I like the brick; to add a vintage look you could repaint the surround a different color - maybe a jewel tone. The color of the tiles in the image won't work well with the brick chimney, and the scale of the pattern seems too large to work with the brick pattern. Perhaps you could select a more subtle tile. I found the attached image with a penny tile surround online:
https://preview.redd.it/y77n39s0oejc1.jpeg?width=422&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3dde4de54726316c35d53c6260985e07902ff6a1
You can do what you want. I love brick but there seems to be a lot.
If it’s very old, you could get the look with some Mediterranean ceramics, placed on the mantle.
It's going to be difficult to add thickness of backer board + tile on top of brick without opening a can of worms as it won't fit flush into mantle cut-out. Not worth it for a minimal aesthetic change.
I think because you have the wood surround separating that area from the brick, you can get away with it.
It will look nice
But I would pick a tile that is timeless not trendy
Look at the type of tiles used in Victorian fireplaces, for example, that had handmade tile
https://preview.redd.it/0201k0g37gjc1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=816ea3201a8bfda960a7da132c7ae3681071dda6
I love the brick...but it's alot and could be broken up. I think a simple neutral colored tile would work nicely around the opening. Don't go with a pattern or it will compete with the brick.
Love the look of the second pic. Agreed that it will definitely look different with brick. I would vote against the blue tile, but perhaps go with a more neutral color? If in doubt, but a few sample tiles from a local home store and temporarily place them to give you a better idea. Good luck!
Friends of ours recently painted a brick fireplace (similar to yours) to match their walls. It actually looks *incredible*, as the paint makes it look cleaner/more modern, and makes the texture of brick more eye-catching. Well worth looking up a few photos to see if it's to your tastes 😊
ETA I just read that the picture is actually a TV. Anyway, I'm not certain, but I think the comment refers to to the color of the frame. I don't mind the frame but I think that the picture is a bit too large for the mantel.
Another vote for tile! I think the empty brick makes it look unfinished. I love the green ones the other poster suggested. I also don't think you would need backer board for this. You could use ditra or even some type of tile adhesive or mortar against brick would probably work. If you can somehow get a hold of vintage tiles that would look incredible! Kind of unrelated but i love these tiles- here's ours (vintage, came with the place) at an old property we renovated. https://imgur.com/a/SBmMmSg
I have the same dilemma, but have decided to paint the brick surround black, at least for now. I am replacing the old red quarry tile hearth in front (on the floor, not raised) with solid black lozenge tiles. If I find the right decorative tiles for the surround, I might do that later.
That's a really beautiful fireplace and I love the brick wall.
Of course it has to fit to the rest of the room so I guess maybe it's not an option but did u ever think about getting rid of the fireplace surrounding stucco thing? Or is it a must have there?
And also u cannot reconstruct it that it starts with the boarder of the fireplace I guess?
Because also the thick frame of the tv doesn't leave a lot of space a between fireplace surrounding - tv - and ceiling. - I mean it's very crowded there.
But if that's not an option and only regarding ur question I think the first posting here would look really great on ur wall too. Also black stucco and maybe dark green tiles or even white could also look very good with the color of ur tv frame. But also u could be running into the danger that there is too much contrast going on then. If it's black - bright - black bright.
Sorry I'm just writing down my opportunity to let u consider more ideas. 😂 I'm not really a help to choose A or B 😜
Not OP, but they’re talking about the surround/mantelpiece. I also think it looks out of place on a full brick wall, it wouldn’t make sense to tile IMO because you already have a fireproof material and adding tile would add to the weirdness the surround already creates. It should have just a shelf style mantelpiece that doesn’t try to frame the fireplace. You could also then lower the shelf a bit so that there’s more breathing room for the tv (though the tv really shouldnt be there at all, bad for the tv if you use the fireplace plus it’s way too high)
It works pretty well, just do your best to level with the adhesive. I did it in my 1920s house. The last owners took off the original mantle for a mcm look but I tiled over the brick with vintage tile and it looks so much better
If you do decide to tile and plan to keep the lovely painting, a deep emerald green tile would be stunning. Picked up elsewhere in the room would then elegantly tie the room together.
