When you think of a fireplace it is ok to admit you don’t think of anything special. Let’s face it, when you really think about it, it might just seem like a simple feature that came with your home. But if you’re fortunate enough to have one – it really doesn’t have to be that way. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of it and make it into the feature or centerpiece of whatever room it might be located in. Maybe it is in the center of a main living room wall, or maybe it’s tucked away in a nice cozy corner. Perhaps it’s where you go to relax and read a book and enjoy some morning coffee, or it’s where you and your family commune to spend time. Wherever it is – this should be the center point of your space! So with such a large focus point – your fireplace should look like more than a dull, featureless hole in the wall. Shouldn’t it?
Framing your Fireplace
Most fireplaces have ample room surrounding it to work with. It might be built directly into the wall or it might have its own mantle of sorts that really defines its presence and maybe even act as a shelf for small furnishings.
This space should be used to your advantage – just like any feature wall. You have a good variety of choices when it comes to adding tile to your fireplace. It doesn’t have to be just for the fireplace, it can be for the entire section or wall of its installation. You can go full wall with tile or in combination with strong or complimentary colors. We have all the options available to make your fireplace a grandeur one so check out our fireplace mosaic tile collection.
Remember – It’s a Fireplace
Extra care must be taken when it comes to adding Mosaic Fireplace tiles to your fireplace and its surrounding area. Remember, a fireplace can get hot and will be exposed to open flames for a prolonged period of time during use. Of course, this is under the assumption that your fireplace is actually functional, not just aesthetic, and also assuming that you’ll actually be using it. If you won’t be – then of course you can use whatever material you like, if you plan on ever using it, however, even just once, you will want to make sure it is something that can stand the high temperatures of a lit fireplace and not be ruined the first time it’s in use.
Where Can I tile?
Your fireplace can be broken down into 3 main parts, the firebox, the hearth, and the surround. The firebox is where your fire is actually housed during use of your fireplace. This is a special area that should not be tiled, it should be lined with the appropriate materials that meet any building codes for safety – tile is not suitable for this space due to the high temperatures that exceed all recommended specifications for the application. The hearth is the section of the fireplace directly in front and just below the firebox. This is a perfect space to tile and sometimes it is even a requirement if the rest of your room is carpeted. Think of this as a “safe zone” for the front of your fireplace that should remain open and completely free of any objects that could be damaged or maybe susceptible to flames. The last part of your fireplace is known as the surround. As in, the front part or the “face” of the fireplace, essentially the space that immediately surrounds the fireplace opening. Another perfect area to tile as it will accentuate and bring focus to what will hopefully be a beautiful centerpiece after you complete your project to tile the fireplace.
Most tiles can be used to tile your fireplace but you should always double-check the manufacturer recommended specifications as every material has different tolerances for things like heat or fire.
Important Note: Always consult a professional before making any attempts to tile your fireplace. This is a very special part of your home and extra care should always be taken.
Mosaic Tile Outlet – Your definitive source
Whatever your style or choice may be, you can count on Mosaic Tile Outlet’s massive variety of mosaic to fit any style you have in mind. Simple, neutral, traditional or modern, we’ve got you covered.
