Tile Fireplace Design Tips

— Written by Bill Buyok, Avente Tile

As February comes to a close, so does this month’s focus on tiled hearths and fireplaces. Today I will share three tips that can help you achieve the best design for your tiled fireplace. Tile will dramatically alter the look of a fireplace and improve a room’s look and character for a modest cost. Most fireplaces need just a few tiles, so it’s one place you can splurge, get something you really love, and still not break the budget. 

A fireplace using hand-painted Spanish Tile

Design Rule #1 for Tiled Fireplaces: What’s your style?

Define your style and your home’s style before deciding what tile to use. Just because you love a tile doesn't mean it will work with the design and flow of your home. Do you like plain, solid color tiles or patterned tiles? Are you working with a rustic or contemporary design? Answer these questions, and then remember that fireplace designs falls into two categories:

1. Fireplaces that use only plain or field tile. 
2. Fireplaces that use pattern tiles and field tile or some other material, like a stone mantle.

You can add decorative tile as accents or create a pattern with plain tile using two or three different colors of tile. Decide what style suits your tastes and the style of your house.

Detail of hand-painted Spanish tile accents used for this fireplace

Choose patterns consistent with your style and textures that will enhance it. The rough, uneven surface of our handmade Rustic Pavers and Arabesque tiles, for example, impart a provincial  feel that works great for houses with a Spanish, Southwest or colonial design. Our hand-painted Yucatan field tile will evoke an Arts & Crafts feel when the right glaze color is used. For a more formal effect, look for tiles with a smooth surface and precise edges. Use lighter glazed tiles to brighten the area. Relief tiles are a great way to add texture. 

Hand-painted Spanish tiles create a rustic look

Decide on a color scheme and then start looking for tiles! Make sure to give the design aspects of the project proper attention. Take into account the scale, pattern, and texture of the tile.

Design Rule #2 for Tiled Fireplaces: Frame the Firebox

This handmade Yuna cement tile border frames the firebox

It may sound obvious, simple or overstated, but make sure your fireplace tile design works by framing the fire box. It’s pretty simple, the theme for our design is really about the fireplace – drawing attention, warmth and comfort to that one space to share with friends and family.

You can frame the fire box with a decorative border tile or patterned cement tiles. For plain tile installations, use molding, different color tile, or a different format. For instance, if you are tiling the fireplace in 6”x6” tiles, try using a 3”x3” tiles around the box. 

Sangria red plain tiles frame the fire box.

Take a look at the four design ideas below. Notice each one of them frames the  firebox even if other design elements like a tiled mural or panel are used. In Design #1, a border pattern of cement tile creates the frame. In Design #2, a decorative liner or border tile frames the fire box. 

Decorative Andalucia Spanish ceramic tiles create a border around the fireplace's firebox.

Similarly, a 6" deco tile was used in Design #3. Plain tiles in sangria red provide the detail for the final design.

1. Cement Tile Fireplace

2. Spanish Tile Fireplace

3. Spanish Tile Fireplace

4. Fireplace Tile Mural

Design Rule #3 for Tiled Fireplaces: Consider Scale

Scale your project to the size of the room and fireplace surface for balance. Tile size and pattern will drastically alter the fireplace’s appearance. The tile’s size needs to be in scale both to the size of the firebox and the room. The pattern on the tile, the tile layout (or how it is set), color and texture will create an atmosphere – make sure it’s the one you want.

 

A medallion using Celtic ceramic tiles provides subtle interest.

Frequently, folks love a certain tile pattern and want to use it for their fireplace. After ordering samples, they will give me a call and say it just didn't work. I’ll often ask, “Did you try it in a smaller format? That fireplace isn’t very big when you are trying to fit patterned and field tile.” Sure enough, the design works when the tile is the right scale for the fireplace. When working with patterned or decorative tile, it’s a good idea to look at patterns that are available in different scaled formats, like our Malibu, Barcelona, Spanish and Portuguese ceramic tile lines.

Cuban Heritage Border Tiles provide warm colors and a charming pattern.

If you want to tile your fireplace, keep these three tips in mind and you should be on your way to creating a design that you will love! I hope you enjoy our series of blog posts devoted to tile and fireplace design.

Design Ideas for Tiling your Fireplace!

Click Here to View!

Do you have a question about using tile for your fireplace or hearth? No problem! Leave your tile question in the comments section of this blog, and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

Fireplace and Hearth Tile Design Posts

If you enjoyed today's post, then you might enjoy previous posts on tile fireplaces and hearths.

