How To Cover A Brick Fireplace With Shiplap?

Transforming your old brick fireplace with shiplap can dramatically refresh your living space, giving it a modern and cozy vibe.

The process is straightforward, cost-effective, and can be done over a weekend, adding a touch of rustic charm without a major renovation. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need to know to get started:

• Choose Your Shiplap: Pick a design that complements your room’s aesthetic, whether it’s classic white, rustic wood, or a painted finish.
• Strong Adhesive: Apply a durable adhesive to the edges of your fireplace to ensure the shiplap stays securely in place.
• Precision Placement: Center the shiplap strips around the fireplace for a balanced and professional look.
• Secure with Nails: Reinforce the shiplap with nails to prevent any shifting over time.
• Attachment Method: Use firing strips glued to the brick and liquid nails for a smooth, consistent finish.
• Quality Materials: Invest in high-quality shiplap and adhesives to ensure both safety and durability.

By following these steps, you can easily cover your brick fireplace with shiplap, creating a focal point that enhances the beauty and warmth of your home. Ready to dive in? Let’s explore each step in more detail to help you achieve a seamless and stylish transformation.

Understanding Shiplap

Shiplap is a type of wooden board traditionally used in exterior siding for barns and homes, designed to create a tight seal to protect against the elements. Its distinctive feature is the rabbet cut on the top and bottom of each board, allowing them to fit snugly together.

This tight fit not only provided weather resistance in historical applications but now offers a charming, clean aesthetic for interior design.

Why Shiplap is Popular for Covering Brick Fireplaces

Shiplap has gained immense popularity, especially for covering brick fireplaces, for several reasons:

Feature	Description	Benefit
Aesthetic Appeal	Rustic, farmhouse charm or nautical feel	Creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere
Versatility	Customisable with paint or stain	Matches any décor style
Ease of Installation	Attach furring strips, then nail or glue shiplap	DIY-friendly, hides unsightly brick
Cost-Effective	Modern versions use budget-friendly materials	Affordable home improvement
Hides Imperfections	Covers cracks, stains, or uneven surfaces	Gives a uniform and refreshed look

Why is Shiplap Perfect for Fireplaces

Below are the specific qualities that make shiplap an ideal material for covering brick fireplaces:

Aesthetic Appeal

Shiplap offers a clean, timeless look that enhances any room’s décor. Its horizontal lines create a sleek, structured appearance that can transform a brick fireplace into a stylish focal point.

Versatility

Shiplap can be painted or stained in various colours, allowing it to complement any design scheme, from rustic to modern.

It pairs well with other materials like stone or brick, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Ease of Installation

One of the most appealing qualities of shiplap is its DIY-friendly nature. The boards fit together easily, making it accessible for even novice home renovators.

This ease of installation also reduces labour costs if you decide to hire a professional.

Cost-Effectiveness

Compared to other renovation materials, shiplap is relatively inexpensive.

It offers a high-end look without the high-end price, making it a budget-friendly option for updating a fireplace.

Durability

Shiplap is known for its durability and longevity. When properly installed and maintained, it can withstand the heat and environmental conditions around a fireplace, ensuring that your investment lasts for years.

Hiding Imperfections

Brick fireplaces can have uneven surfaces and imperfections. Shiplap can cover these flaws seamlessly, providing a smooth and attractive finish. This is particularly useful for older homes where the brickwork might be deteriorating.

Creating a Focal Point

With shiplap, a fireplace can become the main attraction of a room. Its classic lines and ability to be styled in unique patterns, such as chevron, make it a standout feature.

Enhancing Space Perception

Using shiplap around a fireplace can make a room appear larger and more open. This is especially effective in smaller spaces where creating a sense of openness is essential.

Seasonal Decor Compatibility

Shiplap’s neutral and warm qualities provide an excellent backdrop for seasonal decorations, making it easy to update the look of your room throughout the year.

Shiplap Above Fireplace Designs I Love

To incorporate shiplap above a fireplace for a cozy and rustic look, consider these stylish and creative ideas:

Horizontal Shiplap

Horizontal shiplap provides a classic and clean appearance. It accentuates the width of the fireplace and creates a focal point that draws the eye.

Vertical Shiplap

Vertical shiplap offers a unique twist on the traditional design, making the space feel taller and more open. This layout adds a modern touch while maintaining the rustic charm.

Mixed Materials

Combining shiplap with natural stone or brick can create a stunning contrast. For instance, a stone fireplace flanked by shiplap panels adds texture and depth.

