February 10, 2022
Fireplace tiles demonstrate how practical and necessary safety considerations combine with decorative possibilities in home décor.
Building regulations in the United Kingdom require a fireproof finish surrounding heat-producing appliances. Fireplace tiles have fulfilled this function since fire first entered the home. Their use, however, has evolved dramatically over time, beginning as a purely practical response and eventually becoming a decorative element in their own right.
Nowadays, the decorative possibilities for fireplace tiles are literally limitless. A variety of materials and finishes are now available to make the fireplace a true focal point. This article looks at the numerous options to embellish your fireplace and keep your home safe.
✏ Contents
– What the legislation says about fireplace tiles
– Fireplace hearth tiles down through history
– The fireplace surround and living room décor
◦ Living room with fireplace ideas
◦ A guide to different fireplace tile surround options
– The do’s and don’ts of fireplace tiles
UK Building Regulations require a fireproof finish to extend 50cm in front of the fireplace (heat-producing appliance) hearth and 15cm on each side of the fireplace opening. Fireplace recesses and flues have their own separate requirements.
Walls adjacent to heat-producing appliances must be clad with fire-rated finishes to a height of 30cm above the appliance. Similarly to the hearth, fireproof cladding is required 15cm on either side of the appliance on the adjacent walls.
From stone flags to the Victorians’ beloved encaustic tiles, the finish around the fireplace has always served an important purpose: keeping the home safe. Although it is less common today, our predecessors took the potential for fire to wreak havoc very seriously.
Because of stricter regulations and environmental concerns, the fireplace is no longer a health and safety hazard. But, whether it’s an open fire, a stove, a gas flame, or electrical simulacra, the focal point of the fireplace is imprinted on our minds. No matter how we heat our home, nothing beats the emotional comfort of a fireplace.
When it comes to living room décor, a focal point, such as a fireplace, helps organise the layout. A rectangular room will typically have an axis, either perpendicular to the space or lengthwise, that aids in the placement of the fireplace.
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.
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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 means a lot more freedom when designing a fireplace.
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. The following pointers will help you adapt your fireplace to different living room décor styles:
The fireplace tile surround and fireplace floor tiles, like any other aspect of home décor, provide a vehicle for personal expression. Whatever style you’re going for, these floor and wall tiles can provide plenty of character to a living room. The approaches described below will produce radically different decorative effects.
Instead of the smaller tile surround, go for a larger, more substantial, tile format. This approach works for any size space, small or large. 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 complements the room’s architecture.
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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.
Recreate the traditional chimney treatment with metro tiles for a throwback look. The gloss finish can be used to 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.
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 décor. For best results, complement the tile selection with the flooring in terms of colour and scale.
▶ Tip: metallic or reflective tiles will work with timber floor or timer effect 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.
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.
For fans of marble, the Rolls Royce of the 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.
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 hearth to the level of a work of art. Because the area is small, you can be more experimental and spend a little more.
The do’s and don’ts of fireplace tiles
Tiling around fireplaces is a highly specialised field. 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.
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:
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