October 24, 2024

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Guide to Choosing the Best Fireplace Tiles

Nothing beats sitting by an open flame framed by fireplace tiles in your living room with the arrival of winter. The cosy sensation of relaxing by the hearth with the fire crackling brings the room to life.

Fireplace tiles are not only beautiful but also provide practical protection to the chimney breast and the hearth. Building regulations in the United Kingdom require a fireproof finish surrounding heat-producing appliances. Fireplace tiles have fulfilled this function since the fire first entered the home. Their use, however, has evolved dramatically over time. But no matter how our homes change over the years the fireplace still has a timeless presence.

Living room with fireplace wave tiles by sarasota.homes.bry
Ceramic wall tile Ona Blanco_Porcelanosa

 

ONA BLANCO

33×100

Appearance: White

Finish: Matt

Credits: ©sarasota.homes.bry

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The Irresistible Charm of the Fireplace

The fireplace has always been at the centre of the home and the living room. Modern lifestyles and how we use the living room are not the same today as they were in years gone by. Nowadays, we don’t depend on the fireplace so much to provide heat, it’s become a decorative addition. This article looks at the numerous options to treat your fireplace and keep your home safe. Fireplace tiles add character whether you want to recreate the decorative embellishments of traditional fireplaces or prefer a more modern look. We include everything from the tiled hearth to the fireplace surround with some inspirational ideas.

 

What the Legislation Says About Fireplace Tiles

UK Building Regulations require a fireproof finish to extend 50 cm in front of the fireplace (heat-producing appliance) hearth and 15 cm on each side of the fireplace opening. Additionally, fireplace recesses and flues have their own separate requirements. Fireplace hearth tiles thus protect timber floors and rugs from the heat.

Walls adjacent to heat-producing appliances must be clad with fire-rated finishes to a height of 30 cm above the appliance. Similarly, to the hearth, fireproof cladding is required 15 cm on either side of the appliance on the adjacent walls.

Modern fireplace wall with white 3d tiles_©iceinteriordesign

The Tiled Fireplace Through History

There was a time when all homes were heated by burning fossil fuels, smoke was channelled outwards through the chimney. The design was perfected over the millennia to what we know today featuring the hearth and the mantelpiece as standard. There is a renewed appreciation of the fireplace, in older houses boarded-up chimneys are being refurbished. Nowadays, gas or electric installations have mostly replaced fossil fuels. But renewable fuels like biomass and wood pellets for stoves are not only popular but highly efficient.

Whatever the choice, the treatment of the chimney breast remains the same. In other words, a tiled heart and tiles for fireplace surrounds that recreate the classic look of traditional fireplaces. This classic feature adds warmth and decorative charm to the living room.

Credits: ©iceinteriordesign

The Fireplace Tile Surround and Living Room Decor

Modern fireplaces heat the room through radiation and convection. Fireplace tiles, depending on where they are installed, help to reflect heat into the room with a traditional-style fire. They also protect the adjacent walls. Porcelain tiles are the ideal protection because the material absorbs heat without transmitting it to surrounding areas. Ceramic, quartz, marble and metal are also highly effective fireplace tiles.

Furthermore, the fireplace adds character to living rooms and helps with the configuration of the room. The fireplace surround and chimney breast can be positioned symmetrically for a more classical effect. They can also be offset if a window or other feature in the space needs to be highlighted. In either case, the fireplace helps organise the space and will influence the placement of other key pieces of furniture.

Living room with black marble effect tiles chimney designedbyiman
Liem Dark Polish tile _ Porcelanosa

 

LIEM DARK POLISH

120×120

Appearance: Black

Finish: Polished

Credits: ©designedbyiman

Living Room Décor with Fireplace Ideas

Traditionally, the fireplace surround treatment would consist of the firebox, a hearth in front, glazed tiles and a mantelpiece frame. Today, those same components are still in place, but modern technology provides a lot more freedom.