• Designing with Tile: Fireplaces & Hearths 
• A Tiled Fireplace Will Warm the Home All Year
• Four Fireplace Tile Design Ideas
• Cement Tile Fireplace Ideas 
• Spanish Tiles Create a Classic Look for Fireplace 
• Cement Tiles Work Well for a Fireplace Surround
• Tile Ideas for the Hearth

Designing with Tile: Fireplaces & Hearths

An ever-increasing back-to-basics philosophy is leading homeowners towards the path of refreshing and renewing the look of their living areas. Be it a fresh coat of paint, updated flooring, dramatic lighting, and so on, the need for a soothing environment trumps even the most prudent of budgets.

Happily, along with this desire for something new and different, fireplaces are also enjoying their place in the renewal process with the limitless decorative possibilities of handmade cement tile, porcelain tile, glass tile, ceramic tile, and mosaic tile.

An inviting fireplace with charming handpainted tiles

The increased awareness of tile’s long-lasting beauty has not only made kitchen and bathroom backsplashes a showpiece, but the same theory has held true for fireplace hearths and surrounds as well. With a surge in home remodeling projects and newly built homes, homeowners are looking for something different and more personalized to their taste, character and lifestyle. Designers, bloggers, and design-oriented publications have dutifully observed this trend, and have embraced the use of decorative tile fireplaces.

Tile offers flexibility to the architect and designer like no other material with its expansive color palette, sustainable properties, and timeless patterns and designs. Let's first look at handcrafted cement tiles, which provide both long life and distinctive beauty.

Using a gray-scale color palette, or any other monochromatic color scheme, creates a look that is understated, yet beautiful. Consider a two-tone color scheme (shown below) if you'd like to pair cement tile with natural stone. Although not one piece will stand out over another, all aspects of the space work together to create a cohesive design.

The gray and white tones of the Yuna traditional cement tiles frame this fireplace and perfectly coordinate with the marble hearth and mantle.

Further, the versatility of cement tile as a building material is not restricted solely to indoor spaces. You can transfer the same rich and silky feeling of cement tile to the outdoors where you and your guests can experience a new environment.

Remember, although cement tile can be used outdoors, it cannot be used in frosty environments. If your project is located where frost or freezing temperatures are common, then you should use a porcelain or vitreous tiles for your project. Here are some wonderful examples of indoor/outdoor tile fireplaces.

Outdoor living area with a fireplace featuring a ceramic tile Pomegranate mural.

Spanish style fireplace with imported ceramic tiles.
Image via Studio H Landscape Architecture.

The firebox was built off the floor so the fire could be visible from the bed.
Moroccan tile from Urban Archaeology. Image via House Beautiful.

A mid-century modern, two-sided fireplace featuring tile by Heath Ceramics.
Image via Apartment Therapy.

Hand-painted Albacete Spanish ceramic tiles are right at home with the terracotta floor pavers, stone molding and black granite mantle and bench.

Bruce Palmer Interior Design used glass mosaic tiles by Walker Zanger to create a contemporary fireplace. Image via Houzz.

Which type of tile would you use for your next indoor or outdoor fireplace or hearth project? Do you prefer to make your fireplace a focal point of the room, or would you rather it blend in?

- Written by Arpi Nalbandian, Tileometry

A Tiled Fireplace Will Warm the Home All Year

With heart-shaped candy boxes and cuddly teddy bears taking over store shelves, there's no denying that Cupid has his arrow poised to strike lovers this Valentine's Day. But nothing says love like a cozy fireplace with hand-crafted tiles. With cold days and long nights, there is nothing better than warming up to a fire in the hearth with friends. Make your fireplace the focal point of the room with hand-painted ceramic or cement tiles.

Cuban Cement Tile Border Tiles Frame this Fireplace

The bold colors and intricate Cuban cement tiles patterns create a cozy fireplace. In this case, the border and corner pieces that are normally used to frame a tile rug can be used around the firebox. To avoid cuts and cement tile trim, the cement tile is paired with a plain ceramic tile that compliments the design and helps to simplify the installation. The customer's choice to use our popular Cuban Heritage Design 110 in the rich, warm "C" colorway was smart. The palette provides an intimate location that you will want to cozy up to any time of the year!

