Updating our Tile fireplace:
Our fire place was nice. Standard, builder grade. There was nothing particularly exceptional about it. But when we updated our floors, it really felt like it needed something to change with it. We thought about replacing the mantle, or the tile but honestly neither of those options were in our price range. Our budget for the fireplace was zero, so whatever we decided to do, it had to be frugal.
“The most significant gifts are the ones most easily overlooked. Small, everyday blessings: woods, health, music, laughter, memories, books, family, friends, second chances, warm fireplaces, and all the footprints scattered throughout our days.”
~ Sue Monk Kidd
When we completed our floors in the house, the tile didn’t seem to match anymore.
The fireplace felt washed out, and really showed the age of our house. Mr. Lovelee had the idea to paint the tile- matte black to pop off the floor and match the fixtures in the kitchen.
We looked for tile paint but couldnt find the matte look we were going for. We ultimately decided to use chalk paint.
Materials Needed:
- Painters Tape
- Roller and Paint Brush
- Drop cloth
- Primer
- Chalk Paint
Start by taping off your mantle. I would recommend putting down a drop cloth, especially if you just put down new flooring!
Use a coat of primer. We used this primer that we had left over from painting our cabinets.
At this point you are very committed to painting your tiles!
We could not find a true matte black, but the charcoal ended up being the best choice. It is a softer colour than true black, and pulls grey, or navy depending on the light.
Primed 
After two coats
We ended up doing three coats of paint. The can says not to roll on chalk paint, but we found the finish with the brush was streaky. Roll at own risk, but I love how it looks now.
This was such a simple update but really makes the space feel more modern and crisp.
Lovelee Lessons:
- Paint can be the simplest way to update a space! And usually one of the easiest things you can change if you make a mistake or choose a colour you don’t like. However, this one was kind of an all in or nothing project.
- Painting might not work on all fireplaces if you use them all the time or they are wood burning! We do not use ours very often, and it does not give off very much heat, it is mostly for the “ambience” so we felt safe doing this. You can purchase tile paint made for heat.
