wood stove tile surround inspiration for an elevated space

by clé tile | published: Apr 09, 2024

Sunlit living room with soft white textural decor and a white glazed terracotta tiled fireplace surround.

architect’s palette terracotta in blotter. design / photo: jennifer tidwell of the workroom

gone are the days when a wood stove was a functional necessity. now, it serves as a beautiful focal point in any space. wood stove tile surrounds offer an irresistible canvas for unleashing your creativity.

whether you’re dreaming of a rustic retreat nestled in the mountains or a modern sanctuary in the city, tiling behind your wood stove strikes the perfect balance of beauty and functionality. it’s an opportunity to infuse your personal style into the heart of your home.

from rustic charm to modern minimalism, the versatility of artisan tile allows you to tailor the aesthetic to suit your individual taste and the overall style of your home. read on to discover the transformative power of artisan tile, so the walls (and floor!) surrounding your wood stove can capture the eye and elevate your space.

the timeless appeal of a tile wood stove surround

few design elements offer the timeless charm and enduring appeal of a wood stove. with their crackling flames and enveloping warmth, wood stoves evoke images of cozy evenings spent by the fire.

tile wood stove surrounds marry old-world craftsmanship with modern design elements. the tradition of adorning the hearth, floors, and walls around the wood burner with beautiful tile dates back centuries. for today's homeowners, the wood stove surround offers an opportunity to showcase their creativity, unique style, and personality.

the timeless appeal of a tile wood stove surround

a wood stove tile surround needs to be heat resistant while also enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space, so material selection requires some careful consideration. let’s explore some top tile material options for wood stove surrounds.

ceramic

ceramic tile is a standout choice for wood stove surrounds due to its durability and versatility. ceramic tiles come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes, offering endless possibilities for customization.

their non-porous nature makes them resistant to stains and moisture, making for easy maintenance and long-lasting beauty. whether you prefer a classic subway tile or the delicate beauty of casale rustico, ceramic tiles are a beautiful, elegant, and functional choice for a wood stove surround.

porcelain

porcelain is known for its reliance and beauty, making it an exceptional choice for your wood stove surround. our porcelain penny rounds are made from dense clay and fired at high temperatures, so they’re very resistant to heat. use them on the wall around your wood stove for understated elegance and a neutral backdrop that highlights the beauty of your fire.

natural stone

due to its unparalleled beauty and character, natural stone is an obvious choice for around the fireplace and wood stove. from marble and travertine to slate and granite, each type of natural stone offers its own unique characteristics, adding warmth and natural beauty to any space.

while most natural stone does require sealing to protect it against moisture and stains, its heat resistance, durability, and distinct beauty make it a coveted choice for multiple interior design applications. (and if you, like us, are one to embrace the natural patina that stone tile develops with time, you may even choose not to seal regularly.)

Modern black and white bathroom tub area with black bath tub and black zellige fireplace surround to the left.

clé zellige in scribe’s ink. design: lindye galloway / photo: chad mellon

terracotta

authentic zellige and le sol terracotta tiles bring warmth and old world charm to any space, making them a timeless choice for wood stove surrounds. they showcase saturated colors and earthy tones, along with subtle variations in texture, adding richness and depth to the space.

our belgian reproduction flemish red terracotta is especially suited to traditional and mediterranean-style interiors and can be arranged in simple grid patterns or intricate designs.

brick

speaking of earthy reds and burnished oranges, brick can also bring timeless warmth to any corner it meets, especially around a wood stove. beyond the shades brick is known for, you’ll also find unglazed brick tile in charcoal grey and sandy beige via our foundry flats collection. all are sure ways to bring texture to the area surround your wood stove.

if you prefer a glazed tile, you’ll be pleased to meet modern farmhouse brick and new california, which both turn the classic subway tile on its head and highlight the texture and variation that make brick unique.

cement

clé cement tiles, also called encaustic tiles, are coveted for their artisanal charm and bold patterns. made from a mixture of cement, sand, and pigments, cement tiles are pressed and cured to create intricate designs that are both durable and visually striking.

encaustic cement tiles add depth and character to the wood stove surround. their unique patterns and rich colors make them an especially captivating choice for eclectic or bohemian-inspired interiors.

