With a lamp on

Check your installation for National Fire Protection Association clearance requirements please. Looks a little close to me.

I'm thinking about tiling my fire matt to punch up the volume. I look forward to seeing the suggestions you get for the wall.

https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/luxe-scandinavian-scandinavian-living-room-manchester-phvw-vp~79577805

Yes, it is installed to code. I agree that a lighter base would be better (not the steel - wrapped and painted cement board). Does anyone have pics of wrapped cement board in other colours? Tiling is probably higher budget than I have. Or paint examples?

I'm going to tile the matt itself. I read you need a special mortar for use with metal though. Wouldn't want it to fall apart after all that work.

You could have lots of fun there. A real cheap way and effective, is narrow strips of timber laid out in a design and paint the whole lot black, like in pics, texture is needed. A thought and would be so cost effective I would image. Tape it all first to get better idea of design and where to start and finish

Tile or tin?

Oops! Wrong pictures!

Laura Hill mentioned tin. That might be easier to work with than tiles. Here's link to tin tiles for ceiling and walls. https://www.americantinceilings.com/colors-master.html

Love the tile or tin idea. I wonder if I can use peel and stick tile? The peel and stick tile I bought only warned against use next to a gas flame stove. The stove is installed to code.

Have you looked at the codes in your area? That should help direct you to either real or peal and stick tiles.

Yes, the stove is installed to code. The cement board beneath it is required ( or an alternative). Nothing additional is required behind, I just want to change the look. I love the images from Laura Hill, of boho times installed both under and behind for a seamless
Look. True cement tiles will be waaaay out of my price range, so am looking at peel and stick or removeable wallpaper or the tin (as beneath) painted a lighter colour.