The Days are Cooling, Time to Warm Up Your Fireplace with Tile
August 21, 2024
As the days start to cool and the leaves begin to turn, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about getting your fireplace ready for the winter months ahead. One of the best ways to breathe new life into your fireplace is by updating the surround with beautiful new tile. Whether you opt for classic stone, sleek porcelain, or eye-catching glass, a tiled fireplace surround can make a gorgeous focal point in any living space.
Fall is the ideal season to take on a new fireplace tile project. The weather is mild, giving you ample time to complete the work before winter really sets in. Plus, you’ll be able to enjoy your cozy, newly refreshed fireplace all season long. In this post, we’ll explore some of the top options for a tile fireplace, as well as inspiring design ideas to get you started on your next home improvement project.
Tile Options for Fireplace Surrounds
When it comes to tiling a fireplace surround, you have a wealth of material options to take that boring brick fireplace to something stunning. Here are some of the most popular choices:
Stone Tile
Stone tiles, such as natural stone, slate, or travertine, offer a classic, timeless look that complements just about any decor style. Stone is durable and heat-resistant, making it an excellent choice for the high-heat environment of a fireplace. Many stone tiles also have unique, organic patterns and veining that can add visual interest to your fireplace surround.
Ceramic and Porcelain Tile
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are another excellent option for fireplace surrounds. These tiles are available in a vast array of colors, patterns, and finishes, from bold, graphic designs to rustic, hand-crafted looks. Porcelain in particular is an incredibly durable and heat-resistant material, making it well-suited for use around a fireplace. Many porcelain tile collections are also designed to mimic the appearance of natural stone, wood, or even concrete.
Glass Tile
For a truly eye-catching fireplace, consider using glass tile. Glass tiles come in a wide spectrum of colors, from subtle neutrals to rich, jewel-toned hues. Glass also has a beautiful, reflective quality that can make your fireplace surround shimmer and shine. Glass tiles are heat-resistant and easy to clean, and they can create a truly unique, modern look.
Whichever tile material you choose, be sure to select a product that is specifically rated for fireplace use. This ensures the tiles can withstand the high temperatures without cracking or deteriorating over time.
Fireplace Tile Surround Design Ideas
Once you’ve decided on the tile material, the fun part begins – choosing the right design and layout for your fireplace surround. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:
Full Surround
For a bold, dramatic look, consider covering the entire fireplace surround, from the mantel all the way down to the fireplace hearth, with tile. This creates a seamless, cohesive aesthetic and makes the fireplace the undisputed focal point of the room.
You can opt for a single tile size and pattern for a sleek, minimalist look, or mix and match different tile sizes, shapes, and colors for added visual interest. Large format tiles, like 12×24 or 24×48, can give the surround a modern, high-end feel, while smaller mosaic tiles allow you to get creative with intricate patterns and designs.
Accent Wall
If you don’t want to tile the entire fireplace wall, another option is to create an accent wall above the mantel. This allows you to make a bold statement with wall tile without covering the entire fireplace. The accent wall can extend all the way up to the ceiling for maximum impact, or you can keep it confined to the area directly above the firebox.
Classic Subway Tile
Subway tile is a perennial favorite for fireplace surrounds, and for good reason. The simple, clean aesthetic of subway tile complements a wide range of design styles, from traditional to modern. Plus, the long, narrow shape of subway tiles makes them well-suited for the linear layout of a fireplace surround.
You can keep subway tile classic with a neutral color palette, or get creative with bolder hues like deep blues, greens, or even black. Varying the tile orientation, such as stacking the tiles vertically instead of the traditional horizontal layout, can also add visual interest.
Herringbone or Basketweave
For a more dynamic, eye-catching tile pattern, consider a herringbone or basketweave layout. These geometric designs add movement and visual depth to a fireplace surround, creating a truly custom look.
Herringbone patterns, where the tiles are laid in a zigzag arrangement, work especially well in longer, rectangular fireplace surrounds. Basketweave, which features a woven, crisscross tile layout, can lend an elegant, sophisticated vibe.
Both herringbone and basketweave patterns pair beautifully with natural stone tiles, as well as ceramic and porcelain options that mimic the look of stone.
Mixed Media
Another trending approach for fireplace surrounds is to mix different tile materials and finishes. For example, you could pair sleek, high-gloss porcelain tiles with rustic, hand-scraped stone tiles for a dynamic, layered look. Or combine glossy glass tiles with matte, textured ceramic tiles.
Mixing media creates visual interest and allows you to blend different design aesthetics. Just be sure to select tiles that complement each other in terms of color, scale, and overall style.
Fireplace Tile Maintenance and Care
One important consideration when tiling a fireplace surround is proper maintenance and care. Tiles in this high-heat area need to be able to withstand significant temperature fluctuations, as well as potential exposure to smoke, soot, and other fireplace byproducts.
When selecting tiles for your fireplace, look for products that are specifically rated for fireplace use. These tiles will be heat-resistant and durable enough to withstand the demands of the environment. Many stone, ceramic, and porcelain tiles are suitable, but it’s important to double-check the manufacturer specifications.
If this is your first time doing it yourself, be sure to use the right installation methods and materials, such as high-heat mortar and grout to ensure the tiles can properly expand and contract with temperature changes. Proper sealing of grout lines and entire surface of the tiles is another key step to protect against staining and moisture damage.
Regular cleaning and maintenance is also important to keep your fireplace surround tiles looking their best. Wipe up any spills or soot build-up promptly, and use a specialized tile cleaner formulated for high-heat areas. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbing, which can damage the tile surface over time.
Update Your Fireplace with Beautiful New Tile
With the right tile selection and proper installation and care, your fireplace surround can be a stunning focal point that will make a huge difference in your living room or great room. So as the weather cools and the leaves start to turn, take some time to envision your dream fireplace surround tile design – your cozy winter nights by the fire are just around the corner.