Perhaps, the biggest change is the replacement of the lined flue with a proprietary product or, in the case of a gas (or bioethanol) flame, no flue at all. As a result, the chimney breast and hearth can be treated as decorative elements. That allows the fireplace to become a focal point entirely transforming the humdrum living room.  The following pointers will help you adapt your fireplace to different living room decor styles:

  • Height of the hearth. For a contemporary or cutting-edge living room décor, lift the hearth off the ground and clad an entire wall with tiles. The oversized chimney breast becomes a sculptural feature in the room.
  • Open flue. Depending on the home layout, an open plan fireplace that joins two spaces can recall a more rustic style décor. Clad the surrounds with stone effect tiles for an authentic country feel.
  • Media wall with fireplace. People often combine the flat screen in the living room with the chimney breast. This arrangement is most suitable for gas or ethanol fires for protection of the electronics. Place the TV screen at eye level when standing and add an adjustable mounting angle.
Black tiled fireplace_©bl_id_group
Porcelanosa Liem Dark Nature

 

LIEM DARK NATURE

270×120 cm

Appearance: Black

Finish: Matt

Credits: ©bl_id_group

  • The clean look contemporary fireplace. Think plain and simple with a sheer chimney breast. By removing the mantelpiece, the breast becomes more of a feature.
  • Fireplace feature wall. Convert an entire living room wall into a composition of traditional and cutting-edge high-tech design. Combine shelves, media wall and home bar along one entire wall with the fireplace off-centre.

A Guide to Different Fireplace Tile Surround Options

The fireplace tile surround combines well with floor tiles, like any other aspect of design, you can put your own a personal stamp on living room decor. There is a rich tradition of fireplace tiles in the UK, and today there are more choices than ever before. Whatever style you’re going for, these floor and wall tiles can provide plenty of character to a living room. The following inspirational ideas can transform the entire living room, adding character to a dull interior. Or add a focal point to help organise the room layout.

 

Fireplace Tile Ideas

The traditional fireplace tiles in UK homes had a lustre that reflected the light in richly decorative motifs. Nowadays tiles for fireplace surrounds can be matt or gloss, large format or small mosaics, plain or embellished. The choice of tiles will depend on your personal preference and the style you want to create. The following ideas are a great starting point for matching your home decor with different styles of fireplace tiles. These options provide the wow factor and satisfy building regulations as well as making maintenance easy-peasy. Don’t forget that the chimney breast can set the tone for an entire living room decor.

 

#1 Large Format Ceramic Fireplace Tiles

Instead of the smaller tile surround, go for a larger format fireplace tile surround. Bring the tiled finish right up to the underside of the ceiling.

Although a certain minimum area is required, even average-sized chimney breasts, entirely clad in tiles, work well. The larger format has a more continuous effect and appears monolithic. Choose a neutral-coloured tile that highlights the living room furniture and other accessories.

 

#2 Wood Effect Fireplace Tiles

The naked flame appeals to something deeply rooted within our DNA. Like fire, wood is another material that ignites our imagination. The timber effect tile fireplace surround features the colour and texture of wood to frame the hearth. Even when not in use, the timber effect gives warmth and radiance to the fireplace.

Tip: Use a textured tile to add greater dimension and create interesting patterns of light and shade.

 

#3 Marble effect fireplace tiles

Nothing beats marble effect tiles around a fireplace for a standout interior design feature. It’s a treatment that works equally well on cutting-edge modern fireplaces as it does on traditional ones.

Cozy living room with fireplace_©timjacksoncustomhomes
Liem Dark Polish tile _ Porcelanosa

 

LIEM GREY NATURE

120×120 cm

Appearance: Grey

Finish: Matt

Credits: ©sarasota.homes.bry

#4 Metro Fireplace Tiles

Recreate the traditional chimney treatment with metro tiles for a throwback look. The gloss finish can contrast with a wood or metal mantelpiece while also reflecting the dancing flames within. Remove the mantelpiece for a more modern look and just use the tiles. Use a colour tile with muted grouting for added interest.

 

#5 Decorative Fireplace Tiles

Even in more modern, clean-lined spaces, the chimney breast is usually the main architectural feature of the living room. Decorative tiles can help add character and determine the overall decor. For best results, match the tiles with the flooring, or create a contrasting pop of colour. It is a small area and you can afford to be more daring.

Tip: Metallic or reflective tiles will work with timber floor or timer effect tiles.

 

#6 Brick Fireplace Tiles

For a more rustic style living room, it’s hard to equal brick, which is a quintessential exterior material. Brick has a texture and a patina that evoke construction down through the ages. When used indoors, it lends the fireplace a rugged charm. The reddish-brown tones look sumptuous against the orange and red flames of the fireplace.