Many Tile Options for Your Fireplace

Using cement tile for a fireplace is a fantastic way to add visual appeal to your space. Available in multiple patterns and a broad color palette, cement tiles help create a dramatic focal point that become the theme of the room. However, decorative ceramic tiles, like our Malibu or Portuguese tiles provide eye-catching patterns and designs. Also, our ceramic mosaic tile designs are perfect for adding the right touch to a fireplace, hearth, mantle or chimney. And, don't forget the stunning glazes found in our hand-painted plain or field tile can provide an elegant and classic look, too.

Design Ideas to Help

A fine-looking fireplace fills your home with warmth and beauty, as well as creating a social center for friends and family. Here are a few different design ideas to get you thinking about finding a design and look that speaks to you!

Cement Tile Fireplace

Spanish Tile Fireplace

Spanish Tile Fireplace

Fireplace Tile Mural

More Design Ideas for Tiling your Fireplace!

Click Here to View!

Do you have a question about using tile for your fireplace? No problem! Leave your tile question in the comments on this blog and we'll happily answer any questions you may have.

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Pinterest: Fireplaces & Backsplashes/Walls

"I say to myself that I shall try to make my life like an open fireplace, so that people may be warmed and cheered by it and so go out themselves to warm and cheer." — George Matthew Adams

Winter is in full swing for many parts of our country! Our Pinboard selections for this month reflect both the seasonal changes and the area in our homes that will garner the most use and attention – the fireplace! There’s no doubt that the attractiveness of a crackling, yet soothing fireplace will mesmerize even the heartiest of humans and creatures alike.

With bone-chilling winds, rain and snow, you can keep the warmth and coziness a fireplace emotes year-round with our ceramic tiles or with our extensive collections of handmade cement tiles. Check out how our Classic Cluny Cement Tile was used in this Fireplace Surround design, and the starring role our Traditional Yuna Cement Tile played on this Monochromatic Cement Tile Fireplace. For our friends who enjoy winter in a milder, Mediterranean climate, consider a ceramic tile mural for your outdoor fireplace, such as our Pomegranate Mural, for example.

Inspired? Then visit our pages on houzz.com, our boards on Pinterest, and browse through dozens of our Cement Tile Design Ideas portfolio page where you can find a large collection of projects showcasing our handmade and hand-painted ceramic tile, cement tile, decorative tile, mosaic tile, and so much more. Let us know how we at Avente Tile can assist you!

The Tile and Stone Industry, Social Media and the Value of Pinterest

Pinterest has grown into a social media phenomenon that inspires people, projects and most importantly for business, verified revenue through purchases, as well as increased website and blog traffic.

Through increased exposure via Pinterest, designers, architects, stone and tile businesses, retailers and distributors are allowed access to millions of inspiring projects and settings they would never have seen before unless they conducted specific searches.

Still not convinced of Pinterest’s prowess? Then take note of these two recent Pinterest-inspired events:

• Car manufacturer Buick put a social network spin on its 2013 Encore luxury car by reinventing its interiors and exteriors based on a Pinterest board.
• A couple of weeks ago, Daltile had asked their Facebook users if any of them had switched over to the new format. I left a comment and thought nothing of it, until they responded by asking me what I would like to see on their boards. Whoa. A major corporation asking me for my opinion? I commend them for not only asking and responding, but for taking action! Here’s the conversation that took place and the result of it. 

Daltile used Facebook to develop a new Pinboard by engaging with its fans. 

Therefore, it shouldn't be surprising that Coverings, always a step ahead of other industry-related shows, took the power of Pinterest and literally ran with it! You see, Pinterest is not just for recipes or beautiful settings, fashion trends, and so forth. It’s a business tool that brings attention to what a business offers, the company’s personality, its philosophy, and its interests. Basically, it humanizes entities and people alike. And that, my friends, is the secret to Pinterest’s success!

Of course, it was only natural that Coverings picked up on this growing trend and took it to a new level by hosting a Pinterest contest, as well as including this hot topic into its comprehensive list of educational sessions, and all for no charge. The rules of this contest were simple.

First, you had to have a Pinterest account for yourself. Then you had to follow Coverings’ pinboards. Once you were setup, and let Coverings know you were interested in the contest, they would start a pinboard in your name where you were encouraged to collect pin-worthy images of tile and stone products, installations, and materials. All they asked in return? “Promote your Coverings board to your friends and followers through your own social channels. In order to preserve copyright and trademark integrity, please pin only photos that can be attributed properly.” But how do you know what’s copyrighted or trademarked? Well, that’s where this panel discussion’s importance comes into light.

