Articles
10 Tile Ideas to Give Your Fireplace a Modern Upgrade
What’s better than a cosy evening by the fire, mesmerised by the dancing flames, wrapped in warmth, and soothed by the gentle crackling of the logs? If your fireplace is the heart of your winter nights, it’s also a standout feature in your home décor.
Here are 10 fireplace tile ideas to elevate your living room with style. Get inspired!
1. Terrazzo effect: a modern and original touch
In recent years, terrazzo has made a strong comeback in interior design. With its contrasting specks embedded in a neutral base, it brings vibrant character to your fireplace. If you prefer subtle patterns, explore glazed porcelain options like the delicate Vadena Lappato for a refined and understated look, or the elegant Falerna matte terrazzo for a bolder finish.
Practical tip: To visually tie your space together, choose terrazzo tiles with specks that match the accents in your décor, like your cushions or artwork. At Déco Surface, we offer interior design services—get in touch to find out more.
2. Large format tiles: minimalism and visual impact
For a sleek, modern look, large format tiles are a winning choice. With fewer grout lines, they create a smooth, sophisticated surface. These tiles not only make the room feel larger but also work beautifully with both contemporary and traditional designs. Take a look at Matera, a bold and modern Italian ceramic with a semi-gloss finish.
Practical tip: If your fireplace is in a compact room, large tiles in lighter tones will help open up and brighten the space.
3. Geometric patterns: adding energy to your fireplace
Geometric patterns are a fantastic way to bring creativity to your fireplace. They create a dynamic focal point and suit both modern spaces and bolder designs. The linear geometric Ardea Decor matte tiles allow for captivating black-and-white configurations that will bring your fireplace to life.
Practical tip: Use geometric patterns tiles to highlight a fireplace set into a solid-coloured wall. This will make the design stand out without overwhelming the space.
4. Tone-on-tone: subtlety and elegance
For a look that exudes harmony, why not match your fireplace tiles to your flooring? Playing with similar shades creates a visual flow that ties the room together. You can use slight variations, like choosing a lighter or darker tone of the same tile. For a modern and minimalist look, Fontana matte porcelain with its concrete effect works beautifully on both floors and walls.
Practical tip: In a Scandinavian-style living room, pair a tone-on-tone fireplace with light wooden furniture to enhance the calming, natural vibe.
5. Natural stone: timeless charm
Natural stone has always been a classic choice for fireplaces, and ceramic that mimics it offers the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality. Durable, easy to maintain, and available in a variety of styles, these tiles bring a rustic, warm touch to your interior while staying affordable and eco-friendly. For example, the Fiumara natural glazed porcelain tile creates a layered effect in organic tones.
Practical tip: Pair this style with natural materials like wood or rattan to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
6. Moroccan zellige effect: shine and authenticity
If you’re after a warm, exotic, and unique look, glazed ceramic tiles in the zellige style are an excellent choice. Traditionally installed with no visible grout lines, their glossy, slightly uneven finish adds depth and character to your fireplace. The Lissone tiles are a stunning option to explore for an artisanal charm.
Practical tip: Add indirect lighting near your fireplace to highlight the shine of zellige tiles and create a spectacular glowing effect.
7. Texture: softness and subtle details
Textured tiles add depth to your fireplace, changing how light interacts with the surface to set the tone of the space. A matte or natural texture, for example, can create a calming, authentic atmosphere. For an industrial vibe, metallic tiles bring a raw, contemporary edge. The Modica III porcelain tiles offer a natural, rustic effect with a steel-grey or copper finish, perfect for dressing up your fireplace.
Practical tip: Pair varied materials, like a textured wall with a smooth floor, to create a subtle yet striking contrast.
8. Chevron pattern: a refined touch
The chevron pattern is a timeless classic that adds a touch of sophistication to any fireplace. It suits both modern décor and more traditional interiors. The Chevron Mosaic, with its glass-like glaze and subtle metallic reflections, lets you design an elegant and captivating focal point.
Practical tip: Dress up your mantel with a chevron pattern made from rectangular tiles to create a chic and eye-catching centrepiece.
9. Mosaic: small tiles, big impact
Mosaics are perfect for creating personalised designs and adding intricate details to your fireplace. You can experiment with shapes, colours, and textures for a look that’s entirely your own. Colourful and vibrant, the Piozzo mosaic porcelain is an excellent option to bring some punch to your space.
Practical tip: Use mosaic tiles for corner fireplaces or smaller surfaces to maximise their visual impact.
10. Glossy or matte: the perfect contrast
Why not play with contrasts? A glossy glass mosaic can add brilliance to a modern fireplace, while matte porcelain creates understated elegance. You can even combine both for a look that’s refined and original. The Spinea matte and Spinea glossy glazed porcelain tiles offer complementary options to add depth by mixing finishes.
Practical tip: Alternate matte and glossy tiles in a chevron or striped pattern for a bold visual effect that catches the light.
With all these ideas in mind, your fireplace can become so much more than just a functional feature. Whether you lean towards minimalism, classic styles, or contemporary originality, the possibilities are endless.
Browse our ceramic tile catalogue to find even more inspiration and create a space that draws attention and invites relaxation.
