Brick Hearth Ideas

Mixed Media Hearths

• Brick isn't the only material suitable for a fireplace hearth. Any heat- and flame-resistant tile will protect your floor and add color to your hearth. The simplest way to incorporate tiles into your brick hearth is during the initial installation; instead of a raised hearth that sits several inches above the surrounding floor, install the hearth pad sunken into the floor about the height of a single brick. A perimeter of bricks around the edge of pad carries the style of the brick fireplace surround through the hearth. Instead of a solid brick hearth, incorporate several small tiles into the central design on the hearth pad to add contrasting color and texture to the brick. White, blue, green and gray tiles are all suitable matches for a brick-lined hearth.

Shaped Hearths

• Shaped hearths add an unexpected line into your interior design. Shaped hearths may be raised above the level of the surrounding floor or sunken into the floor to create a level hearth. Instead of the traditional block-shaped brick hearth, shape the front of the hearth into a half or semi-circle to add an elegant curve to your brick fireplace. If your style is a bit more contemporary, a fluted hearth that features an inverted curve along the front edge of the hearth that flutes out to peaks on either edge is an unexpected addition to an otherwise traditional design. Limit the materials to bricks that match the brick of the fireplace surround to avoid creating a hearth that looks too busy or visually distracting.

Painted Brick

• If your brick hearth is already installed, and you don't want to invest in the time-consuming and expensive process of removing the old brick, a simple coat of paint may be all you need to make your fireplace look fresh and new. Hardware stores sell fireplace paint kits that come with a special paint designed to penetrate brick and with application brushes to reach each nook and cranny in the hearth. If you want to retain the look, fireplace kits with red finishes keep the appearance consistent and authentic. Painting the brick lighter is a more modern option that also opens up the space and makes the room look larger.