Even when the fireplace is not in use, it is a natural gathering place in any room. Fireplace surround designs should flow seamlessly into the rest of the room, to create a uniform appearance, but that doesn’t mean that they need to be bland or boring. Tile fireplace surrounds and hearths can create rich and unique effects that can draw the eye whether there is a fire in the box or not.
Use Three Dimensions
New tile designs being produced around the world use dimension to bring additional interest to their surfaces. Using these three dimensional tiles, whether in a geometric pattern, which creates interlocking diamonds, circles and rhomboids on the tile’s face, or in a more traditional look of flowering vines or grapes, can make the fireplace surround stand out in more ways than one.
Change the Shapes
Circles, ovals, penny tiles, thin rectangular tiles; changing the shape of the tile can give a fireplace surround a unique and interesting appeal. Try using penny tiles in multiple sizes, or multiple colors in a family room for a fun, eclectic feel. The fireplace hearth can be bordered in oval tiles where it meets the rest of the floor, and filled in with large format tiles of the same color or material.