10 interior brick tile wall design ideas for every room
by clé tile | published: Sep 17, 2024
modern farmhouse brick 2.5x9.5 in deep green gloss. design: heather cleveland design / photo: steven magner
brick is one of the oldest building materials out there, first used about 9,000 years ago in the middle east. and over the millennia, it has evolved from a ubiquitous building material used primarily for structure, to a decorative (but still very functional) element that reigns supreme indoors.
which brings us to brick tile. here at clé, we’ve nudged brick into a more modern direction, introducing a whole range of glazed and unglazed options that have endless design potential. for a taste at what’s possible with brick, we’re gathering 10 inspiring interior brick wall ideas.
brick tile wall interior design ideas and inspiration
so much is possible with this classic rectangular tile, it can be difficult to know where to start. just ahead, we’re exploring 10 different (but all equally inspiring) brick tile interior design ideas. think: exposed brick fireplace surrounds, sleek and modern bathroom walls, statement entryways, and rustic kitchen backsplashes.
clé guild fundamentals brick 2.5x8 in matte white. design / photo: sarah a. intelligator
1. sleek and minimalist brick tile walls for modern spaces
in modern spaces, sleek brick tile walls can serve as a clean backdrop that complements a minimalist design aesthetic. white or light gray glazed brick tile, in particular, adds subtle depth without overwhelming the room. (modern farmhouse brick and clé guild fundamentals are excellent examples.)
this approach works beautifully for creating a quiet environment where the focus remains on the simplicity of the materials, without calling in too much texture.
2. exposed brick tile walls for modern design
if you want to mimic the look of an exposed brick wall, look to unglazed brick tile. this type of tile puts brick’s earthy texture front and center, which can play beautifully against the smoother elements of modern interior design. unglazed brick is raw, industrial, natural, and rugged all at once, balancing the old with the new in modern spaces.
nowhere is this more apparent than in our foundry flats collection. the standard issue line offers rich, uniform color for curating a minimalist mood, while the forge line has a distinctive patina that adds character to any space.
3. warm tones and textured finishes for a cozy ambience
brick is famous for its warm, earthy tones, so it’s excellent for creating a cozy ambience. if “cozy” sounds like the aesthetic you’d like to create, opt for either an unglazed brick tile (see again: foundry flats) or a brick tile that’s glazed a deep red or burnished orange (meet: work study).
looks we often see with warm brick: soft lighting and plush furniture that create a lived-in, welcoming vibe. we love this for living rooms, reading nooks, or even dining spaces where comfort is key.
clé guild new california brick 2.5x8 in bracken. design: marie flanigan interiors / photo: julie soefer
4. combining brick with wood and other rustic elements
because brick tile offers a rustic look of its own, it pairs famously with wood and other rustic elements. so, if your space has reclaimed wood beams or wooden floors, brick tile could help create a cozy, farmhouse-inspired aesthetic.
we’ve seen this work especially well for kitchens, dining areas, and living rooms seeking a more rustic, cabin-like feel.
5. feature brick tile walls that stand out in living rooms
who’s to say every wall in your living room must match? we’re all for a statement accent wall, and brick tile can serve as a striking focal point. you might go for an exposed red brick tile wall here, or a glazed, more neutral version. either way, you’ll add texture and character to the room.
we most often see a brick tile wall used to anchor a fireplace or tv area in an open-plan living space — two great places to start if you can’t decide how to use brick tile in the room.
6. brick backsplashes for a unique twist in kitchens
brick tile backsplashes in kitchens are an unexpected yet powerful choice, offering both durability and texture. go with unglazed brick, and you’ll bring rustic, old-world charm to your space, where the rough surface of the brick will contrast beautifully with sleek kitchen countertops and appliances.
want to soften things up a bit, or enjoy the convenience of an easy-cleaning tile? you can also go with a brick tile that has a glazed finish, which will stand up well to daily use. glazed brick is also a great option if you love the look of zellige but want, perhaps, a little less color variation.
7. feature brick tile walls behind the bed in bedrooms
many people don’t consider adding tile to their bedroom walls, but we’ve seen brick work beautifully in this space. an especially popular choice? using brick tile to create a feature wall behind the bed. this can make a bold, textural statement in the room, adding a rugged edge to a space that’s typically soft and serene — a striking contrast.
to balance the look, you can pair the brick with neutral bedding, or use softer elements like throws and pillows to warm up the room. it’s a great option for those who want their bedroom to be a unique and cozy retreat.
modern farmhouse brick 2.5x8 in matte white. design: sarah sherman samuel / photo: stoffer photography interiors
8. designing with brick tile walls in the bathroom
another space where we love seeing brick tile is in the bathroom. unglazed brick adds an unexpected touch of texture and industrial chic style, contrasting beautifully with the sleek surfaces typically found in bathrooms. (just be sure to have your tile sealed according to the tile’s material guidelines so it can handle heavy moisture exposure.)
for a softer take on brick in the bathroom, you might consider brick tile just for the backsplash. or, go for a neutral-colored glazed brick throughout the entire room, as in sarah sherman samuel’s bathroom.
9. making a statement with brick tile walls in entry walls
a brick wall in the entryway can make an outstanding first impression. the natural texture and warm tones of unglazed brick create a welcoming atmosphere right as guests enter. it’s a statement feature that sets the tone for the rest of the home, whether it leans toward industrial, rustic, or modern. (brick is just that versatile, after all.)
again, if you want a softer take on the texture of brick, go for a glazed brick tile that still lets the nooks and crannies of the clay show through.
10. creating flow and continuity with brick tile walls in hallways
another space in the home that often gets overlooked? the hallway. brick tile walls in hallways can create a sense of continuity and flow throughout a home, especially if you are also using brick tile elsewhere.
whether it’s an accent wall or the entire hallway, brick tile can help tie different rooms together while adding visual interest to otherwise overlooked areas. brick in a hallway works particularly well in open-plan designs, providing a cohesive and connected feel.
foundry flats brick 2.5x8 in sand cast. design / photo: place interiors
foundry flats brick 2.5x8 in sediment. design / photo: adam bechtold
color schemes for interior brick tile walls
however you choose to use brick in your space, there is still one key question to answer: what color scheme will you go with? brick’s natural color is a popular choice, of course, but don’t forget to explore the material’s neutral, moody, and colorful options.
natural brick color
earthy, evocative, elegant — it’s hard to beat the versatility of brick’s natural hue. on the one hand, it conjures up ideas of industry, authenticity, history, and tradition. on the other, it reminds us of all things warm and cozy. if you really want the material’s brownish-orange color to do the talking, go for raw and textural unglazed brick.
whitewashed brick
want to soften the look of traditional brick while retaining its texture and character? whitewashed brick could be your perfect match. this color scheme tends to give off a lighter, more airy aesthetic that can complement a variety of interior styles. (rustic, farmhouse, modern, and minimalist, to name a few.)
dark and moody hues
if you’ve yet to explore brick’s darker and moodier side, consider this your gold-foiled invitation. the carbon shade found in our foundry flats collection, for example, gives notes espresso, earth, and graphite. then you have the glossy blacks found in our modern farmhouse and clé guild collections, which offer a sense of timeless richness and moody intensity.
bright and colorful approaches
brick also had a colorful side. whether you’re drawn to the artistry behind clé guild work study, the nature-inspired palette of clé guild new california, or the metallic offerings found in modern farmhouse brick, there are so many ways to conjure bright and bold color with brick.
shop brick