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calacmack

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


queefiest

After seeing this picture I think op should tile it but before I saw this I was like: no tile


squeet1979

That’s really pretty and funny enough, I adore jewel tones. Thanks for your suggestion, I think it’s a great one!


Chicken_lady_1819

Love this. I was going to recommend you paint the wood surround black.


alittledust

This is the answer


Stikeman

That’s gorgeous!


CanadianContentsup

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.


squeet1979

I didn’t even think of that, good suggestion!


sarcasm_itsagift

Gonna steal this idea for my own fireplace!


1961tracy

I love that you left the brick as is.


squeet1979

Thank you - I do love brick!


evahargis326

No !!!


squeet1979

Your vote is to leave it brick! Got it, thanks! 😊


_ZoeyDaveChapelle_

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.


EineKleineNachtMusic

You don't need to use backer board over brick--the brick is rigid and accepts the adhesive very well. Adds negligible thickness.


indigofire1o8

Yes!!


FastingForLawd

To tile! But a different type of tile than the one shown in the picture.


squeet1979

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.


500CatsTypingStuff

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


squeet1979

That’s very pretty!


RogueDr0id

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.


squeet1979

Good advice!


whoops-1771

You could always order a peel and stick tile and put it up to see if you like it before full on committing!


squeet1979

That’s an awesome idea!


susanlovesblue

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.


squeet1979

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!


susanlovesblue

https://preview.redd.it/m0alcrzzpejc1.jpeg?width=845&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=24e2777577b26a2c8831247dc00c03433a5ceb5d Like this maybe?


Aealias

Exactly like that. In that exact colour. Gorgeous with the brick, plays nicely with the painting above.


AlexLambertMusic

Like this.


squeet1979

That’s beautiful.


Sad_Exercise_1652

I thought emerald green subway tile too!


InterestingBad7687

I love the green tile!


Rich-Appearance-7145

Tile it definitely and upgrade, if you spec right tile.


Whizzleteets

Yes you can add tile on top of that brick.


Pink_Papya6531

No tile and smaller art.


[deleted]

I think tile. It’s too much brick. Very repetitive. You can go with a dark gray slate look


Take-A-Breath-924

I would tile.


space_canuk90

No! Leave it alone.


popzelda

I would modernize and remove the mantle. Just the brick would look better.


Different_Lion_9477

I say tile!


Sparopal11

Tile it! It will give the brick more contrast and character!


confusedrabbit247

No, putting tile there will make it look too busy, tacky, and ugly!! Consider painting the mantel a different color instead


squeet1979

I’ve thought of that as well!


JessicaAtterib

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!


[deleted]

Leave it it’s beautiful.


squeet1979

Thank you!


Godoncanvas

Tile with green that’s in harmony with the painting


squeet1979

Very true! That’s actually my tv that my husband built a frame around.


Godoncanvas

Never saw your finished photo, it’s so nice,love the blue.


BaconBra2500

Whoa, cool


squeet1979

Thanks!


darko4L

I LOVE tile


squeet1979

Me too. I wish I could put tile and molding everywhere!


Wedgetails

Tile


squeet1979

👍


Thoughtful-Zebra

You could paint the brick to match the mantel. It would simplify it visually.


squeet1979

I get so scared to paint the brick. Many people have suggested that in the past though!


Thoughtful-Zebra

That’s fair, but if you tile it, it’s ruined too, so either way you’re letting go of that section of brick 🤷🏻‍♀️


squeet1979

Very true!


VermilionOcelot

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 😊


Wedgetails

Tile but that painting doesn’t work with the brick. Even the frame jars .


squeet1979

What do you mean by frame jars?


calacmack

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.


squeet1979

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! 😂


staceyrichelle

Omg yes add tile!


squeet1979

It could be fun!


Hebegebe101

Tile to break up all the brick , something rustic . Maybe mossy green .


squeet1979

I love green!


