Board and batten fireplaces bring a classic, timeless look to any home. This style combines vertical boards with horizontal battens to create a textured, eye-catching focal point in your living space.
You can transform your fireplace with board and batten to add depth and character to your room. Whether you prefer a crisp white design or a bold color statement, there are many ways to customize this versatile look to match your decor style.
1) Rustic Whitewashed Panels
Rustic whitewashed panels give your fireplace a cozy, farmhouse feel. You can create this look by applying a thin coat of white paint over wood panels.
The technique lets some of the wood grain show through, adding texture and character. This style works well in country or beach-inspired homes.
Pair your whitewashed fireplace with natural elements like woven baskets or greenery for a fresh, inviting look.
2) Modern Black Finish
A black board and batten fireplace brings a sleek, modern look to your living space. This bold choice creates a striking focal point in any room. The dark color adds depth and drama, making your fireplace stand out.
You can pair black with light-colored walls for contrast. Or go for an all-black look for a more dramatic effect. Add metallic accents or warm wood tones to soften the look and create visual interest.
3) Shiplap Style Overlay
You can blend board and batten with shiplap for a unique fireplace look. Install shiplap horizontally on the main wall. Then add vertical board and batten over the shiplap around the fireplace.
This combination creates depth and visual interest. Paint both elements the same color for a cohesive appearance. White is a popular choice, but you can use any shade that fits your decor.
4) Classic Gray Stain
Gray stain on board and batten fireplaces creates a timeless look. You can choose light or dark shades to match your style. The stain highlights the wood grain, adding texture to your space.
Pair gray-stained board and batten with white walls for contrast. Add metal accents like black sconces or a bronze mirror to complete the look. This combination works well in both modern and traditional homes.
5) Reclaimed Wood Look
Reclaimed wood adds rustic charm to board and batten fireplaces. You can use weathered planks for a vintage feel. Distressed wood brings warmth and character to your living space.
Mix light and dark wood tones for visual interest. Pair reclaimed wood with white painted sections for contrast. This style works well in farmhouse or industrial-inspired rooms.
Choose boards with knots and imperfections for an authentic look. Seal the wood to protect it while keeping its natural appearance.
6) Natural Timber Beams
Natural timber beams can add rustic charm to a board and batten fireplace. You can install them above the mantel or use them to frame the entire fireplace surround.
The warm wood tones contrast beautifully with white painted board and batten. This creates a cozy, inviting focal point in your living space.
For a farmhouse look, try rough-hewn beams with visible knots and grain. Smooth, polished beams work well in more modern designs.
7) White Minimalist Design
A white minimalist board and batten fireplace brings clean lines and simplicity to your living space. The crisp white color creates a fresh, airy feel.
You can achieve this look with sleek, vertical battens and a smooth mantel. Keep decorations sparse to maintain the minimalist vibe.
This design works well in modern homes. It also complements Scandinavian-inspired interiors. The white color helps brighten your room and makes it feel more spacious.
8) Contrasting Dark Trim
Dark trim can make your board and batten fireplace stand out. You can paint the battens and boards in a deep charcoal or black for a bold look. This contrast works well with light-colored walls.
Try pairing dark trim with a white mantel for extra impact. The dark color will draw eyes to your fireplace, making it a true focal point. Remember to use a heat-resistant paint for any areas close to the fire.
9) Traditional Oak Texture
Oak paneling adds a classic touch to your board and batten fireplace. You can choose a light natural finish for a bright, airy feel. This works well in both traditional and modern spaces.
Pair oak paneling with a black-and-white fireplace for a modern traditional look. Add vintage mirrors or wall sconces to complete the design. The warm tones of oak bring depth and character to your room.
10) Smooth Painted Surface
A smooth painted surface gives your board and batten fireplace a clean, modern look. You can choose white for a classic feel or a bold color to make a statement. The smooth finish highlights the geometric lines of the board and batten pattern. This style works well in both traditional and contemporary homes. It’s easy to clean and maintain, making it a practical choice for busy households.