Style	Description	Visual Impact
Horizontal Shiplap	Classic and clean lines, emphasises width	Creates a broad, open look
Vertical Shiplap	Modern twist, enhances height	Makes space feel taller and more spacious
Mixed Materials	Combines shiplap with stone or brick	Adds texture and visual interest
Chevron or Herringbone Patterns	Creative patterns using shiplap	Creates a dynamic and sophisticated look
Coloured Shiplap	Use bold colours like navy blue or black	Makes a dramatic statement

Chevron or Herringbone Patterns

Using shiplap in chevron or herringbone patterns introduces a sense of movement and complexity. This approach can transform a simple fireplace into an artistic centrepiece.

Coloured Shiplap

Don’t shy away from bold colours. Navy blue or black shiplap can create a dramatic statement, especially when contrasted with lighter surroundings. For a coastal vibe, consider shades of blue or grey.

Framing the Fireplace

Frame the fireplace with wider shiplap planks for a more dramatic effect. This technique works well in larger rooms where the fireplace is the main attraction.

Decorative Elements

Add decorative elements such as a large mirror or artwork above the shiplap. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also helps in making the room appear larger and more inviting.

Painted Shiplapped Fireplaces

When selecting the ideal paint color for your shiplapped fireplace, keep in mind these crucial tips to create a harmonious and inviting atmosphere:

Consideration	Description	Example
Personal Style	Choose colours that match your unique style.	Modern style – shades of grey or black.
Room’s Atmosphere	Select colours based on the desired mood.	Serene – soft whites and pastels; Dramatic – dark hues.
Undertones	Pay attention to paint undertones to ensure harmony.	Cool – white with blue undertones; Warm – white with beige undertones.
Existing Decor	Ensure paint complements existing furniture and decor.	Warm neutrals for rooms with wood tones.
Natural Light	Consider the impact of natural light on paint colour.	Dark rooms – lighter shades; Well-lit rooms – darker colours.
Test Samples	Always test paint on shiplap before finalising.	Paint small sections and observe under different lighting.

Choosing the right paint colour for your shiplapped fireplace can transform your space into a cozy, stylish focal point.

Miscellaneous Shiplap over a Fireplace Designs

Incorporating shiplap over a fireplace can transform this area into a stunning focal point. Here are some creative and unique ways to achieve this in your home decor:

Design Idea	Description	Visual Impact
Feature Wall	Use shiplap as an accent wall behind the fireplace.	Creates a focal point.
Color Variations	Incorporate different colors or finishes like stained wood.	Adds depth and character.
Unique Patterns	Arrange shiplap in herringbone or chevron patterns.	Provides a unique, eye-catching design.
Practical Applications	Use shiplap to hide cords, outlets, or cover brick.	Keeps space organized and modern.
Mantel Integration	Add floating mantels or rustic beams.	Enhances the overall design.
Built-in Storage	Incorporate shelves and display nooks.	Provides functional storage and display space.

For more ideas on incorporating shiplap into your home decor, check out This Old House for inspiration.

Additional Shiplap Inspiration

Here are some innovative ways to incorporate shiplap that will add character and style to your fireplace:

Method	Description	Benefit
Accent Stripes	Create horizontal or vertical accent stripes with shiplap around the fireplace.	Adds texture and dimension without overwhelming the space.
Partial Surround	Use shiplap on just the upper portion or sides of the fireplace.	Balances the look, allowing other materials to shine.
Mixed Materials	Combine shiplap with materials like stone, concrete, or brick.	Provides a unique contrast and highlights the fireplace as a focal point.
Mantel Backdrop	Install shiplap just above the mantel to frame the area.	Draws the eye to decorative elements on the mantel.
Recessed Patterns	Use shiplap in a recessed pattern, such as a chevron or herringbone.	Adds visual interest and a modern twist to traditional shiplap.
Colour Variations	Paint the shiplap in bold or contrasting colours.	Brings in personality and can complement existing decor.
Integrated Shelving	Incorporate built-in shelves alongside shiplap panels.	Adds functionality and display space while maintaining a cohesive look.

Conclusion

Transforming your old brick fireplace with shiplap breathes new life into your living space, adding a modern yet cozy vibe. This weekend project is straightforward, budget-friendly, and yields a stunning focal point.

Begin by selecting a shiplap style that complements your room’s aesthetic, from classic white to rustic wood. Securely attach the shiplap using strong adhesives and nails, ensuring a precise and professional finish. Centering the strips around the fireplace is key to a balanced look.

Investing in high-quality materials guarantees durability and safety, making this upgrade both practical and stylish. The result is a smooth, uniform surface that seamlessly covers any imperfections in the brick, creating a refreshed and inviting atmosphere.

Shiplap’s versatility allows for customization, whether painted or stained to match your décor. It’s a cost-effective option that offers a high-end look without a hefty price tag. This DIY-friendly project can transform your fireplace into a striking feature, enhancing both the warmth and beauty of your home.