Trend Watch: Tile Fireplace Surrounds

When you think about traditional fireplace surrounds, visions of stone and red or whitewashed brick probably dance in your head. A stone fireplace is totally classic and truly never goes out of style, but it’s not the be-all and end-all when it comes to design. Tile is another way to bring your personal style to life when installing or updating a fireplace in your home, and classic white subway tile is just the tip of the aesthetic iceberg.

From vibrant colors to eye-catching textures and patterns, a tile surround gives your fireplace a personality that feels perfectly you. With a bit of planning, some creative energy and a little insight from the pros, you can craft a fireplace that will quickly become a centerpiece of your space.

Subway tile will always look great, but if you’re yearning for color, you’re not alone. “Things are warming up in the tile world,” says Maggie Dragan, content director at Mercury Mosaics in Minneapolis. “From mid-century modern rusty reds and mustard yellows to trendy pinks, we’re seeing a rise in warm hues.”

Given that the tile will be up close and personal with high heat, you’ll want to consider the combustibility factor when selecting your tile. Karen McDonald, product manager at Fireside Hearth & Home, advises choosing non-combustible rated tile for your hearth and surround, including porcelain, ceramic, marble and glass. “Backsplash tiles are made to withstand higher temperatures,” she explains. “Tiles for the hearth should be rated as a backsplash or a floor tile.”

Don’t forget another important aspect of your tile design: grout! “We think of grout as a design element because it can create contrast,” shares McDonald. She recommends opting for a high-temperature grout or heat-resistant tile adhesive.

Color isn’t the only way to make your fireplace your own. Tile gives you the opportunity to mix and match different shapes and designs together for a unique, bespoke look. “We’re seeing clients get creative by mixing different tile shapes together,” says Dragan. Try hexagons and diamonds mixed together or add a hint of surprise by mixing a diamond or two in with the classic rectangle or square tile. It’s totally up to you, but if you need some help getting started, reach out to a tile pro and work together to bring your vision to life.

If you’re not entirely sure what your tile style is, think about the vibe of your home and the look you want to convey. Are you more classic Craftsman or rustic country? Do you want your fireplace to conjure up coziness or feel sleek and elegant? Focus on how you envision the space to take shape can help you choose the perfect tile.

“The fireplace tends to become the centerpiece of the room, shaping the look and feel of the rest of the space,” says Dragan. “Consider your overall design and how you can turn a small tile surround into a statement piece. If your home is farmhouse chic or rustic bungalow style, we recommend going with bold yet earthy Craftsman squares. For midcentury, we see clients steer towards sleek lines and exciting colors such as diamonds in our Eichler blend.” For a more luxurious, glamorous fireplace, the Mercury Mosaics team loves a glossy jewel tone Moroccan fish scales pattern.

If your home is sleek and chic, consider large-scale tile around a linear gas or electric fireplace for an equally modern vibe. Bright, shiny white always conveys cool, clean minimalism, while a deep charcoal gray brings depth and edge to a space.

Your chosen look will also help you hone-in on how much tile you actually need. For a subtle pop, install a small amount of tile around the insert like a picture frame. If you’re looking for drama, consider tiling more than the traditional surround. “You can make a very dramatic focal point in the room if you tile all the way up to the ceiling,” shares McDonald.

It’s all in the glaze. Once you’ve decided on a tile color (or colors!) and design, you can add another layer of customization by choosing a finish. “Another trend we’re seeing is creating extra dimension by adding multiple glaze finishes, whether glossy, satin or matte, to the same space,” Dragan explains. “We love this new era of creative accessibility with tile — whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or interior designer.”

Color — check. Pattern — check. Glaze — check. What’s next? Accessorizing and styling the surrounding space, of course. Whether you’re going for a minimal all-white look or bringing in jewel tones, find a pairing of mantel and fireplace that works for your interior design style.

If you’re using patterned tile, make it pop with a painted mantel, or go for contrasting colors for a real focal point. You can bring in even more pattern and color by tiling the floor of the hearth. The opportunities are truly endless. “We love when clients go bold with contrasting hearths and mantels,” says Dragan. “Instead of hiding your fireplace with a monochromatic palette, consider dynamic colors or materials for your trim and mantel that highlight your tile.”

Before you get started installing the tile, make sure to confirm measurements and prep the space. The team at Mercury Mosaics also strongly recommends doing a “dry layout” and arranging the tile as it would look once installed to make sure you like the look and there are no glaring issues.

“Whether you’re a DIY homeowner or a veteran installer, doing a dry layout is a vital step in the handmade tile installation,” explains Dragan. “It allows you to see what everything will look like once finished, and if there are any issues, it’ll gives you time to problem-solve. Save future you time, money and hassle by doing it right the first time.”

Also consider how close you’ll bring your finishes to the fireplace. “We recommend stopping the tile about ¼-inch from the opening to ensure no tile covers the firebox opening,” shares McDonald. “This will give it a finished look and hide any imperfections on the tiling.”

Looking for an experienced eye to assist with your fireplace project? Connect with a local Heat & Glo dealer today to set up a no-obligation consultation.