Why paint it? Why not paint the wall an accent color instead? As for decor, try shopping your own possessions first. Something that speaks to you of a favorite moment whether it is a vacation photo or momento or wonderful piece of art.

I agree with lkw524. Leave the tile and paint the wall. Since it is a small wall, you could just paint it a contrast color, and leave the rest of the room the same...
I work with balance not symmetry, so two vases with flowers is too much. Stand back, look critically, then remove both flower vases, bring the R a little closer to center, even overlapping the mirror just a bit.

Remember less is more.

You can change it seasonally too.

I like your mirror. Like Mishi says above, one vase of flowers is great, and find one more item in a different scale like your owl and go for an asymetrical arrangement. If you cannot afford to replace the tiles, consider an epoxy style ceramic paint. They use it for porcelain tubs also. A pro will do the best job.

I recommend changing the tiles out with stone....You can add a larger full size mirror above that will make the room larger and brighter. Than paint the surrounding walls.

No need to paint. If you're going to use flowers, I'd put those on edges and put letter more central. I'd add a brown basket to keep blankets in, perhaps, at the foot of the fireplace to help connect the dark brown in the mirror and prevent things from feeling too washed out down there.

One can also paint the mirror similar to the letter R color.

No! Don't paint those tiles black! Lose the flowers, they look cheap. Instead, concentrate on things like nice big candles, a collection of some sort.

I agree with MishiMcCoy - leave the tiles alone - its not the fireplace thats off. The mirror is much too heavy - you have more frame than mirror and it becomes top heavy since your fireplace is flanked by angled walls. Rather than vases, get a low rectangular vase with a grouping of colorful flowers that can be changed out seasonally - it'll carry the eye horizontally across the fireplace. Good luck.

I think the fireplace is very nice. Don't paint the tiles. Change wall color if you want. The mirror really doesn't go with fireplace style. Ditch the fake flowers...they look bad.

Don't paint the tiles! Leave them the nice natural tone they are. I have black marble and wish they were natural--or white tiles. :) I am also struggling with my mantel. It has quite barren for years. The furthest I got and liked was a tall boxwood topiary for height with a shorter next to it--could never figure out the rest. You want some height for sure. I am great help I know but had to share not to paint the tile. And your mirror is wonderful.

The white mantel and surround look great. I would if in budget to change out the tiles. There are so many new designs that would bring a new feel. Also, keep the mirror, maybe add a stack of books with the owl on top of the stack with the white vase and a few taller fillers next to that and the letter where it is.

I guess I'm not clear on what kind of a look you are trying to get. it looks rather contemporary right now. Perhaps the mirror, while I like it, is too rustic for the look. Remove the vase/flowers next to the "R" - keep the look asymmetrical - the large "R" on the left doesn't need anything else with it as long as you keep the multiple items on the right that balance it. But the 3 items put together on the right should be more of a cluster than "3 in a row" and alter the height so there is a low, middle and high visual.

I think maybe you need to identify a look you want, and then figure what colors/items complement the look...

Those tiles are horrible old fashioned in my opinion and I would either paint or replace them. Not too sure about black if you decide to paint, I would go for a different color since the tiles are big. If you had smaller tiles, I think it would be okay.

But, I would replace the tile with a nice colored mosaic tile or something, or bare white.

I also love the mirror but think it is too heavy for the fireplace. Also, do not paint the tiles, paint the wall a color. Remove the flowers entirely, and go with a sleeker mirror.

Paint the INSIDE of the fireplace black.

I can't imagine why you would want to paint the tile, yikes! I agree with others that have suggested painting a contrast color for an accent wall. Love the mirror! I would remove the flowers for sure.

if you paint the wall, you still have the same tile that you look at and I don't think they are really pretty, but that depends on the style you like.

Glaze the mantle lightly to give it depth and texture.

I have those same tiles on my fireplace and thought I wanted black.To see if I liked it I put black paper over the tile and lived with it a few days .The result was overpowering and I never changed the tiles as of yet. You might want to try the paper test make sure it is mat or glossy as in the type black tile paint you would consider.

what about this color? It's Birds egg from Benjamin Moore

Cover the tile area you want to paint with black construction paper and live with it before you commit. Search "mantle", "mantle design" to get a feel for the balance you need. (Quick fix: lose the flowers and group the "R", small vase with willows & owl together tightly on one side as a group of 3, lean the "R" 1/2 on the mirror frame).

right off the back......black will show dust really well and if you have a window that casts on it you will be sorry. That's my 2 cents about it.

did not notice it before but your reflection in that great looking mirror could improve but as a rule seeing what's in the reflections will cast a vote on any wall color

I don't understand the idea of painting your tile. There looks to be beige and grey in them, and on my screen tie into the grey on walls. Painting them one flat colour would look fake, IMO.

I agree with Elise above and move the R over so it overlaps the mirror a bit. On the right try the vases as she suggests, but I feel they may be too small and some vases with more presence might work better.

Uttermost Pajaro Ceramic Vases, Set of 2 · More Info

Another idea might be to add some decor to the hearth like baskets/lanterns as in this photo.

Modern and Rustic · More Info

I would paint inside of fireplace with black paint and it would have to be the

special paint for high heat because it looks like you do use it. I painted ours

in our other house and it made the biggest difference

I wouldn't paint the tiles. If you love your mirror, keep it there. I would recommend removing all items on mantle. Find a large (24" high) dark colored basket (similar tone to mirror) and add a nubby textured (washable) throw. Pick up another basket while you shop (great for baby toys). Practical and stylish.

No -- no paint. You might consider a hearth rug if you want a warmer color for the floor in front of the fireplace.

You love the mirror and it should stay. I wouldn't paint anything right now, you're not up to making big changes like that and they are not really necessary. I think if you replaced the items on your mantle with three candle sticks of different heights, one being quite tall and added some pictures in nice frames that would be all you would need until time for Christmas decor, pinecones and fir branches maybe.

Keep the mirror and the R. On the other side, group 3 vases, overlapped, short, medium and tall. Then put something in the tall vase that you can change out - flowers, leaves, a branch, etc.

here are 2 ideas i created for you. i substituted a new mirror on first one just to give you some options. i understand your prefer to keep existing mirror - see 2nd rendering. (notice that artwork is mother and child.)