Fireplace Surround Tile
A tiled fireplace surround does more than stand up to heat—it sets the tone for the whole room. Motawi’s handcrafted ceramic tile brings color, relief, and lasting character to the hearth, from Arts & Crafts classics to clean-lined modern designs. Explore ideas, see real installations, and create a surround that feels built in—because it is.
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Why Homeowners Choose Tile for Fireplace Surrounds
The hearth is where a room gathers—so the surround shouldn’t be an afterthought. Tile is naturally durable and heat-friendly, but the real magic is design: texture, pattern, and glaze that catch the light and make the fireplace feel intentional. With handcrafted ceramic tile, subtle variation becomes part of the beauty—no two surrounds read exactly the same.
Why Motawi Works So Well Around the Hearth
Handcrafted depth: Relief and glaze create shadow and warmth, even when the fire isn’t lit.
Made to last: Ceramic is a long-wearing surface that stays beautiful with simple care.
Style range:Arts & Crafts, nature-inspired motifs, mid-century modern—plus custom compositions.
A surround that feels “built in”: Field tile, borders, accents, or a full statement panel.
Design Approaches We Love:
Arts & Crafts / Craftsman
Earthy glazes, botanicals, geometry, and restraint—surrounds that feel rooted and architectural.
Modern & Minimal
Quiet field tile, clean edges, and a single moment of color or relief.
Nature-Inspired Statements
A focal motif (Flora, Ginkgo, Songbirds) paired with a calm surround to frame it.
Care and Practical Notes
Use common-sense maintenance: dust and wipe with a gentle cleaner. For installation details—especially around fireboxes—work with a qualified installer and follow local code and manufacturer clearances.
Ready to Create Your Fireplace Surround?
Browse inspiration below, then reach out to talk layout, scale, and the right tile mix for your space.
Arts & Crafts Fireplace
Ellsworth Fireplace
Ginkgo Lichen Fireplace
Craftsman Arched Fireplace
Leaves & Berries Slate Fireplace
Songbird Oak Fireplace
Zelda Fireplace
Coastal Craftsman Fireplace
Ivy Flora Fireplace
Clipped Corners Fireplace
Little Journeys Fireplace
Armitage Fireplace
FLW Storer Triplet Fireplace
Halsted Fireplace
Nouveau 4-Dot Fireplace
Dard Poppy Fireplace
Lisbon Fireplace
FLW Frank Thomas House Fireplace
Frequently Asked Questions
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Motawi ceramic tile is commonly used on fireplace surrounds and feature walls. Placement depends on clearances, substrate, and the heat profile of your fireplace—your installer can confirm what’s appropriate for your specific setup.
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Arts & Crafts favorites tend to pair well: warm, earthy glazes; botanical motifs; and simple geometry. A restrained field tile with a few accents often looks the most “original” to the architecture.
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If you want the fireplace to feel calm and architectural, choose a glaze close to your wall color and add relief for depth. If you want a statement, pick one glaze that contrasts and repeat it consistently (field + trim, or field + accents).
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Your installer will select setting materials appropriate for heat and for your substrate. The right prep and clearances matter as much as the tile.
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Dust and wipe with a gentle cleaner. For soot, a soft cloth and mild soap is usually enough. Avoid harsh abrasives that can dull surfaces over time.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.