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Home Repair Design Dilemma Fireplaces

Ideas to Update Tiling around a Non-Working Fireplace

2 years ago

Hi there, we recently moved into a new house and the living room has a non-working fireplace with tiling as its centrepiece. I initially really liked the tiles but since moving I have found the tiles to be quite worn out and damaged in areas (see pictures below). The tiles are also not perfectly aligned, as they bulge out in places. I also think the green-ish yellow colour is too similar to the colour of our bamboo floors.

In order to update the look, we were thinking about having marble cut or re-tiling the area. But I can't decide what would look best. The current tiles are set back from the mantle walls and floor, so we were wondering whether we could even put marble slabs or tiles on top of the existing tile so it is flush with the floor and the walls? Or would we would need to remove the old tiles? As we only recently moved in, we are not sure what is behind the current tiles.

We also really like the fireplace grate so we are hoping to keep it. I am not sure if it is cast iron or cast bronze. I am also looking for suggestions on how to restore it if anyone knows how!

Thanks in advance!!

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Comments (13)

Suki Mom
2 years ago
If you do not plan for it to ever be used, i would consider removing it.
SarahR
Original Author
2 years ago
Hi, thanks for the response! We like the look of it in the living room so we had not considered taking it out, just updating it.a But that is an interesting idea. What would you do with the space if it is removed?
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Fori is extremely displeased, haha. I would gladly help you if I could, but I have so much to learn yet! I just need to get the BF to let me have a go at the wet saw. I think I would totally enjoy the whole tile cutting process - I have enough "artsy-craftsy" in me that it's kinda right up my alley. rebunky, I totally get it. I have SO many projects that are on my to-do list. *sigh* Never enough time. Yanno, it's funny, back when I started this whole update project (not a remodel - nothing so grand as what you all are doing!) I was taking trash out one night and a neighbor stopped by to chat. I told her I was painting my cabinets and she mentioned that she had been working on her kitchen for a year. And I remember thinking..."A year?!? What the heck? She's retired what is taking her so long??" HAHAHAHA!!! I was clueless. A noob. I am terrible at visualizing changes - I have to see pics of how it could look. And even then, I am terrible at making a decision. So I am very thankful for those here have more experience and a better "eye" that I do.
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Suki Mom
2 years ago
Could it be modified to be a working gas fireplace?
SarahR
Original Author
2 years ago
I am not sure - I will look into it! I think our preference is to keep it as a focal point in the room but just update the look.
Sammie J
2 years ago
What is the furniture/decor style in the home?

Reading your description, I would want to remove the old tile before adding new stone so that everything is level/even. As far as the cast iron, you can use an iron past or grate polish to restore its blackness.
SarahR thanked Sammie J
PRO
Debbi Washburn
2 years ago
That grate is awesome! It would be nice if you could get it working. A fireplace is such a nice focal point in a room. If you have the space, keep it. I would do a beautiful mosaic or decorative pattern tile there and maybe paint the mantle a different color so it has a some contrast to the wall color. This will all depend on your style and how you are finishing the space.
SarahR thanked Debbi Washburn
palimpsest
2 years ago
These are arts and crafts tiles, often used in combination with dimensional portrait tiles. At the very least they have some salvage value so don't just dispose of them. If your house has forced hot air it's possible your fireplace was a heating duct and grate. They didn't quite know what to do for a focal point when fireplaces were no longer needed for actual heat, and before radio and TV
SarahR thanked palimpsest
George
2 years ago
I like the look and definitely think you should keep it . As a temporary solution that might look good , paint the tiles black to match the screen or white to match the mantel .
SarahR thanked George
chinacatpeekin
2 years ago
That grate is amazing, and I’m glad you intend to keep it. I’m not a pro, but I do have a 1914 Craftsman (with a working fireplace that I recently converted to gas logs), and value these irreplaceable details.
In that spirit, I might work with the original tile surround, but replace the hearth where it appears there are many broken tiles. I’d look for period tile; I wouldn’t want to modernize it too much as that might fight with the beautiful grate. I agree that you should absolutely keep the fireplace as a focal point.
SarahR thanked chinacatpeekin
chinacatpeekin
2 years ago
I don’t know where you live, but perhaps there are Old House experts that could help you with restoring the grate. Also, you might consider painting the mantle and wood fireplace surround a deeper color that works with the tile.
SarahR thanked chinacatpeekin
M V
2 years ago
Gosh, that firescreen is EVERYTHING. So pretty. I understand you not liking the tiles as much. There are definitely options that could stay in keeping with the style of the screen and fireplace.

Here are a few options and as others have pointed out above, if you search some Arts and Crafts style tiles you'll find plenty of inspiration. My mind immediately thought of green. If you want tile there are lots of choices but you consider something like a soapstone or granite etc.

Gorgeous colours in this one - it would make a nice border and then fill in with plain coloured otherwise.

Repro Antique Olivant Majolica Faux Relief Border Tile | Zazzle.ca · More Info

Jugendstil Art Nouveau Floral Repro Antique Tile | Zazzle.ca · More Info

Historic Jugendstil Art Nouveau Repro Faux Relief Tile | Zazzle.ca · More Info

I think this is so lovely. Gorgeous colour and design.
AD041 Art Deco Reproduction Ceramic Tile | Zazzle.ca · More Info

This one too. So beautiful and classic.
Mackintosh Rose Faux Relief Arts & Crafts Repro Tile | Zazzle.ca · More Info

You could have a look at some hand made tiles - have a look at Cle tiles for some options that would also look nice in your space.

I'd contact a local metal shop and get a recommendation for who could look at the screen. Or if there is an architectural salvage shop they will likely have contacts for that type of thing.

Please do come back and post after photos so we can see the results.
SarahR thanked M V
SarahR
Original Author
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
Thank you all for your very helpful suggestions! We do really like the grate so we would try and restore it before anything else.

I didn't realize you could paint tile so that is an interesting suggestion. We had actually already been considering painting the mantle a dark colour, maybe even black, so you are right, that may really be all it needs! It's too bad the tiles are damaged though.

I really like the look of the mosaic fire places too. We have a lot of colourful art on the walls so if we were to replace the tiles, I am thinking something more muted may look best. Thanks again!
cwcf185
2 years ago
I love the grate - so glad you're planning to keep it. The tile reminds me of a couple homes we looked at many years ago, one built in the late 1800s, that had Rookwood tile surrounding the fireplaces.
SarahR thanked cwcf185

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