Thanks so much for the advice. I was making myself crazy with the measuring tape.

I have a similar linear fireplace wall that’s only purpose was to have a fireplace on it so I chose no mantel and did stone all the way up. We love the way it came out.

That’s really pretty. It’s nice with your light wood floor. Did you use rocks, wood, or glass in the firebox?

Thanks, it came with rocks and glass rocks, we went with the glass as it looks really nice when it’s lit up.

I don't have a picture but the red brick on my fireplace goes to the ceiling. We have a vaulted ceiling in the family room and the bricks extends pretty far out from the fire box so it is the statement in that room. I've considered dry walling over the brick that's above the mantel, but I've had several people tell me that they don't think it will look right, that the brick is what makes it interesting. It definitely is a more rustic look than having drywall, so I think it depends on what kind of look you want. In my case, the red makes finding paint colors a bit more challenging. I love Karen Rose's fireplace wall with the white brick.

I prefer a chunkier mantel. And I like the fact that you're not putting the tv over it (my tv is to the right of my fireplace too). I like when there is minimal decor on the mantel too, like a vase with sprigs on one side and either a couple of candles or a photo on the other.