Warm living room with wooden ceiling and coffee table and unglazed stone tile behind a rustic fireplace.

foundry flats in sand cast. design / photo: place interiors

Modern neutral colored living room with beige leather chair and a black and white geometric cement tile fireplace surround.

cement tile in zenith. design: lindye galloway / photo: chad mellon

patterns and layouts to enhance visual interest

no matter which tile material you choose for your wood stove surround, the pattern and layout will have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of the space. here are some inspiring patterns and layouts that can elevate the visual interest of your final result.

herringbone pattern

the herringbone pattern is a timeless, classic tile pattern that offers elegance and sophistication. by arranging rectangular tiles in a staggered zigzag pattern, a herringbone layout creates a sense of movement and depth, drawing the eye towards the wood stove as the focal point of the room.

whether using ceramic, porcelain, or natural stone tiles, the herringbone pattern brings a touch of understated luxury to traditional and modern interiors alike.

chevron pattern

similar to the herringbone pattern, the chevron pattern features tiles arranged in a v-shaped formation, creating a dynamic and visually striking effect. the bold lines and geometric symmetry of the chevron layout add a modern twist and infuse the space with energy.

from monochromatic and minimalist to dramatic statements with contrasting colors, the possibilities for customization and creativity are virtually limitless here.

subway tile stacked bond

the subway tile stacked bond layout is a sleek and streamlined option that emphasizes clean lines and simplicity. by stacking rectangular tiles in a straight, vertical orientation, this layout creates a contemporary backdrop for your log burner, allowing it to take center stage in the room.

mosaic tile medallion

if you’re looking to make a bold statement with your wood stove surround, mosaic tile offers a captivating and commanding focal point. by incorporating intricately designed mosaic tiles into the surround, such as floral motifs, geometric patterns, or abstract compositions, you can infuse the space with artistic flair and personality.

these designs are made possible with penny rounds, of course, but you can also look to smaller zellige and stone tiles to create your own medallion-like motif.

randomized pattern

if you love a more eclectic look, consider creating a randomized pattern with a mix of different tile shapes, sizes, finishes, and colors. by embracing asymmetry and irregularity, this approach allows for even more creative freedom and expression, resulting in a uniquely personalized surround.

Foundry flats unglazed stone tiles behind a classic style white fireplace in a sparse modern living room.

foundry flats standard issue in sand cast. design: working holiday studio / photo carlos naude

the role of color in creating a sophisticated and cohesive design

color holds immense power in interior design because it influences mood, ambience, and visual cohesion within the space. let’s explore some timeless and trendy color schemes to inspire your design journey.

neutral elegance

neutral color palettes are a symbol of timeless sophistication, providing a serene backdrop that allows other design elements to shine. shades of white, beige, taupe, and gray create a sense of understated luxury, enhancing the beauty of materials such as stone, wood, and metal.

bold contrasts

bold color contrasts inject drama and impact into the space. pairing deep rich hues, such as navy blue, emerald green, or burgundy with crisp white or creamy neutrals creates a striking visual effect, while also adding depth and dimension to the surrounding space.

earthy warmth

inspired by the natural beauty of the outdoors, earthy color schemes evoke a sense of warmth, comfort, and tranquility. terracotta, ochre, rust, and olive green are perfect for creating an inviting ambience, reminiscent of sun-drenched mediterranean landscapes or rustic retreats.

installation matters

tile installation around the wood stove is a specialized skill that requires experience and expertise, especially where artisan-crafted tile is involved. from properly preparing the substrate to installing the heat shield, every step of the installation process contributes to the success of your project.

a professional tile installer brings years of experience and technical know-how to the table, allowing them to address potential challenges and ensure a flawless result. they can also provide valuable insights to enhance the functionality and aesthetic appeal of your wood stove surround and ensure that your investment is protected for years to come.

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