Where to use fireplace tile

Tile can be used on fireplace hearths and surrounds. The hearth, which can be level with the floor or raised above it, is the floor in front of the fireplace. The fire itself is contained to the firebox, and the fireplace surround is the area around the firebox. The surround may go all the way to the ceiling or just around the firebox and may or may not include a mantle. This is the place you are most likely to see tile used. Tile cannot be used inside a wood-burning fireplace, only approved brick and other materials. Altogether, the fireplace is an opportunity to make a statement or define a focal point in the room.

6 styles to consider

One of the hardest parts of tiling is deciding on your perfect style from endless options. We may be guilty of offering too much inspiration, but we’ve rounded up our favorite fireplaces into six themes to help simplify your search.

1. Small-Scale Patterns

A tile with a small pattern or a small-scale mosaic is ideal for making a small fireplace into a focal point. Don’t forget to consider the material and finish. Matte tile is casual and soft, glossy tile reflects the light and glass tile glamorizes a space with even more sparkle.

The crisp, white fireplace tile combined with the white walls and molding are a simple and clean backdrop for fun decor pieces to take center stage.

This fireplace stands apart stylishly with white marble subway tile that creates striking contrast against the dark navy walls.

This rustic fireplace serves double duty, not only separating the kitchen from the living space but also serving as a decorative focus in both rooms.

2. Cement & Cement-Look

Whether contemporary, old world, geometric or romantic, cement and cement-look tiles certainly liven up a fireplace. Pick a pattern you love, and enjoy an eye-catching and unique centerpiece.

This transitional fireplace is a delightful combination of traditional cement-look tile and a clean, contemporary mantle that satisfies all tastes.

A lively cement-look tile from the London series sets the modern farmhouse scene in this quaint home.

3. Floor to Ceiling

Impact is the ultimate goal with a floor-to-ceiling tiled fireplace. These jaw-dropping installations speak volumes.

This stunning fireplace is perfect parts rustic, contemporary and chic.

One way to make your fireplace unforgettable is to situate it in an unexpected place. This one gets bonus points for being enjoyed from the tub and the bedroom on the other side of the wall.

File this fireplace under “statement maker.” A soft, neutral grey tile becomes a focal point when it’s installed to the second-floor ceiling of this grand room.

4. 3-D

Taking your fireplace tile to the next dimension delivers a tactile, textural quality. Use a dimensional geometric tile for the ultimate contemporary statement.

A metallic fireplace tile is always a good idea—just imagine how the dimension and texture of this multifired tile shine when the fire is lit.

Elegant and refined, these soft flowing lines create dimension replicating that of calming coastal waves.

5. Trim Firebox

For a smoother transition between your fireplace surround and firebox, use trims and layering pieces to dress up the design and soften the hard edges.

A Somerset trim tile artfully frames this firebox while adding architectural detail.

The addition of trim to this stunning fireplace instantly elevates the whole look.

6. Architectural

Textured, dimensional architectural tiles are not just for rustic designs! For spaces from traditional to contemporary, these natural stones retain a neutral color scheme while adding touchable dimension.

It’s easy to see why our best-selling architectural tile, Claros Silver, is such a hit—classic grey shades and warm tans are universally appealing.

This centerpiece fireplace displays one of the perks of our architectural tile collections. We carry out corner pieces so your design can truly be three dimensional.

Excited to try something new? Visit our fireplace tile ideas page or our fireplace tile Pinterest board for more inspiration or find a store to get started today!

The post Our Favorite Fireplace Design Ideas appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

What is Cement Tile?

1. Cement tiles are, of course, made of cement. Cement is similar to stone in that it has to be sealed, and it is very long lasting. Cement tiles are thicker than average and made by hand.
2. Cement-look tiles are made of ceramic or porcelain. These are a great lower cost option to achieve an authentic look that is still very durable.

Now that we cleared that up, let’s talk about how cement tiles are made.

How Are Cement Tiles Made?

Cement tiles are made from a combination of marble dust, pigment and cement. Similar to natural stone, each tile is made by hand and takes between three and five minutes to make. What sets cement apart from other types of tile is that the pigment is pressed into the surface in a patterned mold instead of just being a thin layer on top. This means the coloration penetrates the surface of the tile, so if it wears down over time, the color will still remain and the pattern will not be impacted. The video below is a great overview of this process.

Care and Installation Tips

Inspired to design a work of art with cement tile? There are a few quirks specific to cement tile installation that are important to know before you begin.