Finally, the top four winners were determined by who attracted the largest number of followers to their individual Coverings boards by March 22. Let me assure you the competition was stiff. Each participant dedicated many hours and tactics in trying to secure their place within the top four.

Thanks to Bill Buyok of Avente Tile, I will be on this panel discussion together with three talented, hardworking individuals. Moderated by Paul Anater, Social Media Manager, Coverings - Ultimate Tile and Stone Experience, here are the details of this session and the participants:

Avente Tile's Pinboard for Coverings

Crossville's Pinterest board for Coverings

Signature Cabinets' Pinterest board for Coverings

Tile Sensations' Pinterest board for Coverings

Promoting with Pinterest

May 1, 2013 (10:45 to 11:45 AM)

Pinterest is all the rage but how do you jump on board?  How can you use it to promote yourself and your business? Where do you find what to pin and how do you pin?  Join our panel of expert pinners, all gathered through the Coverings 2013 Pinterest promotion, as they discuss the ins and outs of how they use Pinterest to promote their brand and business. Plan to actively participate by bringing your questions and ideas -- this is your chance to unlock the mysteries of Pinterest and show your Pinfluence!

I hope you can join us for what is to be one of the hottest, most-talked about sessions on the Coverings education schedule! See you in Atlanta!

Spanish Tiles Create a Classic Look for Fireplace

We’ve been talking a lot about tile and fireplaces this fall. In October, we showed you Four Fireplace Tile Design Ideas using hand painted tiles. In November, we showed you a few Cement Tile Fireplace Ideas. This week we share a customer’s photos using our hand painted Spanish Albacete tiles. First, we want to thanks Heidi Halderman of Natural Stone Design Gallery in Sacramento who worked with us and her customers to create a stunning look.

Spanish Albacete Tiles are used on this Fireplace

The email from Heidi's customer's started like this:

We are SO happy with the fireplace!! Thank you so much, Heidi. Your creativity is now in almost every room of the house!

What I love about this design is how well it works with the other surfaces and material in the room. The decorative tiles really add a splash of color to the room. They are right at home with the terra cotta floor pavers, stone molding and black granite mantle and bench. The design uses our Spanish Albacete 6"x6" on the front of the fireplace and Spanish Albacete 3"x6" on the sides.

Spanish Albacete 6" x 6" Tile

Spanish Albacete 3" x 6" Tile

With hand painted tiles it’s a good idea to ask for samples that show the range of colors. Or, at least what’s currently available. Having a few samples with the most variation helps you understand the variation that you can expect to see in hand painted tiles. And, that's exactly what Heidi did. She ordered several samples. Discussed her concerns with the variation. When she was ready to order, she let us know that she needed tiles with saturated colors for the project to work. Many folks love the lighter tones; some folks want the darker ones. Our goal at Avente Tile is to provide all of the tiles for a project in a consistent dye lot that the customer prefers. If not, we let you know what’s available before we ship your order.

Spanish Albacete Tiles are used on this Fireplace

Again, we want to thank Heidi at Natural Stone Design Gallery in Sacramento for choosing to work with Avente on this project. Natural Stone Design Gallery has been a partner with Avente since 2009 and feature many of our hand painted tiles in their showroom. If you are in Sacramento, stop by and say hello!

Cement Tile Fireplace Ideas

A few weeks ago we shared Four Fireplace Tile Design Ideas using ceramic tiles. Alternatively, cement tiles can be used for a fireplace surround, too. Here's two cement tile designs for a fireplace that use our Classic Cluny A and Traditional Yuna cement tiles.

Fireplace Surround using Classic Cluny Cement Tile

Fireplace cement tile installations are easily adapted to new installations since you can adjust the width or height of the fireplace marginally to avoid cuts and maintain the pattern. Cement tiles work well for retro-fits on existing fireplace installations, too. But, make a detailed layout plan for the tiles and expect to do some cutting. Also, remember that the edge of patterned cement tiles can't be finished with a bull nose to create a seamless transition. Make sure to account for providing a finished edge with a different material like wood molding (below), ceramic tile or stone (above).

Fireplace Surround using Traditional Yuna Cement Tile

Border patterns work well for framing the firebox. Notice how nicely the cement tile works with the other surfaces like the wood molding and marble floor? Cement tiles are a great way to bring color and pattern to your hearth!