 

#7 Bookmatch Fireplace Ideas

For fans of marble, the most luxurious fireplace surround treatment is book-match marble cladding. Like the renowned Rorschach psychological test, the marble veining is mirrored on opposite sides of a central axis. This indicates the tiles are sourced from the same original piece of stone. The overall look is symmetrical and provides a classical elegance to the fireplace.

 

Bookmatch marble effect tiles on fireplace by designedbyiman

Aria White Bookmatch (Available in-store)

#8 Fireplace Mosaic Tiles

Convert the fireplace into a focal point within the living room. Mosaic for the fireplace surround is a great way to bring the fireplace into the 21st Century. Cutting-edge decorative patterns and designs can elevate the chimney breast and/or the tiled hearth to the level of a work of art.

Discover our range of fireplace tiles for yourself.

Make an appointment at your nearest Porcelanosa showroom to see how fireplace tiles can add character to your home. No matter what size your living room there’s a suitable tile to add a decorative flourish. If you have any queries regarding the subject matter covered here, please drop us an email and we’ll get back to you.

 

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Fireplace Tiles

Tiling around fireplaces requires specialised skills. As a result, there are many questions about what tiles and materials to use, and how to meet quality standards. Here we look at tips and recommendations about fireplace tiles.

Yes, you will require heat resistant tiles, which are the only suitable ones to use. Remember that an appropriate adhesive must also be used otherwise there is the danger of falling tiles.

Porcelain and ceramic are among the best performing heat resistance building products available. The raw materials used in their manufacture are non-combustible. The manufacturing process involves extremely high temperatures and results in a material that will not burn, produce toxic smoke or any other fumes. These properties make porcelain and ceramic the ideal materials for providing fireproofing around the fireplace and other heat-producing appliances.

Start by brushing up or vacuuming any soot and dust from around the hearth and fireplace surround. Then mix a few drops of washing up liquid with warm water and using a damp cloth clean the tiles in small sections. Rinse with non-sudsy water and dry with a soft cloth. To return the grout back to its original colour mix equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide. Apply to the grout with a toothbrush and lightly scour. Use a damp cloth to remove any excess solution.

Yes. But the chimney firebox must be in good condition. Heat resistant boards or panels can be used to provide a backing for tiles in case of a damaged chimney.

Yes. But you need to know what you are doing. A qualified tile installer is recommended. The granite must be scarified, in other words, its surface must be provided with a key that will help the tile adhere to the granite. This can be done with an angle grinder and a masonry blade.

The flat area around a fireplace, the hearth, is small enough for a DIY enthusiast to tile without too much difficulty. Existing tiles do not necessarily need to be removed, but certain stone finishes require special attention if tiling over.

  • Ensure the hearth is completely level (especially if tiling over an existing tile). A levelling compound may be required which should be left to dry for 24 hours minimum.
  • Set out the tiles from the centre line of the hearth aligned with the centre of the recess.
  • Apply the adhesive with a notched trowel to the hearth. Then apply the adhesive to the back of the tile and lay using a twisting motion to ensure adhesion.
  • Use tile spacers to ensure accuracy when it comes to grouting.
  • Use a tile cutter for clean cuts.
  • Leave the adhesive to dry for 24 hours. Remove the floor tile spacers. Mix the grout as per the manufacturers' instructions. Then with a rubber float at a 45° angle, liberally apply the grout making sure to get into every corner. Remove the excess with a damp cloth, and then after 30 minutes or so, buff with a dry cloth.

Repeat the previous steps for the wall area around the fireplace, between the fire recess and the mantelpiece. However, remember to follow the tile manufacturer’s instructions for the tile's wall adhesive.

The best (and cleanest) approach is to remove the mantelpiece and protect the firebox before taking off the tile. Follow these steps:

  • Start by removing any skirting boards that abut the mantelpiece.
  • Then remove the metal trim around the hearth, if there is one.
  • Using a crowbar gently prize the mantelpiece from the wall without damaging the wood.
  • Using the crowbar gently prize the floor and wall tiles from the fireplace surround.
  • Remember to clear as much of the underlay adhesive as possible.

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