Paddytc,
I am using a sea glass type glass tile mosaic (1" tile) on my fireplace along with a very simple white mantel to achieve my casual, beachy look.

We're still months away from actually installing it, but the design is cemented into my brain. I think I got the idea from a carpet ad in a magazine that had a fireplace in the background.

What did you end up doing?

only 4-5" from combustible material sounds a bit dangerous and not likely to be within code - please check your local code then decide
gl

Here is what we did.
American walnut, verde marinacci granite, Valor President ZC gas fireplace.

Here is a link that might be useful: mantel

Pattytc

I am doing my fireplace over as I write this. I too am going for the beachy look. I just tiled around the fireplace 8" and the hearth 13" I used tumbeled marble tiles(4x8) which looks like the color and texture of seashells, on both.I outlined the tiles on the hearth with the pebble tile border. I still have to grout the tile and build the wood surround and mantle which I will paint white. Sounds like we have the same ideas . Although I have lots more to do it already looks beachy.

jejvtr raises an important issue - your 4-5" clearance is not enough for a standard fireplace. Code minimum is 6", then 1/8" projection for each inch from opening to combustible material (IRC1003.12).

BUT... thats for a standard fireplace. Your "direct vent" model may have different requirements. The listing for your insert will specify the clearances for that specific model. Check your installation manual carefully, or design around the code minimums. In either case, check with your local building official.

Reinhardt
quelle@homebedazzle.com