If you are using real shiplap, it has a rabbit in it, so the next piece slides down tightly (not tongue and groove). If you are using just boards and calling it shiplap, then, whatever color you plan on painting it, paint the wall behind it, because, it will shrink some, and that keeps it at least a consistant color, if you end up with gaps. Shiplap gets its name, because it laps over the previous board.

Should still have drywall behind it, code may even require it.

this is the top now. Do you think the shiplap would not look good? I was thinking of having it look more like the picture with the stocking when finished.

Above the fireplace? Sounds incongruous to me - a fireplace produces fire and why would you place flammable material over a fire?

Or maybe that's just my prejudice coming through . . . .

Well.....to be fair, there's lots of flammable stuff around a fireplace. The mantel is wood and the shiplap is higher than that.

It's fine to say you just don't like it but the "flammable " argument is a nonstarter. :)

Quite honestly, I prefer what you have now over the shiplap. If you are looking to accent the wall, why not just put an accent color paint on the fireplace. Is your mantle missing a piece underneath it, something looks a bit unfinished under there, and why is there a painted strip across and down the sides?

cat_ky, if you look closely, you will see that it’s a work in progress.

Here are some pictures of before. wasn't horrible but I wanted something less formal looking. As you can see, we are widening the sides. My husband is doing the work. He has made a mantel out of rough cedar wood that will fit over the existing mantle. I plan on doing a tea & vinegar stain to make it look like an old beam. trying to get more of a country/farmhouse vibe going. thoughts/suggestions? thanks