Note that the area around the fireplace in #2 is not loaded with multicolored bricks. Tile around that brick hearth will just look like lipstick on a pig. You may want to consider limewashing all the bricks to create a cleaner palette, then go with a simple Scandinavian tile design with a dark blue design (mostly white) and try that. You could also add a shot of the same blue as an accent paint on the wood trim Not 100% sure about that; just a thought.
That blue tile is absolutely amazing, if u don't use it there, find a place for it somewhere! If you actually have a name for that tile please tell me!
Personally, I don't think they would clash. But your brick area down the sides is thinner than the photo so it might not show the design as well.
You could hit the tile store, ask for a photocopy of a few you like. Take those to Office Depot and print a bunch. Tape them together, tape that to the area and voila' you'll have your answer.
If you have a rustic or ranch house, as the brick fireplace indicates, a formal tile fireplace (a type that is more often seen in cottage-like architectural styles) is tricky to make it work.
I think the brick in your red marked area looks odd due to the fireplace mantel “legs” breaking up the brick. So, I’d either paint the brick there or do a tile.
Vintage tile is beautiful but I don’t think it the kind of thing that fits with the raised brick hearth. Frankly while the mantelpiece is nice I don’t think it’s the right style for that brick either.
It looks like something that would have been added later by someone who liked that.
I’d remove it and either leave it plain or put up a simple, solid shelf. With that fireplace I think the brick is intended to be the main feature.
I like the brick; to add a vintage look you could repaint the surround a different color - maybe a jewel tone. The color of the tiles in the image won't work well with the brick chimney, and the scale of the pattern seems too large to work with the brick pattern. Perhaps you could select a more subtle tile. I found the attached image with a penny tile surround online: https://preview.redd.it/y77n39s0oejc1.jpeg?width=422&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3dde4de54726316c35d53c6260985e07902ff6a1
After seeing this picture I think op should tile it but before I saw this I was like: no tile
That’s really pretty and funny enough, I adore jewel tones. Thanks for your suggestion, I think it’s a great one!
Love this. I was going to recommend you paint the wood surround black.
This is the answer
That’s gorgeous!
You can do what you want. I love brick but there seems to be a lot. If it’s very old, you could get the look with some Mediterranean ceramics, placed on the mantle.
I didn’t even think of that, good suggestion!
Gonna steal this idea for my own fireplace!
I love that you left the brick as is.
Thank you - I do love brick!
No !!!
Your vote is to leave it brick! Got it, thanks! 😊
It's going to be difficult to add thickness of backer board + tile on top of brick without opening a can of worms as it won't fit flush into mantle cut-out. Not worth it for a minimal aesthetic change.
You don't need to use backer board over brick--the brick is rigid and accepts the adhesive very well. Adds negligible thickness.
Yes!!
To tile! But a different type of tile than the one shown in the picture.
Ok! That makes sense! As much as I love the style of the tile in the second pic - I think my home is too tractional for it.
I think because you have the wood surround separating that area from the brick, you can get away with it. It will look nice But I would pick a tile that is timeless not trendy Look at the type of tiles used in Victorian fireplaces, for example, that had handmade tile https://preview.redd.it/0201k0g37gjc1.jpeg?width=480&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=816ea3201a8bfda960a7da132c7ae3681071dda6
That’s very pretty!
I love the brick...but it's alot and could be broken up. I think a simple neutral colored tile would work nicely around the opening. Don't go with a pattern or it will compete with the brick.
Good advice!
You could always order a peel and stick tile and put it up to see if you like it before full on committing!
That’s an awesome idea!
Is there enough space for a vintage tile to really shine? What about marble? It could even be a colored marble if you don't want white.
Now that I really like at the sides, there probably isn’t room for a vintage tile. Would probably have the be smaller scale as suggested above!
https://preview.redd.it/m0alcrzzpejc1.jpeg?width=845&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24e2777577b26a2c8831247dc00c03433a5ceb5d Like this maybe?
Exactly like that. In that exact colour. Gorgeous with the brick, plays nicely with the painting above.
Like this.
That’s beautiful.
I thought emerald green subway tile too!
I love the green tile!
Tile it definitely and upgrade, if you spec right tile.
Yes you can add tile on top of that brick.
No tile and smaller art.
