21+ Fireplace Tile Ideas (An Inspirational Lookbook)

30 Seconds Summary

• Fireplace tiles change the look of a room. Modern, rustic, classic, or bold tiles can make a fireplace the center of attention.
• Here you will find 21+ fireplace tile ideas, including large porcelain slabs, brick-look tiles, marble, zellige, mosaic, and patterned tiles.
• Tile choice depends on style and function. Porcelain is strong and easy to clean, ceramic is budget-friendly, and natural stone looks elegant but needs care.
• You can tile over brick, but with proper prep, like cleaning, primer, and cement board, any fireplace can be updated with new tiles.
• The cost to tile a fireplace depends on tile type, size, pattern, and labor. Simple ceramic tiles cost less, while marble or patterned stone tiles cost more.

Introduction

Fireplaces make a room feel warm and calm. But the tile around the fireplace also changes how the whole room looks. Many people search for fireplace tile ideas because they want a fresh and clean design. Some want a modern look. Some want a soft and old-style design. Some want color. Some want simple lines.

In this lookbook, you will find over 21 fireplace tile ideas for your home, catering to a wide range of tastes. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

Modern & Contemporary Fireplace Tile Ideas

Modern fireplace tile ideas use clean lines, smooth texture, and simple colors. Here are some modern fireplace designs that suit homes seeking a light, open, and contemporary feel.

Idea #1: Large Format White Porcelain

Large white porcelain tiles reduce grout lines and create a clean, uninterrupted surface. This bright, minimalist look makes the fireplace appear spacious and modern.

Get This Look: Shop large-format porcelain tiles such as the Arbia Grey Grip R11 at Mosaicenter.

Idea #2: Black Matte Porcelain Surround

Dark matte porcelain adds bold contrast and anchors the room visually. It pairs beautifully with modern furniture and metal accents for a dramatic look.

Get This Look: Shop black porcelain tiles at Mosaicenter

Idea #3: Stacked Horizontal Tile

Tiles laid in stacked horizontal lines create a long, sleek effect. This layout visually widens the fireplace wall and adds a minimalist modern appeal.

Get This Look: Shop Black Matte 1x6 Porcelain Tile - Stack Design for Walls at Mosaicenter.

Idea #4: Concrete-Look Porcelain

Concrete-look tiles offer a soft industrial vibe while remaining elegant. Their grey tone works with modern furnishings and neutral color schemes.

Get This Look: Shop concrete-look porcelain tiles, such as Brickstone Ivory 2x18 Matte Porcelain Tiles, at Mosaicenter.

Idea #5: Glossy White Ceramic Tile

Glossy white tiles reflect light, giving the fireplace a polished, contemporary finish. This subtle shine makes the fireplace a clean focal point without overwhelming the room.

Get This Look: Shop white ceramic tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #6: Minimalist Slate Design

Slate tiles provide natural texture and depth while staying minimalist. The dark, neutral tones pair perfectly with modern décor and metal accents.

Get This Look: Shop natural stone tilesat Mosaicenter.

Farmhouse & Rustic Fireplace Tile Ideas

Farmhouse style is warm, soft, and relaxed. Rustic design uses earthy tones and natural textures. These fireplace tile designs are perfect for homes that want a cozy and inviting feeling.

Idea #7: Brick-Look Porcelain Tile

Brick-look tiles bring a classic farmhouse charm. Using porcelain instead of real brick makes cleaning easy and keeps the fireplace fresh and new. The warm red or brown tones add character and depth.

Shop Brickstone Red Brick 2x18 Matte Porcelain at Mosaicenter

Idea #8: Stone-Look Tile for a Rustic Feel

Stone textures make a room feel cozy and natural. Stone-look tiles give the warm, rustic effect without the heavy weight or high cost of real stone. They are easy to install and maintain.

Explore natural stone tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #9: Warm Beige Ceramic Tile

Soft beige tiles create a calm and peaceful atmosphere. They match wooden beams, rustic furniture, and natural decorations perfectly, making the fireplace blend with the cozy room style.

Shop beige ceramic tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #10: Patterned Cement-Look Tile

Patterned cement-look tiles add playful shapes and subtle color. They are ideal for rustic rooms that want charm and personality without overpowering the space.

