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Guide to Using Antique Brick in Modern Home Design - Expert Tips for a Warm, Inviting Space

Updated: Nov 29

Picture a home where each brick brings a story, layering history into every space. Antique brick adds unmatched warmth and depth, bringing a character that modern materials cannot achieve.


A rustic kitchen backsplash, a cozy living room wall, or even a patio transformed with antique brick creates spaces that feel both timeless and welcoming.


In this guide, discover straightforward ways to integrate antique brick into a modern design, achieving that perfect blend of elegance and character. Learn how a single accent or a full wall can make any room more inviting, grounded, and unique.


The Perfect Touch for Any Space

Antique brick goes beyond simply adding a vintage feel. It brings depth, character, and warmth unmatched by regular materials. With its unique textures, natural colors, and subtle imperfections, antique brick transforms any room, making it feel more welcoming.


Benefits of Using Antique Brick

A wall with antique white bricks
A wall with antique white bricks
  1. Timeless Look: Antique brick has a classic appeal, making it a long-term choice.

  2. Unique Texture and Color: Each brick varies slightly, giving a room a one-of-a-kind look.

  3. Easy Pairing with Other Materials: Antique brick pairs with materials like wood, metal, and glass, adapting to various decor styles.


When ordering, be aware that the weight of the package can affect the shipping price, so check out the weight of the bricks.


Examples of Antique Brick in Action

Antique brick floor and walls
Example of using antique bricks in living room
  • Modern Loft: An exposed brick wall brings vintage industrial style, creating a space that feels both edgy and inviting.

  • Farmhouse Kitchen: A brick backsplash against wood cabinets creates a farmhouse look that feels both warm and functional.

  • Minimalist Bedroom: A light brick wall behind the bed adds texture without taking over.


Where to Use Antique Brick?


Antique brick can elevate nearly any part of a home, adding character to spaces that may feel plain or lack personality. Its unique texture and warmth bring a timeless quality to both common and unexpected areas.


Ideal Spots for Antique Brick

Fireplace with antique brick/YouTube Screenshot/Living it Country
Surrounding a fireplace with antique brick
  • Accent Walls: Antique brick works perfectly as an accent wall in living rooms or dining areas, creating a natural focal point.

  • Fireplaces: Surrounding a fireplace with antique brick enhances its coziness and makes it a standout feature. Also, check out our guide on restoring the rustic fireplace.

  • Kitchen Backsplashes: A brick backsplash brings a rustic or industrial touch, blending well with wood cabinets or stainless steel fixtures.

  • Bathrooms: In bathrooms, antique brick creates a spa-like environment, especially when paired with modern sinks and metal fixtures.

  • Outdoor Patios and Walkways: Antique brick used outside provides a charming, natural look to patios, garden walls, or pathways, blending seamlessly with greenery and landscaping.


Another great option is to use it for a brick facade.


Pick the Best Antique Brick Model

Antique bricks come in various options, each offering a unique look and feel. Here are a few top choices from the Antique Collection to consider.


Georgetown Thin Brick 

Known for its warm, earthy tones and textured surface, Georgetown is ideal for creating a cozy, historic vibe in living rooms or kitchens.

 

Ravenna Thin Brick 

Ravenna offers a more refined look with its smoother surface and balanced color tones, perfect for accent walls and modern interiors that still need a touch of vintage charm.

 

Magnolia Thin Brick 

For a classic, timeless look, Magnolia combines subtle variations in color with a slightly rustic finish. It works beautifully in both indoor and outdoor spaces, blending well with neutral and natural color schemes.

 

Snoqualmie Thin Brick 

Snoqualmie’s deeper tones and rugged texture make it perfect for statement walls or fireplace surrounds.

 

Fremont Thin Brick 

Fremont combines a rustic appeal with lighter color shades, making it a great choice for bathrooms, kitchens, or outdoor settings. Its availability in multiple sizes allows for flexibility in layout and design.