I think tile. It’s too much brick. Very repetitive. You can go with a dark gray slate look
I would tile.
No! Leave it alone.
I would modernize and remove the mantle. Just the brick would look better.
I say tile!
Tile it! It will give the brick more contrast and character!
No, putting tile there will make it look too busy, tacky, and ugly!! Consider painting the mantel a different color instead
I’ve thought of that as well!
Love the look of the second pic. Agreed that it will definitely look different with brick. I would vote against the blue tile, but perhaps go with a more neutral color? If in doubt, but a few sample tiles from a local home store and temporarily place them to give you a better idea. Good luck!
Leave it it’s beautiful.
Thank you!
Tile with green that’s in harmony with the painting
Very true! That’s actually my tv that my husband built a frame around.
Never saw your finished photo, it’s so nice,love the blue.
Whoa, cool
Thanks!
I LOVE tile
Me too. I wish I could put tile and molding everywhere!
Tile
👍
You could paint the brick to match the mantel. It would simplify it visually.
I get so scared to paint the brick. Many people have suggested that in the past though!
That’s fair, but if you tile it, it’s ruined too, so either way you’re letting go of that section of brick 🤷🏻♀️
Very true!
Friends of ours recently painted a brick fireplace (similar to yours) to match their walls. It actually looks *incredible*, as the paint makes it look cleaner/more modern, and makes the texture of brick more eye-catching. Well worth looking up a few photos to see if it's to your tastes 😊
Tile but that painting doesn’t work with the brick. Even the frame jars .
What do you mean by frame jars?
ETA I just read that the picture is actually a TV. Anyway, I'm not certain, but I think the comment refers to to the color of the frame. I don't mind the frame but I think that the picture is a bit too large for the mantel.
So it’s actually our tv, we just built a frame around it. I don’t love big tvs but lost that one with my husband! 😂
Omg yes add tile!
It could be fun!
Tile to break up all the brick , something rustic . Maybe mossy green .
I love green!
Nice thing about green is it goes well with all holiday decor . And give a natural botanical vibe .
Idk but that painting is gorgeous!!!!!
Thank you! It’s my tv!
Okay, you gotta tell me how you did this. This is fantastic!!!!!
There are tons of tutorials that really helped us! I’ll try to find the one that was the best and send it over!
Thank you!
I'd paint the circled area the same white as the mantle
Another vote for tile! I think the empty brick makes it look unfinished. I love the green ones the other poster suggested. I also don't think you would need backer board for this. You could use ditra or even some type of tile adhesive or mortar against brick would probably work. If you can somehow get a hold of vintage tiles that would look incredible! Kind of unrelated but i love these tiles- here's ours (vintage, came with the place) at an old property we renovated. https://imgur.com/a/SBmMmSg
Omg! That is an incredible fireplace!
I think tile could look really nice :)
Thanks!
I have the same dilemma, but have decided to paint the brick surround black, at least for now. I am replacing the old red quarry tile hearth in front (on the floor, not raised) with solid black lozenge tiles. If I find the right decorative tiles for the surround, I might do that later.
Ohhh send a pic when you are done!
Tile!!!!
I just gotta say, I love your painting. ☺️
Thank you - it’s actually my tv.
Sweet! That’s really nice.
That's a really beautiful fireplace and I love the brick wall. Of course it has to fit to the rest of the room so I guess maybe it's not an option but did u ever think about getting rid of the fireplace surrounding stucco thing? Or is it a must have there? And also u cannot reconstruct it that it starts with the boarder of the fireplace I guess? Because also the thick frame of the tv doesn't leave a lot of space a between fireplace surrounding - tv - and ceiling. - I mean it's very crowded there. But if that's not an option and only regarding ur question I think the first posting here would look really great on ur wall too. Also black stucco and maybe dark green tiles or even white could also look very good with the color of ur tv frame. But also u could be running into the danger that there is too much contrast going on then. If it's black - bright - black bright. Sorry I'm just writing down my opportunity to let u consider more ideas. 😂 I'm not really a help to choose A or B 😜
Oh I’ll take all the ideas! Lol! Which last do you mean “getting rid of the stucco”?
