From sleek minimalism to extravagant maximalism, there are numerous tile designs available for your fireplace. It is important to take into account the overall style of your home when selecting tiles in order to find a design that perfectly complements your aesthetic preferences.
Marble is a classic choice for a sleek, sophisticated look. It works well with either modern or rustic decor.
Porcelain
Porcelain tile is a fantastic choice for a hearth since it is long-lasting, easy to maintain, and appealing to the eye. Its low water absorption rating means it’s less prone to etching and staining, which is a problem that can occur with stone or wood.
Another benefit of porcelain tile is that it can be laid in various patterns, such as herringbone, which adds visual interest to your fireplace. Other types of tiles famous for fireplace surrounds are chevron and subway style.
Thanks to technological advances, large-format porcelain slabs are now available that mimic the look of natural materials like marble, granite, and wood linen. They’re great for any room in the home where you want the depth of natural material patterns but want to avoid dealing with the maintenance issues or use restrictions that come with them. In addition, porcelain weighs significantly less than granite or other natural stones, so it’s easier to install and move around. It’s also less likely to crack, break or crumble from the heat of your fire.
Stone
Stone is an appealing material for a fireplace because it offers the chance to create a sleek focal point. However, there are some things to consider when choosing a natural stone fireplace tile for your fireplace surround makeover.
The most important consideration is that the tile you select withstands high temperatures. A natural stone tile is not suitable if it can’t withstand high heat levels, regardless of whether it’s a real natural or manufactured stone.
Stone tiles, in addition to being heat-resistant, are easy to clean and will not show stains from soot or smoke. Unlike wood, they also don’t retain moisture and aren’t prone to mold problems.
Some stone tiles, such as chevron or herringbone tiles, are textured to add visual interest. Chevron tiles offer a modern style, while herringbone tiles are more traditional, and both can be used to complement wood fireplace mantels. However, if you’re considering a textured tile for your hearth, it’s best to consult a professional to ensure the installation technique is compatible with your design goals.
Brick-Look
There’s nothing quite like a brick fireplace to add rustic charm to a living room. This traditional look can be reworked in modern ways using tile that looks just like a brick. It’s ideal for a historic home or a new build that needs a classic look.
Brick-looking ceramic tile has more color and design options than ever before. Choose matt tiles for a soft, casual finish or glossy ones to reflect more light. Even unique tiles offer a vintage look, appearing chipped, cracked, or faded.
If you want to take your fireplace in a contemporary direction, try a brick-look tile with a picket shape – long and narrow with pointed ends. It works beautifully with a neutral-toned living room and adds texture to the eye-catching room.
Mosaic
Mosaic tile brings a dazzling, eye-catching style to any fireplace. The variety of shapes and color options is limitless. Mosaic fireplace tiles bring a bold element to an otherwise minimalist living room.
Vital geometric mosaic elements are critical to the Mid-Century Modern look that many people love today. They bring a modern touch to the fireplace without removing the rest of the room’s design.
Marble is a classic option for a fireplace, but other materials can offer the same elegant aesthetic as this luxurious material.
Limestone tile is a sleek and contemporary choice for a fireplace. This material looks great when used in larger sizes and works best for a neutral or natural color palette. Depending on the color, it can look dramatic, minimal, or natural and woody. This type of tile is perfect for updating a traditional or old brick fireplace and turning it into an elegant focal point in the living room.
Glass
Glass tiles are manufactured from tiny pieces of tinted, metallic, or textured glass that are burned in place to create a stunning backsplash that adds color and visual interest to any space. Unlike other tiles, glass doesn’t absorb water or other liquids, so they’re easy to clean and maintain.
Tempered glass is also an excellent choice for your fireplace because it’s heat-resistant and will not break from the high temperatures of the fire. It is also eco-friendly because it is made from waste materials that would otherwise be thrown and disposed of in landfills.
Many different types of tile work well for fireplace hearths, including ceramic and porcelain tiles, which are both resistant to heat and come in various colors and designs, as well as natural stone or concrete tile, which are tough and durable. Choosing the right type of tile for your fireplace hearth is essential to ensure it can withstand the intense heat and protect against potential damage and staining. Consider choosing a patterned tile like a chevron that can add a unique look to your fireplace.
