37 Stunning Vertical Shiplap Fireplace Ideas

Looking for ways to make your fireplace stand out? Vertical shiplap might be just what you need.

Many homes have dull, flat fireplace walls that fail to catch the eye. This common problem leaves a key room feature looking plain and outdated.

Vertical shiplap adds texture, height, and charm to any fireplace wall. The upward lines create a sense of greater ceiling height while offering a clean, modern look that fits with many home styles.

Ready to update your fireplace? This guide shows you 37 vertical shiplap fireplace designs that will help you turn a basic wall into a striking focal point. From simple white patterns to bold color choices, these ideas will help you create a fireplace that guests will notice and admire.

37 Vertical Shiplap Fireplace Ideas You’ll Love

1. All-White Vertical Shiplap with Flush Gas Insert

This clean look creates a bright spot in any room. The gas insert sits flat against the wall for a smooth finish without taking up floor space. White vertical boards make rooms feel bigger and more open while keeping the focus on the fire itself. This style fits well in both city flats and country homes.

Pro Tip: Choose pure white paint without yellow hints for the most current style.

2. Soft Gray Shiplap with Black Metal Surround

Gray shiplap gives a hint of texture while the black surround adds clear borders. This mix works with many home styles from country cottage to urban flat. The soft gray offers more warmth than white but still keeps things light. The black frame stands out just enough to draw the eye.

Pro Tip: Choose matte black for the surround to hide fingerprints and dust.

3. Vertical Shiplap Wall from Floor to Ceiling

Full-height shiplap makes rooms feel taller. This style fits best in homes with open plans and helps draw the eye up. The long boards create a clean look that works in both old and new homes. This design can make small rooms feel bigger.

Pro Tip: Use a laser level when installing to ensure your lines stay perfectly straight.

4. Frameless Electric Fireplace with Vertical Shiplap

This setup saves space while adding warmth and texture. The clean lines work well in small rooms or city homes. The lack of frame gives a built-in feel that blends with the wall. The electric unit offers heat without needing a chimney or gas line.

Pro Tip: Keep fabric items at least 3 feet from the heat source for safety.

5. Floating Hearth with Seamless Vertical Lines

The floating hearth creates an airy feel in the room. The unbroken shiplap lines make ceilings seem higher. This modern touch works well in updated older homes. The clean edges of the hearth stand out against the lined wall for a nice contrast.

Pro Tip: Match the hearth color to your floor for a smooth, connected look.

6. Monochrome Shiplap Wall with Recessed Fireplace

Using one color across all parts creates depth through shadow and light rather than contrast. The recessed fireplace adds style without taking over the room. This clean look works with many decor styles and can be changed with just paint.

Pro Tip: Use the same paint finish on trim and shiplap for a unified look.

7. Minimalist Vertical Slats with Matte Finish

Wider gaps between slats offer a new take on classic shiplap. The matte finish reduces glare from windows or lamps. This style works well in homes with lots of natural light. The simple lines let other room items stand out more.

Pro Tip: Keep gaps exactly the same size at 1/8 inch for the cleanest, most finished look.

8. White Vertical Shiplap with Rustic Wood Mantel

This classic mix pairs clean lines with natural wood warmth. The wood mantel adds life to the white wall behind it. This combo fits in both old and new homes. The white boards offer a blank canvas for showing off mantel items.

Pro Tip: Cedar or pine mantels offer rustic charm without high costs.

9. Distressed Wood Vertical Shiplap Panels

These panels add history and texture to newer homes. The worn look fits well with older furniture and gives instant character to any wall. The marks and color changes in the wood tell a story and create visual interest around the fire.

Pro Tip: Try milk paint for an old-time worn look that won’t chip off like regular paint.

10. Shiplap with Built-in Shelving on Both Sides

This design adds storage and display areas. Books and items bring color to a plain fireplace wall and make it more useful. The shelves frame the fire and create balance. This works well in small rooms where storage matters.

Pro Tip: Place shelf items at different heights to create visual interest.

11. Vertical Shiplap Above a Reclaimed Brick Hearth

This mix of smooth and rough textures adds depth to your wall. The contrast between even shiplap and textured brick creates interest. The brick base grounds the wall while the clean lines above keep things fresh. This style bridges old and new.

Pro Tip: Seal brick surfaces to stop dust from getting stuck in small cracks.

12. Soft Beige Shiplap with Chunky Wood Beam Mantel

Beige shiplap offers warmth that stays fresh over time. The solid beam gives the wall a focal point and anchor. This combo suits country and beach house styles. The neutral colors make a perfect background for seasonal decor changes.

Pro Tip: Hollow fake beams look just as good as real ones but weigh much less.