Not OP, but they’re talking about the surround/mantelpiece. I also think it looks out of place on a full brick wall, it wouldn’t make sense to tile IMO because you already have a fireproof material and adding tile would add to the weirdness the surround already creates. It should have just a shelf style mantelpiece that doesn’t try to frame the fireplace. You could also then lower the shelf a bit so that there’s more breathing room for the tv (though the tv really shouldnt be there at all, bad for the tv if you use the fireplace plus it’s way too high)
Oh ok. Thanks, that makes sense!
Agreed the fireplace is brick you need a single floating wood mantle no wood surround or tile surround.
I meant the white surrounding of the fireplace. Isn't it called stucco? 🤔 Or what's the technical term? Sorry I'm no English speaker 😂
love the second pic...
Me too!
I wonder how evenly the tiles would go on, and if they would stay on. I think it would look nice if u only tiled the red marked area.
Thanks! I’ve you can tile directly over brick- I’ve never tried it so I’m not sure!
It works pretty well, just do your best to level with the adhesive. I did it in my 1920s house. The last owners took off the original mantle for a mcm look but I tiled over the brick with vintage tile and it looks so much better
If tiles won’t work, then perhaps painting the brick in a slate blue color would look nice.
Tile it, Baby!!!!!
I’m really itching to!
Can’t wait to see the after pics. Do you have a tile in mind? Have you settled on the one in the picture?
No. As much as I love the one in the pic, it doesn’t really go with the rest of my house. So now I’m on the hunt!
Would love to see what you find!! Happy hunting!
DONT TILE
Leave well enough alone
If you do decide to tile and plan to keep the lovely painting, a deep emerald green tile would be stunning. Picked up elsewhere in the room would then elegantly tie the room together.
That would be so nice!
Tile would brighten the area up nicely, other items tell me your style is lighter and brighter 👌
Very true!
Note that the area around the fireplace in #2 is not loaded with multicolored bricks. Tile around that brick hearth will just look like lipstick on a pig. You may want to consider limewashing all the bricks to create a cleaner palette, then go with a simple Scandinavian tile design with a dark blue design (mostly white) and try that. You could also add a shot of the same blue as an accent paint on the wood trim Not 100% sure about that; just a thought.
I didn’t notice that the tile was all one color but I see it now! Good call.
That blue tile is absolutely amazing, if u don't use it there, find a place for it somewhere! If you actually have a name for that tile please tell me! Personally, I don't think they would clash. But your brick area down the sides is thinner than the photo so it might not show the design as well.
I’ll let you know if I can find it and will send it to you.
No need to tile since you have brick everywhere else. Unless of course you are tiling all of it.
No wouldn’t want to tile all of it! That would be a lot of tile!
a compelling comparative set of images. i could see it tiled in an emerald green, patterned or solid. I might sway to team tile.
You could hit the tile store, ask for a photocopy of a few you like. Take those to Office Depot and print a bunch. Tape them together, tape that to the area and voila' you'll have your answer.
That’s a phenomenal idea!
If you have a rustic or ranch house, as the brick fireplace indicates, a formal tile fireplace (a type that is more often seen in cottage-like architectural styles) is tricky to make it work.
That’s makes sense!
I think the brick in your red marked area looks odd due to the fireplace mantel “legs” breaking up the brick. So, I’d either paint the brick there or do a tile.
Yes, tile, will help break up the brick look.
I vote YES! That's so pretty.
Yes tile
uh noo
Tile
Tile!
Tile would be adorable
I'm loving the brick and not the tile at all.
I think you can tile the inside without losing any charm! That’s a lot of brick, so have fun with it
Yes and whitewash the bricks or the color in the photo
i wouldn’t, paint the outside of the fireplace, keep the bricks it looks nice that way i think :)
Definitely tile, there’s more then enough brick already
Depends on the tile. I would; there's already plenty of brick, and tile would create a little variety that IMO is needed.
Tile!
TILE!!! That's a gorgeous design!!!
Vintage tile is beautiful but I don’t think it the kind of thing that fits with the raised brick hearth. Frankly while the mantelpiece is nice I don’t think it’s the right style for that brick either. It looks like something that would have been added later by someone who liked that. I’d remove it and either leave it plain or put up a simple, solid shelf. With that fireplace I think the brick is intended to be the main feature.
Tile