• Thickness: Cement tiles are thicker than average, so plan ahead! A threshold piece can be used to smoothly transition between cement tile and another flooring surface.
• Soaking: Cement tiles are absorbent and should be soaked in water before they are installed. This keeps the tiles from pulling moisture out of the mortar which would prevent it from curing properly.
• Sealing: It’s important to seal your clean and dry cement tiles after they’re installed to ensure they last.
• More information on installing cement tiles can be found here.

Historically Inspired Designs

Today, cement tiles take many forms and come in various materials. Due to their long and rich history, many designs seen today are based on those from the past. Explore some of our favorite historically inspired designs below.

The fresh, crisp colors below liven up this white kitchen.

The hand-painted look of the tile below adds to its authentic, old-world appeal.

Not ready to jump into all-over pattern? A backsplash highlighted with a frame is the perfect accent.

Modern farmhouse style is a popular look that benefits from the rustic appearance of cement tile.

We love a fun shower space! This accent wall from floor to ceiling livens up this spacious shower.

This tile design feels like it’s right out of an old European church. We love how Timber Trails Homes picked a shade of blue from the tile to paint the cabinetry, coordinating this mudroom from top to bottom. Sturdy porcelain is perfect for protecting the floor from laundry spills and tracked-in messes.

Think beyond the backsplash and shower. Cement tile takes this fireplace to another level and functions as a stunning focal point in this living room.

“A tiled fireplace is the perfect place to get a lot of bang for your buck in terms of style. A little pattern goes a long way!”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

Star is one of our most popular tiles and for good reason! It’s versatile enough to pair with rustic wood-look tiles as well as contemporary hexagons while maintaining vintage appeal.

Contemporary Designs

As manufacturing processes evolve, so do designs. Now, the selection of cement and cement-look tiles is even broader than ever and encompasses many contemporary designs. If bold colors and geometric designs are more your style, explore some of our picks below.

This tile is definitely not one you would have found in 18th century Europe, and that’s one of the things we love about it. This thoroughly contemporary tile incorporates a geometric design and bright, bold colors.

A soft, contemporary grey patterned floor tile is the perfect complement to this preppy and traditional space.

We’re fans of a bold look, and this one fits the bill. This dramatic cement tile with its green leaf pattern creates an unforgettable floor.

If you want to dip your toe into cement without using an all-over pattern, mixing solid-color cement tiles with patterned tiles is a great way to get the best of both worlds.

“A checkerboard, random design or tiled rug are all attractive mix-and-match options for solid and patterned tiles.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

There’s something serene and calming about the ocean-blue hues of Blu Widow Hex.

Black-and-white tile is a design staple. Make it uniquely yours with this statement-making diamond pattern.

Combination

Do all cement-style tiles neatly fit into one of these two categories? Of course not! Some of the most interesting designs are a blend of old-world and contemporary styles, patterns and colors. Here are some of our favorites.

A black, white and grey color scheme updates a traditional design, blurring the lines between old world and contemporary.

A traditional design in unexpected colors lends a beautiful floral look to this bathroom.

There’s no shortage of interest in this arabesque tile. Soft traditional shapes combine with bold lines and hues to keep design lovers on their toes.

A historically inspired design plus on-trend wood look equal a stunning transitional style.

Explore more of our cement/cement-look and patterned tile now!

Ready to get started? Let our selection wow you in person—visit your local store today!

The post Style Guide: Cement & Cement-Look Tile appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

“Blue is known for its trust and dependability. It’s reliable, responsible, and mentally soothing. For that reason alone, it’s one of the most-liked colors across the entire world.”—CoSchedule

Pattern Play

The color blue is said to encourage efficiency and confidence. Patterns are a great way to express your personality. Put the two concepts together, and you have the ultimate courageous look!

Liven up your patio with an energetic pattern and color. Blu Widow Hex was made to entertain and set the scene for your summer backyard bash!

Seaside Oasis

Light blue is the best color to design with when it comes to easing stress and promoting tranquility. Which is why it’s the a perfect color for creating a variety of coastal looks.

The Pixel series’ deep sea blue, teal and sea-green colors will add a nautical twist to a bathroom or kitchen. These ocean-inspired tiles are pool rated, making them perfect for adding a refreshing twist outdoor spaces.

Check out our latest signature look, Beach House Bath, in the image below. This eye-catching display features tile from our Color Market series. The light blue was pulled out of the floor and repeated on the wall to complement the bright colors.

“While the floor colors provide vibrancy and fun, the soft blue wall adds a calming effect, tying the beach vibe together beautifully.”—Kirsty Froelich, Tile Shop design manager

You can find Beach House Bath and explore more of the Color Market series’ endless colorways in a showroom near you.