13. Weathered Gray Shiplap with Farmhouse Accessories

Gray shiplap creates a good base for farm-style decor. Metal items stand out well against the soft gray background. This look fits both old homes and new builds. The cool tones work well with warm wood floors and furniture.

Pro Tip: Limit yourself to three metal types in the room for a pulled-together look.

14. Whitewashed Shiplap for a Light, Airy Feel

This method allows wood grain to show through paint. It works well in beach houses and small spaces that need to feel bigger. The soft color adds warmth without darkness. This finish hides small marks better than solid paint.

Pro Tip: Put paint on then wipe off quickly with a dry cloth for a natural look.

15. High-Gloss Black Vertical Shiplap Fireplace Wall

The shiny finish reflects light for a striking effect. Black shiplap turns your fireplace into the main focus in any room. This bold choice works well in rooms with lots of light. The dark wall makes fire colors look even brighter.

Pro Tip: Keep a soft cloth nearby—shiny finishes show all dust and fingerprints.

16. White Shiplap with Contrasting Charcoal Mantel

This high-contrast look feels both timeless and fresh. The dark mantel stands out against the light wall. This pair works in almost any home style. The stark difference draws the eye right to the mantel area for a strong focal point.

Pro Tip: Add both black and white items on the mantel to tie the two colors together.

17. Black Shiplap with Brass Fireplace Surround

This mix feels rich and special. The warm brass helps soften the strong black background. This bold look fits well in both old and new homes. The warmth of the fire stands out even more against the dark wall.

Pro Tip: Clean brass with lemon juice and salt for a natural shine without harsh chemicals.

18. Vertical Shiplap with Checkerboard Tile Hearth

This fun mix works in homes with mixed styles. The floor pattern balances the straight wall lines. The tile adds fire safety while also adding visual interest. This combo lets you add personality without going overboard.

Pro Tip: Choose large tiles (6″×6″ or bigger) to keep the look current and easy to clean.

19. All-White Fireplace with Black Iron Sconces

This bright design puts focus on the lighting. Wall lights save space and create balance on both sides. The strong contrast between black and white looks fresh and clean. This style works in both country and city homes.

Pro Tip: Plan for power outlets before installing shiplap to hide all wiring.

20. Half-Black, Half-White Shiplap Design

This bold split creates instant visual pull. The two-tone effect adds interest without needing decor items. This modern take on shiplap fits well in updated older homes. The color break can define different areas in open floor plans.

Pro Tip: Use thin trim where colors meet for a clean line and finished look.

21. Matte Black Shiplap with Floating Shelves

Black shiplap creates a cozy, den-like feel. Thin shelves add function without looking heavy. This dark wall makes bright objects stand out more. The moody look works well in TV rooms and offices where soft light is wanted.

Pro Tip: Display light-colored items that will stand out against the dark background.

22. Pale Blue Vertical Shiplap with White Trim

This soft color mix feels clean and fresh. The white trim creates clear lines and adds brightness. This calm combo works well in bedrooms and sitting rooms. The subtle blue adds color without being too bold or trendy.

Pro Tip: Choose a blue with gray notes for a grown-up beach style that won’t look childish.

23. White Shiplap with Driftwood-Inspired Mantel

This pair brings coastal feelings inside. The aged wood adds natural texture to the bright white wall. This light combo makes rooms feel sunny even on gray days. The contrast is soft but still gives enough visual interest.

Pro Tip: Look for used wood with smooth edges and gray tones for an authentic look.

24. Light Aqua Shiplap with Shell Decor Accents

This color creates a calm, water-like setting. Small shell items add subtle beach touches without going too far. This peaceful combo suits bedrooms and bathrooms well. The cool tones help make hot rooms feel cooler.

Pro Tip: Group similar shells together rather than mixing many types for a clean look.

25. Whitewashed Vertical Shiplap and Soft Tan Mantel

This gentle color pair feels warm and welcoming. The tan mantel adds just enough contrast to notice. This soft look works well in main living areas where calm is wanted. The light colors let artwork and plants stand out more.

Pro Tip: Select a tan with pink (not yellow) hints for the most current look.

26. Vertical Shiplap Paired with Rattan Furniture

White or light blue shiplap shows off natural woven pieces well. This mix feels right in sun-filled rooms and casual spaces. The contrast between flat walls and textured furniture creates depth. This style brings outdoor feelings inside.

Pro Tip: Keep woven items at least 36 inches away from the fire for safety.

27. Sage Green Shiplap with Linen Accents Nearby

Soft green offers color that still acts like a neutral. Cloth items add gentle texture against the lined wall. This calming color works well in busy family rooms. The green hints bring life to rooms with few plants or windows.

