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Home DecoratingDesign DilemmaLiving Room
amy_king65

Tiling over very large brick fireplace?

4 years ago

We have a 70's style ranch house with a very large floor to ceiling fireplace that is the focal point of both our entry way and on the other side, our sunken living room (yay 70's). When we bought this house it was a very traditional 70's red/brown brick and I have since painted it a neutral pink shade. I like how it looks currently, but am also toying with the notion of tiling over the brick. I have a lot of experience tiling so I would do this myself and while it will take a lot of tile, the work is not a huge concern to me. I would follow the pattern of the existing brick and would lay the tile directly over the current pattern. I have used this exact tile on our dining room bar and it matches the size of the brick perfectly.


So my questions - structurally, is this wise? Will the added weight be too much? Should I just leave it alone? My husband thinks this is a silly endeavor but is ok with me doing it if I want to.


Doesn't it seem like walking in to a beautiful glossy fireplace "wall" would be more aesthetically pleasing than the brick?


I am attaching photos of the view from the living room and entry way as well as the tile that I want to use.

sunken living room

entry way


tile inspo


Featured Answer
  • 4 years ago

    I also think it nice as is, would just remove all the small ornaments and replace with a large canvas. Also get heat resistant paint in charcoal for the brass screen.


    I wouldn't want a glossy tile, which would read bathroom to me. If you drywall over and tile, then a future owner could get back to the brick.



    Comments (12)

    • 4 years ago

      I think the fireplace is gorgeous! Personally, I would leave it alone as it adds to the character of your home.

      If you do decide to tile over, you need to apply a plasterboard over the brick. You cannot tile directly on to the brick. Structurally, there shouldn’t be any issue, although I would shy away from using a very heavy tile due to the backing support.

      Good luck!

      Amy King thanked Ruta
    • 4 years ago

      Thank you for saying so! I do like it how it is. I am just itching to use that green glossy tile again lol. I hadn't realized that I wouldn't be able to tile directly over the brick, when I say I've got experience it's DIY not profesh. That definitely changes things. I might just leave well enough alone for the time being then.

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    • PRO
      4 years ago

      Pink would not be my choice but the FP looks fine to me if the pink works for you. I think the FP is nice but I like MCM FPs which really is what you have and I would just ang a large piece of art on the entry side and maybe a bench underneath . If tiling is your choice do not use those small tiles go 12 x24 for sure and realize you will no longer have the indent in the LR one so more art there too and maybe there a nice thick natural wood mantel that spans the whole width

    • 4 years ago

      I do like the green tile, but what looks great on a backsplash could be overwhelming on a 12' tall fireplace open on four sides.

    • 4 years ago

      Tiling or painting ( another color or shade) in just the recessed area is another option…tho’ you must consider whether a strong color would dictate your decor choices too much…another direction would be to put a good size metal sculpture…for a focal point in the recessed area…artsy and interesting…

    • 4 years ago

      Thank you all for your suggestions! I think I will leave the brick for now. @P Banos great idea painting the fireplace screen. I have wanted to update it to a black one and didn't even realize painting it would be an option.

    • 4 years ago

      Glad you’re leaving it, it’s a good-looking fireplace! I just saw this today, it reminded me of yours:



    • 4 years ago

      Yes @Jilly I love that! I do wish we had those big huge windows too though!

    • 4 years ago

      Aren’t they gorgeous? It’s a house in Atlanta designed by Frank Neely.

      I want the chairs, too. :D

    • 4 years ago

      Yes very cool MCM style!

    • 4 years ago

      If you can tile, painting a firescreen should be fine. Just get the right paint, and prep the surface well.

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