Most living rooms have one wall that everything faces. That wall deserves some love.
A fireplace TV wall turns it into a real focal point. The fire, the TV, shelves and storage all working together, and it looks custom built.
It sounds like a big job. But broken into steps, most of it is shiplap, paint, a mantel and smart mounting.
These 20 DIY fireplace TV wall ideas cover shiplap, stone, brick, bookshelves, corners, bedrooms and tall ceilings.
1Build a Shiplap Fireplace TV Wall
Shiplap is fast, cheap and looks custom once it is painted.
These shiplap panels go up much faster than single boards. Paint them white or a soft neutral, add a mantel and the wall is transformed.
- Most popular
- Budget friendly
- Weekend build
Project Card · 1 to 2 weekends · Medium
Materials Needed
- Shiplap panels
- Stud finder and level
- Finish nails and nail gun
- Wood filler and sandpaper
- Primer and white paint
- Floating mantel shelf
How to Make It
- Turn off power at the breaker before working near outlets, then mark every stud.
- Nail the first row at the bottom perfectly level, since it sets every row above.
- Work upward, nailing each panel into the studs.
- Cut around the fireplace opening and outlets, using outlet box extenders so they sit flush.
- Fill holes, sand, prime and paint two coats, then add the mantel.
My Pick
Shiplap Panels for a TV Wall
Pre grooved panels that go up much faster than cutting single boards.
2Add a Floating Mantel Shelf
The mantel separates the fire from the TV and gives you a spot for candles and decor.
A thick floating wood mantel looks far better than a thin shelf. Check your fireplace manual for how high a wood mantel must sit above the opening.
- Centerpiece
- Display surface
- Check clearance
Project Card · 2 hours · Medium
Materials Needed
- Floating mantel shelf
- Heavy duty lag bolts
- Stud finder
- Drill and socket wrench
- Level and measuring tape
How to Make It
- Check the fireplace manual for the required clearance above the opening.
- Mark the mantel height and find the studs.
- Drill pilot holes into the studs and drive the lag bolts, leaving them sticking out a few inches.
- Drill matching holes in the back of the mantel.
- Slide the mantel over the bolts and check it is level.
My Pick
Floating Wood Mantel Shelf
A thick, solid looking mantel in the right size for most fireplaces.
3Use Faux Brick Panels for a Classic Look
Faux brick gives a traditional look with none of the weight of real brick.
These faux brick panels cut with a regular saw and glue onto drywall. Dry brush a lighter color over them to look aged.
- Classic style
- Lightweight
- Easy to cut
My Pick
Faux Brick Wall Panels
Light panels with a true brick texture that glue onto drywall.
4Apply Stone Veneer for a Modern Look
Stone veneer looks high end and costs a fraction of real stone.
Install cement board first, then set these stone veneer panels with mortar or adhesive. Do the full wall or just the surround.
- High end look
- Lighter than stone
- Modern style
My Pick
Stone Veneer Wall Panels
The high end stone look for far less weight and cost.
5Add Floating Shelves on Each Side
Shelves beside the TV give a built in look without building cabinets.
Use a matching floating shelf set on both sides and screw the brackets into studs so they hold books, not just light decor.
- Built in look
- Balanced
- Into the studs
My Pick
Floating Shelf Set
Matching shelves for a balanced look on both sides of the TV.
6Add Cabinet Storage on Each Side
Cabinets below hide game controllers, remotes and blankets. Shelves above show books and decor.
Use this storage cabinet as a guide or build your own from plywood. Anchor it to the wall so it cannot tip.
- Hides clutter
- Doors below
- Anchor it
My Pick
Storage Cabinet for a TV Wall
Hides media boxes, remotes and blankets behind closed doors.
7Hide the TV Cables Cleanly
Dangling cables ruin a beautiful wall. Route them inside the wall instead.
An in wall cable management kit gives a clean look. Use a kit with an in wall rated power connection, never a regular extension cord inside the wall.
- No dangling cords
- Clean finish
- Use rated power kit
Project Card · 1 to 2 hours · Medium
Materials Needed
- In wall cable kit with rated power connection
- Drywall saw
- Fish tape
- Stud finder
- Screwdriver
How to Make It
- Turn off power at the breaker for the area you are working on.
- Cut one opening behind the TV and one near the outlet below, between the same two studs.
- Install the kit’s power inlet and outlet boxes following the instructions.
- Fish the HDMI and other low voltage cables through the wall.
- Fit the wall plates, restore power and test everything.
My Pick
In Wall TV Cable Management Kit
Hides TV cables inside the wall for a clean finished look.
8Mount Everything Securely
Always mount the TV into studs or masonry, never into drywall anchors alone.