Pro Tip: Test green paint samples in your own room light—it changes more than most colors.

28. Soft Peach or Sand-Colored Shiplap

These soft tones create a sunset feeling in your room. They work very well in rooms facing west. This color stays warm in both bright and dim light. It pairs well with almost any wood tone and most fabric colors.

Pro Tip: Use warm light bulbs instead of cool white ones to boost the cozy glow.

29. Deep Navy Vertical Shiplap with Brass Fixtures

Deep blue creates a cozy, close feeling. Brass items stand out against the dark wall for a touch of class. This rich look fits formal living rooms and studies. The strong color makes a statement without wild patterns.

Pro Tip: Include white or cream items on the mantel to brighten the overall look.

30. Charcoal Gray Shiplap with Black Grout Tile Hearth

This grown-up pair feels both classic and current. The tile hearth adds fire safety and visual weight. This combo works well with both light and dark furniture. The moody colors make perfect backdrops for art and metal items.

Pro Tip: Seal dark grout lines to prevent staining and color changes over time.

31. Hunter Green Vertical Shiplap with Walnut Mantel

This rich color mix brings to mind classic libraries. The warm wood softens the deep green wall. This combo suits homes with lots of books and wood furniture. The green brings nature inside even in urban settings.

Pro Tip: Add extra lamps or wall lights to keep dark walls from feeling too dim.

32. Burnt Orange Vertical Shiplap for a Retro Feel

This bold color adds instant warmth and style. It works with both mid-1900s and artistic home styles. The happy tone creates a welcoming mood in any room. This shade stands out while still feeling homey and comfortable.

Pro Tip: Pair with light woods like oak or maple to balance the strong wall color.

33. Burgundy Shiplap with Gold Fireplace Trim

This pair feels rich and formal yet still fresh. The gold trim adds a touch of shine to the deep red backdrop. This bold combo suits dining rooms and special spaces. The warm colors feel extra cozy during winter months.

Pro Tip: Works best in dining rooms or offices, not main living areas where it might feel too intense.

34. Diagonal-Cut Vertical Shiplap for a Modern Twist

This fresh pattern adds life and motion to walls. The slant lines make a room feel wider or taller based on the angle. This updated take on shiplap stands out from standard styles. The unique pattern needs fewer decor items.

Pro Tip: Use a miter saw for clean, exact angle cuts that fit together perfectly.

35. Two-Tone Vertical Shiplap with Painted Accent Mantel

This fun look adds color in a smart way. The mantel offers a perfect spot for a bold color choice without going overboard. This playful style fits family homes and vacation places. The color breaks add interest even without decor.

Pro Tip: Select colors from the same paint card for foolproof matching that always looks good.

36. Vertical Shiplap with Built-in TV Recess

This smart design hides TV parts while looking good. The shiplap helps the TV blend in when turned off. This practical style solves the common problem of where to put the TV. The clean lines keep the focus on the screen when wanted.

Pro Tip: Work with an expert to hide all cables inside the wall for the cleanest look.

37. DIY Peel-and-Stick Shiplap Panels for Budget Makeover

These panels give the shiplap look without long-term changes. They work well for renters or those testing the style. The easy install means most people can do it without help. These panels can be removed later without wall damage.

Pro Tip: Clean walls fully with rubbing alcohol before putting panels on for the best stick.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Installing Vertical Shiplap

• Using MDF in bathrooms or humid areas – MDF warps and swells when exposed to moisture. Use solid wood or moisture-resistant products instead for these spaces.
• Skipping wall preparation – Failing to clean, patch, and level walls before installation leads to bumpy, uneven shiplap that might pull away from the wall over time.
• Forgetting to account for outlets and switches – Measure and mark all obstacles before cutting boards. Plan your layout to minimize odd cuts around fixtures.
• Not checking for level as you go – Small errors compound row after row. Use a level frequently during installation to catch problems early.
• Installing boards too tightly together – Wood expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes. Leave small gaps between boards to prevent buckling.
• Applying too much paint at once – Heavy coats lead to drips and uneven coverage. Multiple thin coats create a smooth, long-lasting finish on shiplap.

Conclusion

Vertical shiplap offers countless ways to refresh your fireplace area. From clean white panels to bold black statements, the right style can change how your entire room feels.

The beauty of shiplap lies in its simple form that works with many home styles. You can start small with a basic wall design or go big with a floor-to-ceiling setup.

Remember to choose materials that suit your space—MDF for dry areas, real wood for places with moisture. Pay attention to proper sealing, especially near heat sources. And don’t rush the process—careful measuring and planning lead to the best results.

Which of these 37 ideas caught your eye? Start with what you love, and you’ll create a fireplace that warms both your home and your heart for years to come.