 

Tips to Choose the Right Model

  • Size: Think about where you plan to use the brick. Larger bricks like the 4" x 8" size cover more area with fewer pieces, ideal for feature walls. Smaller options (2-1/4" x 8") are often better suited for backsplashes or detailed layouts.

  • Color Variance: Antique bricks like Georgetown or Snoqualmie have color variations that add depth, while smoother models like Ravenna offer a more consistent tone.

  • Texture: Models like Magnolia and Fremont bring a textured finish, which adds dimension and a more rustic feel, making them ideal for spaces needing more character.


Design Tips

Antique brick can transform any room, but using it effectively requires a few design strategies to keep the look balanced and appealing.


How to Make Antique Brick Look Its Best?

Focal point of a wall in the living room made of antique bricks
Focal point of living room/YouTube Screenshot/ Design and decor
  • Limit to One or Two Walls: Use antique brick as an accent rather than covering multiple walls. A single brick wall can create a focal point without making the room feel heavy or closed in.

  • Pair with Light Colors: To balance the warmth of antique brick, combine it with light or neutral colors. White, gray, or beige walls and furniture keep the look fresh and let the brick stand out.

  • Mix with Modern Elements: Antique brick pairs surprisingly well with modern materials like glass, metal, and polished wood. This contrast keeps the room feeling updated rather than overly rustic.

  • Try Unique Layouts: Experiment with different brick patterns, such as herringbone or basket weave, to add interest and personality. A unique pattern can make even a small area like a backsplash or entryway feel custom-designed.

  • Add Soft Textures: Layering soft textures, such as rugs, cushions, and throws, adds warmth and balances the ruggedness of the brick. This works especially well in living rooms and bedrooms, making the space feel inviting.


Examples of Great Combinations

Kitchen furniture made from wood combined with bricks
Kitchen furniture made from wood combined with bricks
  1. Antique Brick and Metal: Pair a brick wall with black metal shelving or fixtures for an industrial feel that’s bold and modern.

  2. Brick and Natural Wood: Using wood furniture or accents softens the brick’s texture and adds a natural warmth, perfect for kitchens or dining areas.

  3. Brick and Clean Lines: In a bathroom, using brick with clean-lined fixtures keeps the look sleek and prevents the space from feeling too rustic.


Installation Basics

Installing thin brick requires some preparation to ensure a smooth, durable finish.


Here’s a straightforward guide to help you get started:


Steps for Installing Thin Brick



  1. Prepare the Surface: Make sure the wall or floor is clean, dry, and even. Thin brick performs best on a flat, stable surface that can fully support its weight.

  2. Choose the Right Adhesive: Use a lightweight adhesive specifically made for thin brick. Avoid heavy-duty adhesives, as they are not needed and can make adjustments challenging.

  3. Start with a Level Base Line: Use a level to draw a straight line on the wall or floor where you plan to start.

  4. Use Spacers for Consistent Gaps: Place spacers between each brick to keep gaps even and neat. Consistent spacing helps with grouting and enhances the overall appearance.

  5. Apply Mortar in Small Sections: Work in small areas when spreading mortar to prevent it from drying out too quickly. Press each brick firmly into place, adjusting as needed to maintain alignment.

  6. Grout with Precision: A grout bag allows for controlled filling of gaps between bricks without excess mess. Avoid spreading grout over the brick face to maintain a clean finish.

  7. Seal for Longevity: Once the bricks are set and grouted, apply a sealant to protect against stains and moisture, especially if the area is prone to spills or humidity.


FAQs


Can I install thin brick on drywall?

How do I clean thin brick after installation?

Can thin brick be used on floors?

Does thin brick add insulation to a room?

Last Words

Thin brick brings character and style to any space, adding warmth that feels both classic and modern. With the right choices and careful installation, it becomes a standout feature in any room.

Follow the steps, avoid common mistakes, and enjoy the lasting charm it brings to your home.


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