
16 Subway Tile Ideas
- Dark Gray Herringbone Christy Q. Photography / Cathie Hong Interiors ...
- Matte Navy Cathie Hong Interiors ...
- Glossy White Vertical Blue Copper Design ...
- Black Accent LeClair Decor ...
- Black and White Stripes K Shan Design. ...
- Textured White LeClair Decor ...
- Splashy Metallic LeClair Decor ...
- Dove Gray Glass LeClair Decor ...
- White.
- Red.
- Green.
- Brown.
- Blue.
- Black.
- Metal.
- Gray.
How to choose subway tile?
SUBWAY TILE IDEA – Choose your material carefully Traditionally, a subway tile would be porcelain or ceramic but you can get the subway tile PATTERN in any number of products such as marble, travertine, glass and more. Don’t limit yourself to what has always been done, see what else is out there!
What are the different types of subway tiles?
- Glazed: Features liquid glass coating that helps resist stains, scratches, fire and fading.
- Unglazed: No coating; even color all the way through; must be treated to resist stains.
- Ideal for high-traffic areas; used for kitchens, bathrooms, entryways and mudrooms. ...
- Rated based on the amount of moisture it absorbs.
- Cost-effective and easy to maintain.
Is subway tile trendy or classic?
Since subway tile has been a safe and trendy choice for quite some time now, the overuse of it is quite frankly feeling boring and dated, instead of classic. You’re probably thinking, “since it IS a classic material, you really can’t go wrong and it will never go out of style”… ehhh, yes and no.
What size is a subway tile?
What are the dimensions of subway tile? Subway tile is traditionally 3 x 6 inches and this is the most popular size of subway tile. However, any rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions can work as subway tile, with other subway tile sizes including 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12.

Do subway tiles come in different colors?
From solid black or white ceramic to natural stone, marble or glass, the design possibilities are endless. Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes are a few of our favorite places and ways to feature subway tiles throughout the home. Consider selecting subway tiles in an unexpected color to create more visual interest.
Are subway tiles still popular in 2022?
If you still love the look of subway tile, it's still around! We're seeing it ever larger formats, in a straight stack or accented with a colored grout which makes whatever the lay-in pattern pop – straight lay, brick lay, or herringbone.
What color is subway tile?
Traditionally, subway tile backsplash is a white 3 x 6 inch glazed ceramic tile.
What is the most popular subway tile?
White subway tiles are the most popular and timeless option for kitchens that is endlessly versatile. They are like a black canvas that can work well with different design aesthetics from modern to farmhouse, traditional to contemporary. Also, the white subway tile backsplash comes in a wide range of material options.
What color tile is in Style 2022?
Popular Tile Colors This Year The jewel-toned colors rolling out in 2022 are the answer to overdone neutrals and bright whites. "Teal, mustard yellow, and even rust-colored tiles have been catching my eye already this year," notes Alexander. It doesn't take much for these tones to make an impact either.
What color tile is in for 2022?
Jewel tones that can be found in nature, including amber, brick, emerald, and aquamarine hues, are popular palettes for tile in 2022. Leafy greens and rich clay colors give us a grounded connection to the outdoors.
Is white subway tile out of style?
We know classic white ceramic subway tile will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean we can't look for ways to jazz it up! One of the current trends to give this timeless tile a fresh new look is adding contrasting grout!
Does white subway tile go with everything?
White subway tile pairs well with almost any decor and allows plenty of freedom to play around with other materials and textures.
Is GREY grout better than white?
Softer than a dark grout but much more user-friendly than a white grout, grey is the perfect solution for a kitchen splashback as it will keep looking cleaner for longer. Large white tiles often look better with a grey grout as it will frame the tile.
Is subway tile out of style 2021?
“Subway tiles are classic and timeless, yet versatile, which is why they are so great. They aren't going anywhere in 2021 or beyond,” shares Erin Davis, lead designer at Mosaik Design & Remodeling in Portland, OR.
What size tiles make a kitchen look bigger?
Large Format Tiles & Matching Grout Colour So, the first thing to consider is large format floor tiles. These large tiles trick the eye and make a room look bigger because there are fewer grout lines that look less cluttered and make the room feel more seamless.
What size tile is best for kitchen backsplash?
3 x 6If you want your kitchen to remain timeless in design, we suggest sticking with a classic field tile size such as a 3 x 6 subway tile or a 4 x 4 in a straight-set pattern. Or add some design detail with a herringbone pattern. Field tile will transcend trends, making your tile backsplash a sustainable design feature.
What is the trend for backsplash in 2022?
Still, some backsplash styles stand out in 2022. Among these kitchen backsplash trends 2022, we can count mirror, metal, patterned, subway tile, and geometric tile backsplashes as well as wallpaper designs. Also, open wall surfaces are preferred to create an airy and spacious feeling.
Are subway tiles going out of style?
We know classic white ceramic subway tile will never go out of style, but that doesn't mean we can't look for ways to jazz it up! One of the current trends to give this timeless tile a fresh new look is adding contrasting grout!
Is subway tile timeless?
Its popularity stays constant and the tile itself remains timeless. Ubiquitous, classic and easy to work with, colored subway tiles provide a wealth of decorative and design options for any space residential or commercial.
What backsplash is out of style?
Tiny Backsplashes Skinny backsplashes are out of style, we are happy to report. A ceramic tile or glass backsplash that stretches from counter to cabinets is much easier to keep clean, and is more likely to catch spills and splatters.
What kind of tile is for a small bathroom?
For a small bathroom, you might want to choose a light-colored tile, such as white or cream. You might also want to consider a mosaic tile, which can add visual interest to a small space.