Get your hands on the patterned cement tiles, such as the Artwork Corian 12 x 24, at Mosaicenter.

Idea #11: Farmhouse Herringbone Tile

Herringbone tiles create classic lines that draw the eye. This pattern adds elegance to a rustic fireplace, giving it a unique and stylish look.

Check out herringbone fireplace tiles at Mosaicenter.

Classic & Traditional Fireplace Designs

Traditional design is calm, balanced, and timeless. It often uses soft patterns, neutral colors, and materials that last. These fireplaces make your living space feel warm and inviting, without going out of style. Here are some classic tiled fireplace ideas:

Idea # 12: Polished Marble Surround

Marble makes the room feel elegant and bright. Its smooth surface reflects light and gives the fireplace a clean, polished look. Large slabs reduce grout lines and create a seamless, timeless appearance.

Shop marble and other natural stone tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #13: Ceramic Tile With Trim

A classic ceramic tile with a decorative trim adds small, refined details. The trim makes the fireplace look complete and sophisticated without being too busy. It works well in both large and small rooms, giving a neat and traditional finish.

Have a look at the range of classic ceramic tiles available at Mosaicenter.

Idea #14: White Subway Tile

White subway tiles are simple and clean. They bring a soft, timeless look to a fireplace. This style works in many homes, especially in traditional kitchens or living rooms. Pairing it with a wood mantel can make the fireplace feel cozy and welcoming.

Explore the range of white subway tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #15: Travertine-Look Porcelain Tile

Travertine-look tiles give a natural, soft pattern that adds depth to a fireplace. They have warm beige tones and subtle veining, giving your hearth a classic, elegant appearance without the maintenance of real stone. This tile is durable and perfect for traditional homes.

Get This Look: Shop travertine-look porcelain tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #16: Limestone-Look Hearth

A limestone-style hearth adds a soft, classic base to your fireplace. Its neutral tone pairs well with beige, white, or soft gray walls. This look is calm and traditional, giving your room a gentle, welcoming feel. For those looking for fireplace hearth ideas, a limestone-style option is both timeless and easy to style with wood accents, rugs, or simple décor.

Shop limestone tiles at Mosaicenter.

Bold & Creative Fireplace Tile Ideas

These fireplace makeover ideas are for people who like color, shape, and strong style. These fireplaces are eye-catching and make a bold statement. You can mix colors, textures, and patterns to give your room a lively and unique look.

Idea #17: Blue Tile Surround

Blue tiles give your fireplace a bright and cheerful look. They work well with soft furniture and neutral walls. This style is playful but not too strong, making it easy to match other décor.

Get This Look: Shop blue porcelain and ceramic tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #18: Green Fireplace Tile

Green tiles feel fresh and natural. They pair beautifully with plants, wood furniture, and warm lighting. A green fireplace tile can bring the outside in and create a calming, lively corner in your living room.

Check out green porcelain and ceramic tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #19: Zellige Tile Fireplace

Zellige tiles are hand-made and slightly uneven, giving each piece a unique texture. The tiles shine in the light, adding depth and interest. A zellige fireplace surround is perfect for people who love artisanal, creative looks.

Browse zellige tiles at Mosaicenter.

Idea #20: Moroccan Pattern Tile

Moroccan-style tiles feature geometric shapes and bright patterns. They bring energy and style to a fireplace. This idea works well in colorful rooms or as a statement piece in simpler spaces.

Get Crema Marfil Marble Lantern Mosaic Tile, a tile inspired by classical Mediterranean and Moroccan motifs, at Mosaicenter.

Idea #21: Mosaic Tile Accent

Small mosaic tiles create intricate patterns and textures. They reflect light and make the fireplace a detailed, interesting focal point. You can use mosaics around the fire or as a border to highlight the hearth.

Have a look atmosaic tilesat Mosaicenter.

Idea #22: Metal-Look Tile Surround

Metal-look tiles give a modern, artistic feel. They add shine without being flashy and make the fireplace look special while staying simple. This works well in contemporary and industrial rooms.

Shop metal-look tiles, such as the Ankara Metal Stone, at Mosaicenter.

