Comparison of Brick vs. Glass and Tile Fireplaces

The Brick Option

• Some homes lend themselves to the traditional look of a brick fireplace. In many cottages, lodges and heritage homes, any other fireplace facade would look out of place. Attention must be paid to the age of the dwelling, the existence of stone and timber as building materials or design elements, and the type of furniture you intend to place in the space. If your interior design is geared toward a cozy traditional style, then clean, restore and repoint your brick hearth.

A Moderate Makeover

• If your brick fireplace feels like it is sapping light and life from your space, consider painting the brick a lighter color or adding a fireplace surround or mantel that brightens up your room. This option will give you the satisfaction of marrying the old with the new and providing a more cohesive look for your space. Contemporary furniture may then be added to your room without clashing with an older fireplace that would have projected a very traditional feel without its renewal.

Re-Facing with Tile

• Covering old brick with a tiled facing produces an even greater transformation for your fireplace. If you begin by applying a layer of thinset over the existing brick surface, you can create a smooth surface suitable for tile. The surface may be allowed to dry overnight or worked as soon as it has slightly set. Adding an additional layer of notched thinset will give the tile a place to stick. Using tile spacers will keep the tile evenly spaced for later grouting.

Decorating with Light

• Covering brick with glass tile, either over the entire face of the fireplace or as accent pieces in combination with regular tile, allows you to decorate with light. Many tiles will refract light in varying degrees, but glass tiles, and most especially iridescent tiles, will capture the flickering light of burning wood and reflect it into your space. Glass tiles are usually backed with mesh to make the tiny pieces quicker and easier to set. A color coordinated mortar and grout completes the look. Think gray for dark tiles and white for lighter colors.