You don’t have to dive beneath the ocean’s surface to find this next tile. Patchwood Deep Ocean’s wood look and dark shades of blue and grey replicate wooden planks from sunken ships.

Farmhouse Blue

Blue and white have remained a classic country palette throughout the years. The timeless duo adds a welcoming and refreshing look to any design. Our rustic Star Blue tile holds an identical coloration and feeling. Utilize the tile’s vintage charm and appearance to complete a modern farmhouse look.

The playfully patterned accent backsplash in the image below belongs to our Annie Selke Ikat collection. This bold blue tile adds a bohemian vibe to the artisanal-style subway tiles and country kitchen.

Luxurious Blue

Who knew blue stone and stone-look tiles could be so appealing to the eye? We did!

Refine your kitchen backsplash with the soft blue undertones of Victoria Grey marble and refreshing white marble. This chevron mosaic provides a perfect accent of elegance.

Aqua Blu defines the look of luxury and individuality. The polished blue stone look instantly elevates this shower.

Bold and Blue

For our last look, we were inspired by the saying “go big or go home.” Improve the atmosphere of a small space by filling it with shades of blue. While this bathroom’s courageous focal point is the blue tile, the designer brightened up the space with accents of white and gold.

Step into the refreshing shower oasis below—the glistening blue Humboldt Glass subway tiles lighten the atmosphere. We love the coordinating niche and floor tiles. The Hampton Carrara marble adds an appealing sophistication to the design.

Ready to refresh your home with the color blue? We have plenty of blue tiles to help with that. Visit your nearest showroom to see the largest selection of tile in U.S.

The post A Color Story: Blue appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.

We hope to inspire you with some of our favorite customer-designed kitchen backsplashes below!

Patterned Play

Patterned, or “ooh, that’s fun!” tile is getting very popular for the added personality and style that it brings to a space. Take the tile all the way up to create the effect of wallpaper on a statement wall that goes beyond function.

In this fresh kitchen below, glossy subway tile covers the wall and textured patterns with copper accents stun. We are obsessed with the old-world-look Flow tiles that uniquely resemble tin (available in lots of colors, too!).

If you like to dabble in creativity and want to design a truly unique space, divvy up the various colors of mosaics for a one-of-a-kind tile pattern. Your guests will be in awe, and your space will reflect your unique personality (and creative skills!).

Subway Style

Who can argue against a classic subway tile with dark grout to really make it pop? This timeless look still shines and is especially breathtaking with floating shelves on display.

Opt for an artisanal subway tile if you’re looking for a glossy glow that styles well with a modern farmhouse look. Don’t forget the dog!

While we love a classic white subway tile, we adore a pop of color with these rectangular fan favorites! This bouncy blue is a relaxing, yet lively, hue that adds interest to the otherwise white space. For a modern addition, consider an accent with metallic penny rounds that peek out and customize this backsplash.

Modern Mosaic

Mosaic tile, a tiny collection of beautiful tiles, are a go to when it comes to tiling this typically smaller space. Bring a burst of personality into your space with these unique tile options, from penny rounds to hexagons, in an array of colors.

“These itty bitty pennies brought in a subtly glamorous, glossy grandeur to the space—a little razzle dazzle, if you will.”—Jessica Brigham

We love how large this kitchen looks with the expansion of penny round tiles up to the top of the wall. The continuity and sleekness of the white mosaic and coordinating grout makes this kitchen light and bright while infusing texture.

“Fact: installing tile from countertop to ceiling was the best choice I ever made.”—Jessica Brigham

Looking for a perfect example of a small backsplash that adds significant glamour? Look no further. The Victoria Grey Harlow chevron mosaic adds dimension with color variation and overall brings a gloss and shine to this small space while ultimately keeping the walls clean and covered.

Check out the way this wall sparkles! A modern grey mosaic with shape and texture will instantly amplify any kitchen space.

This cool and calm space is simply breathtaking. The Glass Snow Napier mosaic is a combination of glossy and frosty finish, invoking modern style in this crisp, contemporary kitchen.

Did you know that The Tile Shop offers the largest selection of tiles in the U.S.? Let us help you bring your tile backsplash ideas to life and bring personality to the kitchen. Schedule a free design consultation to learn more about customizing your space. Want fresh inspiration every day? Don’t forget to follow @thetileshop on Instagram!

The post Customer Favorites: 10 Backsplashes We Love appeared first on The Tile Shop Blog.