cabinet doors with sleek pulls that add a finishing touch and enhance the overall aesthetic.
- Crown Molding: Add a sophisticated transition between your new bookcases and the ceiling for a custom, built-in architectural look.
Framed Bump-Out With TV Above
My go-to build is a simple 2×4 bump-out wall that creates a clean recess for an electric fireplace insert with the TV above fireplace for that classic stacked look. The first time I framed one, I couldn’t believe how “builder-basic” drywall suddenly felt custom just from adding depth.
Some ideas to consider:
- Recessed Electric Fireplace Heater: Create a cozy focal point by installing a sleek, recessed electric fireplace into your newly framed wall bump-out.
- Full Motion TV Wall Mount: Securely mount your television above the mantel with a flexible wall bracket that allows for perfect viewing angles.
- Shiplap Wall Paneling Boards: Finish your bump-out with shiplap planks to easily achieve the clean, textured farmhouse look shown in the inspiration photo.
Floor-to-Ceiling Shiplap Fireplace Wall
I’ve wrapped a fireplace bump-out in shiplap cladding from floor to ceiling, and it instantly makes the whole wall feel taller and more architectural. My favorite trick is letting the lines run straight through the fireplace surround area so everything feels seamless.
A few things you might like:
- Pre-Primed Shiplap Planks: Transform your wall quickly with these interlocking boards that create instant architectural interest and clean horizontal lines.
- Floating Wood Mantel Beam: Add warmth and a rustic focal point to your shiplap wall with this easy-to-install floating wooden shelf.
- Electric Fireplace Insert: Create a cozy ambiance without complex venting by installing this sleek, modern electric insert into your bump-out.
Board and Batten for Modern Farmhouse
When I want texture without a busy pattern, I do board and batten around the fireplace wall and paint it one cozy, soft neutral. I’ve used this to “fix” a flat wall fast, and it always makes the fireplace feel like it came with the house.
You might like:
- Pre-Primed MDF Board Set: Create clean vertical lines easily by nailing these pre-primed strips directly onto your existing wall surface.
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure your boards quickly and neatly without splitting the wood using this essential tool for finish work.
- Paintable Caulk and Gun: Fill gaps and seams seamlessly before painting to achieve that professional, built-in look for your fireplace.
Chunky Reclaimed Wood Mantel Beam
A thick reclaimed wood mantel is the quickest way I know to add warmth, even if your surround is super simple. I once planed down an old beam with nail holes left in place, and that imperfect grain became the best part of the whole fireplace wall.
Useful items to consider:
- Reclaimed Wood Beam Mantel: Instantly add rustic charm to your fireplace with a solid floating shelf that highlights natural wood grain.
- Matte Ceramic Vase: Style your new mantel with a neutral, textured vase to complement the warm tones of natural wood.
- Metal Candle Holder: Create a cozy ambiance by adding a metallic accent piece that contrasts beautifully against the rough timber.
Built-In Cabinets Under Side Shelves
I love building base cabinets on either side of the fireplace wall because they hide cords, games, and all the not-so-pretty stuff. In my own living room, that closed storage is what finally made the TV-and-fireplace zone feel calm instead of cluttered.
A few helpful options:
- Freestanding Natural Wood Credenza: Instantly add closed storage next to your fireplace to hide electronics and reduce visual clutter effortlessly.
- Modern Cabinet Hardware Pulls: Upgrade standard doors with sleek, minimal black handles to achieve a custom built-in look easily.
- Two-Tone Decorative Ceramic Vase: Style your new cabinet surface with a modern ceramic vase to add texture and height beautifully.
Asymmetrical Built-Ins That Still Feel Balanced
If your layout is weird (been there), try asymmetrical built-ins—like shelves on one side and a cabinet or reading bench on the other—so the fireplace wall still feels intentional. I pulled this off in a room with an off-center window, and the “not matching” sides somehow made it look more custom.
Try these:
- Floating Wooden Shelf: Instantly create a sleek focal point by mounting a minimalist floating shelf above your fireplace insert.
- Electric Fireplace Insert: Add warmth and ambiance to your asymmetrical wall build with a sleek, recessed electric fireplace unit.
