How tall are the walls, and do you have any pics of the area?

My initial thought is to take them to the ceiling and frame out with molding but it all depends on height of the windows and walls.

Try posting over at the Home Decor forum for more input.

They'll look best at window-top height. It will 'frame in' the fireplace and give it emphasis as a design element. I'd use something non-rectangular over the fireplace, to offset all the rigid lines.

I agree with jkom51.

Here's what I have .. and it works for me, but my windows are small ..

{{gwi:1583047}}

this is a picture of my current fireplace wall and a picture of what I am hoping to do when we remodel.

http://s623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/rtwilliams83/remodel/?action=edit&current=fireplace.jpg

http://i623.photobucket.com/albums/tt315/rtwilliams83/remodel/white_room_fireplace.jpg

Just wanted to post a picture since we are almost done with our remodel

it's beautiful! classy, elegant and calm. i really like it.

This looks beautiful! Can I ask how far your fireplace is built out from your wall (or, how deep are your built-ins0? Also, what wall color did you use? I love it!

If you are talking about my living room. The book shelves are not very deep only 11 inches. The fireplace wall juts out 11 inches and the mantle is 6 1/4 inches deep at the top of the mantle. The legs of the fireplace surround are only 4 inches deep. The wall color is SW Khaki Shade #7533