Tile options for a fire place
Tiles for the fireplace offer practical protection and the decorative element for the chimney, breast and hearth.
Following building regulations requirements in the UK the tiles have to provide a fireproof finish around heat producing - appliances.
In our modern life fireplace area is the centrepiece of the room. In this article we’ll look at the numerous tile option available to decorate your fireplace and keep your house safe and cosy.
Building regulations come first
Fireproof finish for the heat source has to extend 50cm in the front of the fireplace (heat-producing source) hearth and 15 cm on each side of the fireplace opening. Fireplace hearth tiles will protect the floor. Please note that the fireplace recesses and flues have separate requirements. Also the adjacent walls to the heat -source must be clad with a fire-rated finish to a height of 30 cm above the source. The same thing applies to the hearth, fireproof cladding is necessary 15cm on either side of the source.
Nowadays fireplace installations have moved towards gas and electricity replacing fossil fuels. Renewable fuels like biomass and wood pallets for stove are not only popular but highly efficient.
The fireplace adds character to living room with its appearance. Usually it is symmetrically positioned in the middle of the room for a classical effect. Also it can be offset if something else has to be highlighted. In both of this scenarios the fireplace will influence the position of other key elements of the room.
Fireplace tiles help to reflect heat into the room in case of the traditional fire. They also work as protection for the adjacent surfaces. Porcelain tiles are able to offer good protection because the material absorbs heat without transmitting it further. Here we can mention also ceramic, quartz, marble and metal as an option for the fireplace. There are lots of tile options available from matt to gloss, large format or small mosaics, plain or patterned. Your choice depends on your personal circumstances and preferences. Below you’ll find a few ideas to start with.
How to incorporate the fireplace into your
room?
✔️For a modern look build an entire wall from the hearth and decorate it with tiles.
✔️Recreate the authentic country feel with an open plan fireplace where two rooms join together in a rustic style decor. Stone effect porcelain tiles or pattern ones will embellish the space.
✔️The chimney breast is the ultimate TV space (please be aware of all of the safety measures necessary.) Position the TV screen at eye level with the required adjusting tools.
✔️Simplicity is the key to style. Create a plain wall by removing the mantelpiece and turn it into the statement of the room.
✔️Convert the entire wall by adding some shelves and spot lights into this assembly.
Tiles for your fireplace
Always use heat resistant tiles and the appropriate adhesive with the right accessories for this space.
- Large format tiles tend to enlarge the fireplace space adding a continuous effect. The neutral colour will complement the furniture and accessories in the room.
- Wood effect tiles will bring warmth and cosiness. Try choosing a textured tile which replicates the real wood.
Village Miel Wood effect tiles 20X120cm
- Marble effect tiles always will add a touch of luxury and style to the room. The big variety of sizes and formats will make make it easy to find the right one for your project.
- Use metro tiles for a throwback look of the traditional style. The gloss surface will reflect the acting fire and the muted colour grout will highlight the fine lines between the tiles.
- Decorative tiles will add a more daring look and will dictate the colours and surfaces for the rest of the room.
Original Style tiles
- For the very rustic effect use the traditional brick tiles which will add the reddish brown tones and are going to look sumptuous against the orange flames of the fire.
- Bookmatch fireplace tiles, the overall symmetry created by the veins on the marble effect porcelain tiles adds a classic and chic effect to the fireplace.
- Mosaic tiles.
Transform your fireplace into a small piece of art using mosaic intricate details.
Explore our range of tiles for your fireplace, here you’ll find something for every taste!