Idea #23: Sculpted or Textured Tile

Textured tiles have raised or carved patterns. They catch light and shadows, giving your fireplace depth and creativity. This look adds personality and fun to the room while keeping it stylish.

Explore textured porcelain and ceramic tiles at Mosaicenter.

Answering Your Top Fireplace Questions

Many people want a beautiful fireplace with tile ideas, but they also have practical questions. Here are the most common ones answered:

Can You Tile Directly Over a Brick Fireplace?

Yes, you can tile over a brick fireplace with the right preparation. First, clean the brick very well to remove dust, soot, and loose pieces. Next, apply a bonding primer. This helps the tile stick better. Then, either attach cement board over the brick or apply a scratch coat of thin-set mortar to create a smooth and strong surface. After this, you can start tiling.

By doing so, your fireplace is ready for any tile for fireplace ideas you want to try.

What Is the Best Type of Tile for a Fireplace Surround?

Different tiles work well for fireplaces. Here is a simple comparison:

Tile Type	Heat Resistance	Cost	Durability	Maintenance
Porcelain	Very Good	Medium	Very Strong	Easy to Clean
Ceramic	Good	Low	Medium	Easy to Clean
Natural Stone	Very Good	High	Strong	Needs Care
Glass Tile	Good	Medium	Medium	Easy to Clean

Porcelain is a popular choice because it is strong, safe around heat, and easy to maintain. Ceramic and glass are also good for a more budget-friendly fireplace with tile ideas. Natural stone gives a very classic look, but it needs more care.

How Much Does It Cost to Tile a Fireplace?

The cost depends on several things:

• Type of tile: Natural stone costs more than ceramic. Porcelain is medium cost.
• Size and shape of fireplace: Large or irregular fireplaces need more tile and labor.
• Pattern: Complex patterns like herringbone take more time, so they cost more.
• Labor and prep: Professional installation adds to the cost, and preparing the surface (like brick) also costs extra.

A simple ceramic tile fireplace may cost less, while a large marble or stone fireplace with a complex pattern will cost more. For budget-friendly options, you need to plan and choose the right tiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best type of tile for a fireplace surround?

A: The best tiles for a fireplace are porcelain, ceramic, or natural stone. Porcelain is very strong, easy to clean, and safe near heat. Ceramic is cheaper and still looks good. Natural stone gives a classic, elegant look but needs more care. Glass tiles are also an option for a modern, shiny look.

Q: Can you tile over a brick fireplace?

A: Yes, you can tile over a brick fireplace. First, clean the brick well to remove dust and dirt. Then, apply a bonding primer to help tiles stick. After that, attach cement board or add a thin layer of mortar for a smooth base. 

Q: Is porcelain or ceramic tile better for a fireplace?

A: Porcelain is usually better for fireplaces because it is stronger, safer near heat, and lasts longer. Ceramic tiles are cheaper and easier to install, but are not as strong. 

Q: Do you need heat-resistant tile for a fireplace?

A: Yes, you should use heat-resistant tiles. Most porcelain, ceramic, and natural stone tiles are safe near fire.

Q: How much does it cost to tile a fireplace?

A: The cost depends on the type of tile, the size of the fireplace, the pattern, and labor. Simple ceramic tiles cost less. Large stone or marble tiles with patterns like herringbone cost more. Labor and prep work, like cleaning or adding cement board, also affect the price.

Q: Can you use peel-and-stick tile on a fireplace?

A: No, peel-and-stick tiles are not safe for fireplaces. They are not heat-resistant and can melt or become damaged. 

Q: What kind of tile can be used on a fireplace hearth?

A: For the hearth, you can use porcelain, natural stone, or ceramic tiles. A limestone-style hearth is a great option for fireplace hearth ideas because it is soft, neutral, and looks classic.

Over to You

Fireplaces can change a whole room. With the right tile, you can make the space bright, soft, bold, or modern. 

If you are ready to start your project, Mosaicenter can help you choose the right tile. You can shop for mosaic tiles, porcelain tile, and natural stone tiles for your home.

Create the fireplace of your dreams! Visit Mosaicenter today and find the tile that fits your taste.