Four Fireplace Tile Design Ideas

Even here in Los Angeles, fall is in the air with the cooler days and crisp nights. When the days get colder, there is nothing better than warming up to a fire in the hearth with friends. Make your fireplace the focal point of the room with hand painted tiles. Here's four tile fireplace surrounds that use beautiful hand painted ceramic tile.

#1. Make a statement with a mosaic tile fireplace surround.

Kira's Meadow is a relief tile mosaic that can be used for the entire hearth or framed with field tile, molding or relief tile to set-off a specific section of the fireplace. Each mural is custom made and unique - you can can even pick some of the inset pieces for your own unique theme! The mural comes in sections that are mesh-mounted and easy to install. Each piece is a truly unique artistic mosaic.

Kira's Meadow Mosaic Fireplace

Kira's Meadow Mosaic Detail

#2. Use hand painted decorative tiles as hearth accents.

Just a few hand painted decorative tiles can make a big impact. Use them along the front of the fireplace in just a few locations or on the hearth bench, if there is one. Here, eight Spanish Teruel 6"x6" tiles are laid out symmetrically on the face of the fireplace. They add warmth and create an inviting and charming look.

Teruel Spanish Tile Fireplace

#3. Create a border around the firebox with hand painted tiles.

A row of 4"x4", 6"x6", 3"x6" or dot tiles around the firebox creates an eye-catching look. Here, a row of 4"x4" Spanish Adalucia tiles is placed next to a row of 3"x6" Spanish Adalucia border tiles. The border tiles are cut to use only the dark pink and willow green color accents that the designer wanted.

Andalucia Spanish Tile Fireplace

3x6 Andalucia Tile Detail
Only the bottom part was used for the firebox (above).

#4. Use decorative tiles to create a medallion for the chimney.

Create a medallion on the chimney or above the hearth by grouping decorative tiles. In this design, four 6"x6" Celtic tiles form a Moorish Star pattern. Quarter design tiles are perfect for creating accent medallions set-off from field tile. The Celtic line is great if you want to achieve a stone-look using ceramic tiles. The Celtic line come in two finishes: Botticino and Cedar.

Celtic Moorish Star Accent for Fireplace

Celtic Moorish Star in Cedar 6" x 6" Quarter Design

You can get more fireplace tile ideas from our friends at houzz.com and don't miss Fall Fixes: Get Your Fireplace Cold-Weather Ready. Do you have a favorite fireplace tile or hearth tile design?

Create an Outdoor Living Space with Tile

Outdoor living rooms are one of the most popular amenities in today's back yard. More Americans are entertaining outdoors than ever before. And why not? Learn how you can create the perfect intimate outdoor room with a wonderful view! Sip your favorite rosé, roast pork tenderloin on the grill, and enjoy the sunset with friends.

This is one of my favorite outdoor living rooms in California. It uses beautiful tile, natural stone, and stained concrete around a cozy fire and eye-catching mural.

Notice that high walls on two sides really help the patio feel like a room. Natural stone, like flagstone (shown here) or slate maintains the built-in garden color scheme.

The strategic use of flagstone on seating areas, the mantle, and for edging along the patio is stunning. This also provides the right balance between beauty and cost. Stained concrete is a great choice for most of the patio floor and gives a natural look at a fraction of the cost.

The pergola provides a transition from the house to the open outside living area.

A well-designed space needs a focal point. In this room, the fireplace commands your attention! I love the warm, deep-red sangria color tiles around the hearth. It's warm and inviting even if the fire isn't lit.

You need to grace your outdoor living space with fine art. The Pomegranate Tree Mural is the piece de resistance in this outdoor living space. The tile mural provides the artwork in this outdoor living room and maintains a stylistic nature theme.

Chosen for durability and color, the outdoor kitchen countertop uses a high quality hand-painted vitreous tile resistant to chipping. Blue Celadon is a great color for outdoor living spaces because it harmoniously blends sky and earth tones. This color pairs nicely with the brown tones of flagstone. The natural beauty of hand-painted glazes are ideal in an outdoor setting because the colors vary from tile to tile.

The best part of living in an outdoor space is enjoying the view. And, you can't beat this view of the hills from Los Angeles's Echo Park retreat.

Sit back, relax and enjoy! Tile creates the perfect outdoor living space.

Read more more about this project at the Casa Lucretia blog.

Photos courtesy of Tom Chatt.