Save heavy duty toggle anchors for shelves and decor between studs, and check the weight rating on both the mount and the anchors.
- TV into studs
- Anchors for decor
- Check weight ratings
My Pick
Heavy Duty Toggle Anchors
Strong hold for shelves and decor where there is no stud.
9Build Full Height Bookshelves
Floor to ceiling bookshelves on both sides is the showstopper version of this project.
Build plywood boxes with face frames, paint everything one color and anchor them to the wall and ceiling.
- Showstopper
- Tons of storage
- One color
10Build a Farmhouse Fireplace TV Wall
White shiplap, a rustic beam mantel and a brick surround. Classic farmhouse.
Layered textures are the secret. Smooth paint, rough brick, raw wood.
- Layered textures
- Cozy style
- Neutral palette
11Build a Bedroom Fireplace TV Wall
A bedroom version is smaller and calmer. A wall mounted electric fireplace works perfectly.
Build a simple drywall surround, add the TV above and slim shelves on each side.
- Calm scale
- Electric fireplace
- Cozy bedroom
12Build a Corner Fireplace TV Wall
Corners are often wasted. A corner fireplace is visible from more spots in the room.
Build an angled surround for a corner electric insert and use an articulating TV mount to face the sofa.
- Uses dead space
- Seen from anywhere
- Swivel TV mount
13Add Hidden Storage
Secret doors in the bookshelves that look like the shelf back. Everyone loves discovering them.
Use push to open catches and paint the panels to match so they disappear when closed.
- Secret doors
- Fun surprise
- Seamless look
14Mix Shiplap and Stone
Stone around the fireplace and shiplap above. The best of both.
Let the mantel sit right at the line where they meet for a clean transition.
- Two textures
- Clean transition
- Very photogenic
15Build a River Rock Fireplace Wall
River rock is the most dramatic finish here. Real stone that no panel can copy.
Set rocks in mortar on cement board, working in small sections from the bottom up. Real stone is heavy, so check the wall and floor can carry it.
- Most dramatic
- Real stone
- Check the weight
16Design for a Vaulted Ceiling
On a vaulted wall, run the treatment all the way up to the slope.
The extra height makes the fireplace wall look even grander.
- Follow the slope
- Extra height
- Grand look
17Work with a Slanted Ceiling
In attic rooms keep the fireplace and TV at normal viewing height, whatever the ceiling does.
Build shorter shelves to fit under the slope on each side.
- Attic friendly
- Right TV height
- Custom shelves
18Build a Raised Faux Hearth
A raised hearth adds a real architectural detail and a spot to sit.
Build a plywood platform and face it with tile or stone. Keep it at a comfortable bench height.
- Extra seating
- Classic detail
- Tile or stone
19Make the Most of Tall Ceilings
Tall walls give you the most drama. Run the finish from floor to ceiling.
Fill the space above the TV with large art, a mirror or wood beams so it does not feel empty.
- Big drama
- Fill the top
- Floor to ceiling
20Follow a Step by Step Plan
Plan before you touch a tool. Draw the wall to scale with studs, fireplace, TV and shelf heights.
Hire a licensed electrician for new outlets and follow the fireplace maker’s clearance rules. A clear plan saves money and mistakes.
- Plan first
- Avoid mistakes
- Know when to hire
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to mount a TV above a fireplace?
It can be with an electric fireplace or a well vented gas or wood fireplace. Check the TV and fireplace manuals for heat and clearance, and add a deep mantel to deflect heat.
How high should a TV be above a fireplace?
As low as the mantel clearance allows. A tilting or pull down mount helps bring the screen closer to eye level.
Can I hide the TV power cord inside the wall?
Only with an in wall rated power kit. Regular power cords and extension cords should never run inside walls.
What is the cheapest fireplace TV wall finish?
Shiplap or plain painted drywall with a mantel is the cheapest. Faux brick panels are the next budget option.
Do I need studs to mount a TV?
Yes. Mount a TV into studs or masonry. Drywall anchors are best kept for light shelves and decor.
Final Thoughts on DIY Fireplace TV Wall
A fireplace TV wall changes the whole living room. It takes a weekend or two, but the result looks custom built.
Pick the style that suits your room, plan the wall on paper and mount everything safely. Start with shiplap and a mantel, then add shelves and storage as you go.
Amir Ali is the founder and site administrator of HomeDecorEdge, a modern home decor and interior design platform. Since starting the site, he has combined his passion for interior design, practical styling, and color coordination with hands-on content strategy and site management. He guides authors, curates high-quality articles, and ensures readers have access to actionable, visually inspiring, and user-focused home decor advice for apartments, small rooms, and family homes.