11) Charred Wood Effect
A charred wood board and batten fireplace brings a unique, rustic look to your space. This technique creates a dark, textured surface that adds depth and character.
You can achieve this effect by lightly burning the wood boards before installation. The charring process highlights the wood grain and creates an eye-catching focal point.
Pair the charred wood with light-colored walls and furnishings to make it stand out. This dramatic contrast will draw attention to your fireplace and create a cozy atmosphere in your room.
12) Pine Plank Finish
Pine planks offer a rustic charm to board and batten fireplace surrounds. You can choose from light or dark stains to match your decor. The natural wood grain adds warmth and texture to your living space.
Pine is affordable and easy to work with for DIY projects. You can create a custom look by varying plank widths or mixing vertical and horizontal orientations. This style works well in farmhouse, cottage, or mountain-inspired homes.
13) Driftwood Aesthetic
A driftwood aesthetic brings a beachy, weathered look to your board and batten fireplace. You can achieve this by using light gray or whitewashed wood for the paneling. Add some driftwood pieces as decor on the mantel or nearby shelves.
Consider incorporating coastal colors like soft blues and sandy beiges in your furnishings. This style works well in homes near the water or for those who want a relaxed, seaside vibe in their living space.
14) Vertical Paneling Focus
Vertical board and batten paneling can make your fireplace wall stand out. This style draws the eye upward, creating a sense of height in your room.
You can paint the vertical panels white for a clean look. Or try dark gray for a bold statement.
Slim battens work well in modern spaces. Wider ones fit traditional decor better.
Match the paneling to your room’s style for a cohesive feel.
15) Neutral Palette Harmony
A neutral palette creates a calm and timeless look for your board and batten fireplace. You can use shades of white, beige, and gray to achieve this style. Mix textures like smooth paint and rough wood to add depth.
Choose a light color for the board and batten, and paint the walls a complementary neutral tone. Add warmth with natural wood accents or a stone hearth. This approach lets your fireplace blend seamlessly with the room while still being a focal point.
16) Weathered Wood Charm
Weathered wood adds rustic appeal to board and batten fireplaces. You can achieve this look with reclaimed barn wood or new wood treated to appear aged. The natural grain and worn texture create visual interest.
Pair weathered wood with white board and batten for contrast. This combination blends farmhouse and coastal styles. Add metal accents like wrought iron sconces to complete the look.
17) Two-Tone Design Approach
A two-tone board and batten fireplace brings visual interest to your space. You can use contrasting colors to make the fireplace stand out.
Try pairing light and dark shades of the same color. For example, use a pale olive around the fireplace and a deeper olive on the surrounding walls.
This approach adds depth and highlights the fireplace’s architecture. It creates a focal point without overwhelming the room.
18) Geometric Pattern Layout
Want to add visual interest to your board and batten fireplace? Try a geometric pattern layout. This design uses angled boards to create eye-catching shapes around your fireplace.
You can opt for simple diagonal lines or more complex patterns like diamonds or hexagons. The geometric layout adds depth and dimension to your fireplace wall.
Choose contrasting paint colors to make the pattern pop. Or keep it subtle with a monochromatic look. This unique approach turns your fireplace into a true focal point.
19) Staggered Panel Placement
Staggered panel placement adds visual interest to your board and batten fireplace. Instead of lining up all the battens evenly, you offset some panels to create a unique pattern.
This technique works well with both vertical and horizontal battens. You can stagger every other batten or create a more complex arrangement. The uneven layout draws the eye and makes your fireplace a standout feature.
20) Warm Mahogany Tone
A warm mahogany board and batten fireplace brings rich, inviting color to your living space. This deep reddish-brown hue creates a cozy focal point that draws the eye.
You can pair mahogany tones with cream or white trim for contrast. Or keep it monochromatic with varying shades of brown. Either way, the result is an elegant, timeless look.
Consider adding brass or gold accents to complement the warm wood tones. This creates a luxurious feel perfect for relaxing by the fire.