- White Textured Peel and Stick Tile: Achieve that custom concrete or stone look on your fireplace surround without the heavy masonry work.
Lightweight Stone-Look Surround
For big impact without heavy masonry, I’ve used stone-look veneer panels around the fireplace insert and trimmed it out in wood for a clean edge. It gives that cozy lodge vibe, and it’s way more DIY-friendly than people assume.
Explore these options:
- Faux Stone Veneer Panels: Transform your fireplace instantly with lightweight panels that attach easily to drywall without needing mortar or professional skills.
- Unfinished Floating Mantel Shelf: Add custom character by installing this wood shelf above your surround, ready for your choice of stain or paint.
- High-Heat Construction Adhesive: Ensure your new surround stays securely in place near the heat source with this specialized, durable bonding adhesive.
Picture Frame Molding Fireplace Accent Wall
Adding picture frame molding across the fireplace wall makes the whole setup feel tailored, especially if you keep the trim lines centered on the fireplace. I’ve done this with simple wood strips, and it’s one of those projects that looks expensive but really isn’t.
Items that may come in handy:
- Pre-Primed Pine Finger Joint Modelling: Create elegant lines on your wall using these versatile wooden strips, perfect for painting to match your decor.
- Laser Level with Self-Leveling Mode: Ensure your molding boxes are perfectly straight and centered relative to your fireplace with this essential precision tool.
- Brad Nailer Kit: Secure your molding strips quickly and cleanly without damaging the wood, making installation much faster and neater.
Skim-Coated Plaster Look Around the Fireplace
A hand-troweled plaster-style finish around the fireplace surround gives you that soft, old-world texture that photos so well. I tried it after years of only doing woodwork, and now I love pairing that smooth plaster look with a rough wood mantel.
Possibly helpful picks:
- All-Purpose Joint Compound: Use joint compound to create that textured, hand-troweled plaster finish directly over your existing drywall or masonry.
- Wide Drywall Knife or Trowel: Achieve the perfect irregular, old-world texture by applying your plaster coat using a wide taping knife.
- Floating Wood Mantel Shelf: Install a rustic timber mantel to add warmth and contrast against the crisp white plaster-style surround.
Charred Wood Accent Panel for Drama
For a bold look, I’ve done a charred wood panel section above an electric fireplace insert, sealed it, and framed it like art on the wall. It’s moody in the best way, and the contrast makes your mantel decor look instantly more curated.
Products that could assist:
- Charred Wood Finish Stain: Achieve that dramatic, deep black charred effect without using an actual flame by applying this specialized wood stain.
- Modern Electric Fireplace Insert: Install a sleek, recessed electric fireplace heater to create the cozy, modern focal point for your accent wall.
- Matte Polyurethane Sealer: Protect your wood paneling and lock in the color while maintaining a natural, non-glossy look with this sealer.
Corrugated Metal and Timber Farmhouse Mix
If you want rustic with a twist, try corrugated metal as the cladding on the fireplace wall, then soften it with a thick wood mantel. I tested this combo on a small bump-out, and that mix of shiny and weathered texture was a total conversation starter.
These products might help:
- Corrugated Galvanized Metal Sheets: Create that signature industrial farmhouse look by cladding your fireplace surround with these durable, textured metal panels.
- Reclaimed Wood Floating Mantel: Soften the metal’s industrial edge and add warmth to your fireplace with a rustic, chunky wooden beam.
- Tall White Ceramic Vases: Complete the look by styling your hearth with simple, structured vases perfect for holding tall dried grasses.
Resin-Inlay Mantel Shelf With Wood Grain
For a real wow moment, I’ve poured a slim resin inlay into a wood mantel shelf so it looks like a subtle “river” running through the grain. It’s a small detail, but on a fireplace wall it reads like custom furniture built right into the architecture.
A few suggestions:
- Epoxy Resin Kit: Create your own crystal-clear inlay by mixing and pouring this durable resin directly into your wood mold.
- Live Edge Wood Slab: Start your project with a unique, natural wood base that features organic edges perfect for river pours.
- Mica Powder Pigments: Add shimmering color and depth to your resin pour to mimic the look of natural stone or water.