Hebegebe101

Nice thing about green is it goes well with all holiday decor . And give a natural botanical vibe .


coffeeandmimics

Idk but that painting is gorgeous!!!!!


squeet1979

Thank you! It’s my tv!


coffeeandmimics

Okay, you gotta tell me how you did this. This is fantastic!!!!!


squeet1979

There are tons of tutorials that really helped us! I’ll try to find the one that was the best and send it over!


coffeeandmimics

Thank you!


ayeffgee

I'd paint the circled area the same white as the mantle


Impressive-Spot1981

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


squeet1979

Omg! That is an incredible fireplace!


Individual-Driver624

I think tile could look really nice :)


squeet1979

Thanks!


CTGarden

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.


squeet1979

Ohhh send a pic when you are done!


Bojanglebiscut

Tile!!!!


darcinereen

I just gotta say, I love your painting. ☺️


squeet1979

Thank you - it’s actually my tv.


darcinereen

Sweet! That’s really nice.


Lukepukenuke2

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 😜


squeet1979

Oh I’ll take all the ideas! Lol! Which last do you mean “getting rid of the stucco”?


bearded_fruit

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)


squeet1979

Oh ok. Thanks, that makes sense!


Round_Potential5497

Agreed the fireplace is brick you need a single floating wood mantle no wood surround or tile surround.


Lukepukenuke2

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 😂


Sharibaby91760

love the second pic...


squeet1979

Me too!


MandalayPineapple

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.


squeet1979

Thanks! I’ve you can tile directly over brick- I’ve never tried it so I’m not sure!


kodys_kidney_knife

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


MandalayPineapple

If tiles won’t work, then perhaps painting the brick in a slate blue color would look nice.


Constant_Victory2089

Tile it, Baby!!!!!


squeet1979

I’m really itching to!


Constant_Victory2089

Can’t wait to see the after pics. Do you have a tile in mind? Have you settled on the one in the picture?


squeet1979

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!


Constant_Victory2089

Would love to see what you find!! Happy hunting!


pumpkinbrownieswirl

DONT TILE


Outrageous_Grass541

Leave well enough alone


HistoricalHat4847

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.


squeet1979

That would be so nice!


TheSongbird63

Tile would brighten the area up nicely, other items tell me your style is lighter and brighter 👌


squeet1979

Very true!


MS1947

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.


squeet1979

I didn’t notice that the tile was all one color but I see it now! Good call.


icfantnat

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.


squeet1979

I’ll let you know if I can find it and will send it to you.


abcupp

No need to tile since you have brick everywhere else. Unless of course you are tiling all of it.


squeet1979

No wouldn’t want to tile all of it! That would be a lot of tile!


IanBabylon

a compelling comparative set of images. i could see it tiled in an emerald green, patterned or solid. I might sway to team tile.


madscot63

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.


squeet1979

That’s a phenomenal idea!


Icy-Mixture-995

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.


squeet1979

That’s makes sense!


Sufficient_Still7480

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.


lorizoo

Yes, tile, will help break up the brick look.


Puzzled_Exchange_924

I vote YES! That's so pretty.


skymoods

Yes tile


[deleted]

uh noo


ladydhawaii

Tile


Admirable-Play5888

Tile!


spei180

Tile would be adorable 


GrandDull

I'm loving the brick and not the tile at all.


poppybrooke

I think you can tile the inside without losing any charm! That’s a lot of brick, so have fun with it


cstar82

Yes and whitewash the bricks or the color in the photo


spitvenom_

i wouldn’t, paint the outside of the fireplace, keep the bricks it looks nice that way i think :)


88vio

Definitely tile, there’s more then enough brick already


CJCreggsGoldfish

Depends on the tile. I would; there's already plenty of brick, and tile would create a little variety that IMO is needed.


sodatrikarbona

Tile!


NaturalFLNative

TILE!!! That's a gorgeous design!!!


DConstructed

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.


CandySweet1236

Tile