I have a tile fireplace that is very dated. Any ideas for updates?

5 x 5 pinkish tiles with dark grey grout.
  16 answers
  • Bijous Bijous on Dec 26, 2017

    Decide on a color you want and paint the tiles. Clean well. Take off or tape off the fireplace opening. Use vaseline on the grout lines and paint the tiles with an acrylic paint. Dab the paint rather than brushing. When the paint is dry, wipe off the vaseline. Painted grout, in my opinion, will not look good on this fireplace.

  • Cindy Cindy on Dec 26, 2017

    You could use a stencil and revamp the entire look of your tile. Be sure to use a stencil brush on this project. A regular paint brush will cause bleeding. Do a couple practice tiles first.

  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Dec 27, 2017

    https://www.hometalk.com/categories/makeovers/fireplaces-mantels/fireplaces

  • Susan Sease Susan Sease on Dec 27, 2017

    I just painted my travertine tile with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Graphite and I love it! Super easy, no prep work, 2 coats!

  • Mfbandit769 Mfbandit769 on Dec 27, 2017

    Retile with a bolder cement look tile or marble/quartz

  • Sue Sue on Dec 27, 2017

    we had almost the same fireplace, we covered it with stone tiles, first we chipped up the old tiles and just glued 12 x 12 tiles to the front. put slate on the hearth and built a new mantle.

  • David David on Dec 27, 2017

    Sell your home and buy a modern one with a modern fireplace. When searching for a vintage home, I was appalled at all the once beautiful vintage homes that were "remuddled" to make them look modern. There are many people who love "dated" homes.

    • See 1 previous
    • Eroque022810 Eroque022810 on Dec 31, 2017

      Christine, you have to admit that was hilarious! Personally I am scared of what smelling heated by fireplace paint over a long time might cause. I would never trust the fda,usda or any other government stamp might say and fir sure not the companies statement. That's just me. Of corse my home is painted, but it's not close to a fireplace as you would be dealing with,especially if you use it a lot I would be weary. Please keep that in mind as you choose. I love that look of the painted by chalk paint fireplace and it is so modern but ask how often they fire it up and hey you don't know nor they what long term illness may arise. I say chip it off and re-tile with a classic tile that still shows your personality but holds resale value. Sorry to be a party pooper but health is important to keep in mind.

  • Decoupage Designs USA Decoupage Designs USA on Dec 27, 2017

    Check out our Dixie Belle Paints (chalk painting) They are fabulous, very decently priced and they are easy peasy to use! We have 60 colors to choose from. A lot of people are turning to painting their brick or tile fire places for a new life!  https://www.decoupagedesignsusa.com/dixie-belle-chalk-mineral-paints/

  • Greg Greg on Dec 27, 2017

    I like all the thoughts, my 10c's worth - Clean it to new do a full toothbrush clean &'d polish then stand back and see if it is outdated. Try car polisher with all the attachments if you have to hire it they will tell you what to use. Cheers with that, Greg. let us know what you do!

  • Delle Delle on Dec 27, 2017

    This might not suit your taste, but if you don't want to replace or cover the old tiles, you could try something more dramatic. It looks like you have some sort of surround beyond the tile. Re-tint the grout black, and paint the surround black. Or add trim to it in a dramatic way then paint black. You might be able to use a heat resistant metallic paint on the fireplace--sparingly, I think, to lighten it up. Perhaps brush on and wipe with a cloth to give it an antiqued look.

  • Delle Delle on Dec 27, 2017

    Another thought inspired by another reader's post. Try covering it with tin tiles cut in 6 inch sections like on this site: http://www.metalceilingexpress.com/metal-ceiling-tiles/6-inch-repeat


    Or look at peel and stick tiles you'd use on a kitchen backsplash, maybe mosaics. https://www.homedepot.com/s/kitchen%2520backsplash%2520peel%2520%2526%2520stick?NCNI-5

  • Kaye Kaye on Dec 27, 2017

    Hi, I would start with painting the grill work with a fire proof paint and work out from there. The colors you paint the grill work will affect what you choose for the brick work.


    You may find that painting the grill work and coloring the tile caulk is enough. (they have paint for caulk now.)


    When it is something that can't be hidden, I try to work within the adage less is more. (Sometime you can undo some things.)


    Good luck, please post your progress.

    • See 1 previous
    • Kaye Kaye on Dec 27, 2017

      I think that is a good place to start. I would consider a dark pewter/ brushed silver grill with that color tile tile. Then pewter gray (Perhaps) on the grout. If you want to accent the tiles, a simple stencil again in the pewter gray should work.


      Not sure if you want to do your mantel but don't be afraid of going with a metal tint.


      Let me know what you pick. Thanks!

  • Rosann Rosann on Dec 27, 2017

    I have a brick fireplace and my daughter just gave it a quick coat of white paint. Only 1 coat. It is a beautiful shabby chic fireplace and looks great. Paint is the cheapest way too go.


  • Christine Henry Martinez Christine Henry Martinez on Dec 27, 2017

    Oh,not that one. Sorry! someone put an ad on this. Sorry!!

  • Delle Delle on Dec 27, 2017

    That's an idea I'd love to try too. I'd suggest experimenting with one tile first, though. They might be just a bit wide, and you'd have to play around to get a nice finished edge.

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Oct 30, 2023

    Use Brick & Tile Paint!