What can I do to spruce up the tile?
by
Carol
+4
I would like to make this tile look better. We don't burn in the fireplace. Any suggestions? Also how can I clean the brick?
To clean the fireplace a non-toxic way make a solution of water mixed with some dawn dish soap and a splash of salt.For inside the fireplace buy a long and high metal candle holder and put battery operated candles on top.
Maybe you could make an artistic little vignette. Maybe put in some shelves for little knickknacks or a little shrine to some part of your life that you love, like travel etc. I think that the space it takes up (being low and little) would draw attention to it.. quirky but meaningful? or you could put your dog/cat bed there.. hmm.. or if you have a "collection" of something , little shelves would be useful and the space would frame and contain them all nicely?
You could also paint the grout black (or?) to make the bricks pop! Maybe whitewash them to make them look similar to the others going up the wall. Then get one of those old looking lanterns (or bird cages) from a discount store, garage sale, thrift etc., and put some of those battery operated candles with a remote (walmart $8ish/set of 3) for for an easy way to have a little flicker of light, Then wrap a few cut branches of wood and tie up with twine and place next to the lantern, That would make it cheery! Or you could skip the lantern, place 2 sets of the candles on either side and the little bunch of wrapped branches in the middle...
I should think your best bet it to use chalk paint. Chalk paint requires little or no prep (just clean the area) and goes on just about everything from furniture , to glass, to tile. Black chalk paint would kind of make it disappear and will take on a "black slate look". You could add a lovely "fireplace candle holder" with candles and change it up with the seasons.
You can have the brick pressure washed. You won't believe how affective pressure washing is.
I would whitewash those bricks, paint the mortar white and chalk paint the tile (since it's not in use) and put either real logs and candles or a tiered cand holder in there for ambiance!
I like the idea of pressure washing, but in the house? I think painting it would make a big difference.