Modern Shiplap Media Wall with Electric Fireplace and Cedar Mantle – A Cozy Focal Point
Introduction to Shiplap Media Walls
Shiplap is no longer just a rustic farmhouse favorite—today, it’s a staple of modern home design. Characterized by its clean, horizontal lines and subtle texture, shiplap paneling offers the perfect balance between simplicity and statement. And when paired with a media center—including a large TV and a built-in electric fireplace—the result is both functional and visually striking.
In this featured project, we designed and installed a custom shiplap media wall with a cedar wood mantle and electric fireplace in a beautiful Charlotte-area home. The goal? Turn a blank living room wall into a sleek, warm, and tech-integrated feature.
Key Features of This Project
White Shiplap Wall Paneling: Provides texture and a clean, classic backdrop.
Recessed Electric Fireplace: Modern, flush-mounted fireplace with glowing flame effect and heating capability.
Solid Cedar Wood Mantle: A natural wood centerpiece that adds warmth and organic texture.
Wall-Mounted Flat Screen TV: Positioned above the fireplace with hidden wiring for a clean, minimalist look.
Benefits of a Shiplap Media Wall
This design isn't just about aesthetics—it's packed with benefits:
Built-In Functionality: Houses the fireplace, TV, and wiring in one cohesive unit.
Focal Point Creation: Draws the eye and anchors the room visually.
Enhanced Comfort: The electric fireplace adds heat and ambiance without the mess of wood or gas.
Natural Warmth: The cedar mantle introduces earthy contrast to the painted shiplap.
Whether you're hosting movie night or just winding down, this wall makes a big statement without overpowering the space.
Project Location and Scope
Located in Charlotte, North Carolina, this custom feature wall was built in the main living room of a newly renovated home. The client was looking to:
Make use of a large blank wall
Incorporate a fireplace without requiring chimney installation
Maintain a modern yet cozy vibe
We were tasked with designing a solution that looked intentional, high-end, and timeless.
Material Selection and Sourcing
Each component of this wall was carefully chosen:
Shiplap Boards: Pre-primed wood sourced locally, installed horizontally with tight spacing.
Electric Fireplace: A recessed model with realistic flame visuals and optional heat function.
Cedar Mantle: Selected for its rich grain, knotting, and warm tone—lightly sealed to preserve its natural beauty.
Paint Color: Soft white, chosen to contrast gently with the medium oak hardwood floors.
All materials were sourced from trusted suppliers, including Home Depot and Sherwin-Williams, to ensure lasting quality.
Planning and Design Considerations
We began by mapping out the dimensions and placements digitally. Key design factors included:
Fireplace height: Mounted for optimal viewing and safe clearance from the mantle and TV.
TV Positioning: Aligned precisely above the fireplace and centered across the wall.
Wiring & Power: In-wall cable routing for TV, outlets for fireplace, and no visible cords.
Heat Clearance: Ensuring the electric fireplace didn’t affect TV operation or wood mantle durability.
Precision planning ensured the wall looked symmetrical and functioned flawlessly.
Step-by-Step Installation Process
Here’s how this feature wall came to life:
Wall Preparation: The drywall was cleaned, marked, and checked for studs.
Shiplap Installation: Boards were cut and installed from the bottom up, secured with nails and adhesive.
Fireplace Mounting: The fireplace was recessed and hardwired in place.
Cedar Mantle Mount: The custom mantle was anchored into the studs with hidden fasteners.
Paint Touch-Ups: Caulking and paint refined every edge for a seamless appearance.
TV Install & Cable Management: Finally, the flat-screen TV was mounted above the fireplace with hidden wiring.
Color Palette and Finishing Touches
The palette was clean and timeless:
Wall Color: Bright white shiplap enhances light reflection and adds visual space.
Mantle Tone: Warm cedar tones bring natural balance to the room.
Flooring Match: The hardwood floors echo the mantle’s warmth and create continuity.
Minimal trim and a white baseboard kept the focus on the shiplap wall.
Challenges and Solutions
Heat Management: We verified manufacturer clearances and used heat-resistant mounts.
Cable Routing: Electrical lines and media cables were fished behind the wall for a cord-free finish.
Perfect Centering: Laser levels and painter’s tape helped us nail visual balance.
Even small details like aligning the shiplap grooves with wall outlets were carefully handled.
Timeframe and Execution
This project was completed in under three days:
Day 1: Framing, electrical, and fireplace install.
Day 2: Shiplap application and mantle installation.
Day 3: Paint, finishing, and TV setup.
Thanks to a tight plan and expert crew, everything was done efficiently.
Before-and-After Results
Before: A blank drywall surface with no feature or focal point.
After: A bold, elegant shiplap media wall with glowing fireplace and custom woodwork.
The transformation was dramatic—and the room now feels warmer, more finished, and truly inviting.
How This Feature Wall Elevates the Home
A fireplace wall like this adds more than just style:
Increases Property Value
Creates a Year-Round Gathering Spot
Makes the Living Room Memorable
It’s an upgrade that pays off both emotionally and financially.
Maintenance Tips for Cedar Mantle and Shiplap
Dust Weekly: Use a soft cloth or duster to keep the cedar clean.
Avoid Harsh Cleaners: Use a damp cloth on painted shiplap only.
Fireplace Care: Wipe glass clean and follow manufacturer filter guidelines.
A little maintenance keeps everything looking fresh for years to come.
Why Clients Choose Accent Wall Designs for Fireplace Features
Our Charlotte-based team delivers:
Custom Craftsmanship
Premium Materials
Reliable Timelines
Top-Rated Customer Service
We handle every detail—from design to final installation—so your home feels like it’s truly yours.
Photo Gallery: Custom Shiplap Fireplace Wall
(Photos above show front and side angles of the finished project)
Cedar mantle detailClean shiplap linesCentered fireplace and mounted TVFlush wall integration
This is more than décor—it’s design that works for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I install a shiplap fireplace wall in a small room?
Yes! Just scale the fireplace and TV to suit the room.
Q2: Will the fireplace heat damage the TV or wood?
Not if installed correctly with proper clearances.
Q3: Is cedar a good choice for a mantle?
Absolutely. It’s beautiful, lightweight, and durable indoors.
Q4: What kind of fireplace is used?
A flush-mounted electric model with flame effect and heat option.
Q5: Can I hide all the wires?
Yes, all cables can be routed through the wall for a clean look.
Q6: How much does a wall like this cost?
Prices vary, but this setup typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 depending on materials and size.
Final Thoughts: A Warm and Stylish Living Room Upgrade
A shiplap media wall with electric fireplace and cedar mantle isn’t just a trend—it’s a smart, timeless upgrade that transforms the heart of your home. Whether you're in Charlotte or beyond, it’s a design worth investing in.
Ready to build yours? Contact Accent Wall Designs today for a free consultation.
Designer’s Insight: Max on the Shiplap Fireplace Wall
“When designing this wall, our goal was to blend modern simplicity with natural warmth,” says Max, lead interior designer at Accent Wall Designs.
“The crisp white shiplap gives structure and rhythm to the wall, while the cedar wood mantle adds an organic element that keeps the space feeling grounded and comfortable.
We placed the electric fireplace low to maintain visual balance, and the TV positioning was chosen for ergonomic viewing without overpowering the feature.
The result is functional elegance—it looks great year-round, but especially shines in fall and winter when families gather around it.”
Max’s insight reminds us that a beautiful wall isn’t just built—it’s thoughtfully designed with purpose and personality.