What bathroom tiles are in fashion now?
As bathroom tile styles are constantly changing. However, some of the most popular tile styles used in bathrooms today include subway tile, patterned tile, and hexagon tile.
Are subway tiles classic or trendy?
Subway tiles can be seen as classic, because they have been around for a long time. However, they have also been seen as trendy, because they are currently popular in design.
How can I make my white subway tile more interesting?
If you want to make your white subway tile more interesting, you could try painting it. You could also try stenciling it or adding decals to it.
Is subway tile popular in kitchens?
Yes, subway tile is popular in kitchens. It is a classic look that never goes out of style.
What era is subway tile?
Subway tile emerged in the early 20th century and was used extensively in public transportation systems throughout the world.
Do you need a backsplash in a kitchen?
A kitchen backsplash is not a necessity, but it can be a nice touch. A backsplash can protect the wall behind the sink and stove from splashes and stains. It can also add style and personality to the kitchen.
What is the best backsplash for a kitchen?
Traditional kitchen with honed black countertop and Turkish Coffee hardwood flooring. The best backsplash search to pick is light taupe which completes the puzzle.
What color backsplash goes well with white kitchen?
The dark color ceramic backsplash is back in white kitchen design! Medley green forest subway tile kitchen backsplash goes well with all neutral colors and white. Two-tone countertops are white quartz countertop and butcher block island top. Mirror image in the white craftsman kitchen: The power of symmetry shakes hands with the power of contradiction.
What color is Mediterranean kitchen?
Modern Mediterranean kitchen design with two-tone color code: Azure cabinetry and maple cabinetry, white countertops and patterned granite countertop, white subway tile, and Mediterranean ceramic decorative tile are the promises of the bold statement.
Why are subway backsplash tiles used?
Now you may wonder why Subway Backsplash Tiles are still used in kitchen remodeling as a particular design element. Without controversy, it would be a serendipity supporter or an appealing art piece in kitchen design. According to color code selection, Subway Backsplash Tiles have a soothing, cleansing and purity feeling or bring joy and dynamism to a monochromatic kitchen.
What color subway tile is used in Craftsman kitchen?
Craftsman kitchen with two-tone cabinetry and two-tone countertops: Grey and white friendship celebrate the color harmony. White subway tile is specially selected to provide the best support for this celebration.
What is Craftsman kitchen in white?
Craftsman kitchen in white kitchen remodeling: The crown molding over the modern cabinetry and the cabinet lighting has definitely an artisan touch. Under the cabinet lighting shows the excellence of the countertop and white subway.
What is the traditional kitchen with artisan touch?
Traditional kitchen with artisan touch: Coffered ceiling, full-round accent window over the sink, raised accent island with glass doors, two-tone quartz countertops, hickory hardwood flooring, two-tone cabinetry, and two-tone backsplash.
What is the best backsplash for a light grey kitchen?from countertopsnews.com
Traditional kitchen project with full covered the walls with taupe tile and cauliflower blue and white cabinetry. Quartz countertops are the best company for light grey backsplash.
What color is Mediterranean kitchen?from countertopsnews.com
Modern Mediterranean kitchen design with two-tone color code: Azure cabinetry and maple cabinetry, white countertops and patterned granite countertop, white subway tile, and Mediterranean ceramic decorative tile are the promises of the bold statement.
What is the color of the backsplash in a white kitchen?from countertopsnews.com
Taupe tile in a white kitchen: Inlet is herringbone style backsplash and gives a movement to this plain-looking peaceful kitchen.
What is lace pattern in shower?from tileshop.com
A delicate lace pattern makes walls come to life with texture. Tile doesn’t have to end where your shower does. Continuing your subway tile design into the rest of your space creates a cohesive look. Don’t be fooled – this classic tile shape is constantly being used in trendy new ways.
What is the best subway tile for a bathroom?from tileshop.com
An excellent choice for your bathroom or kitchen, glass subway tile creates a unique glossy-glam look with a shiny, stylish finish. To bring a hint of elegance to your space, choose marble subway tile: timeless beauty in a classic cut.
Why are subway backsplash tiles used?from countertopsnews.com
Now you may wonder why Subway Backsplash Tiles are still used in kitchen remodeling as a particular design element. Without controversy, it would be a serendipity supporter or an appealing art piece in kitchen design. According to color code selection, Subway Backsplash Tiles have a soothing, cleansing and purity feeling or bring joy and dynamism to a monochromatic kitchen.
Why is subway tile so popular?from daltile.com
It originally gained popularity because subway tile is easy to clean and stain-resistant. It became popular in public bathrooms and commercial kitchens.
What Is Subway Tile?
The term “ subway tile ” typically refers to rectangular tiles (usually 3 x 6 inches) laid horizontally with a 50% offset. Made of ceramic tile, subway tile is known for both its durability and its timeless style.
How to lay subway tile in herringbone pattern?
You can also lay your subway tiles in a straight (or 90-degree) herringbone pattern. Simply lay one tile vertically and the other perpendicular to it , and then repeat that pattern.
How to make a vertical subway tile?
Turn your subway tile on its side to create a vertically offset or stacked pattern. Vertical subway tile layouts are a great way to elongate a backsplash or wall and draw the eye upward. To really mix things up, take the traditional subway tile layout and rotate it by 45 degrees and you’ll have a diagonal pattern.
What was the original subway tile?
The original subway tile was ceramic tile. Today, you can find subway tiles in ceramic, porcelain, and glass tiles, all popular choices for the same reason ceramic tiles were chosen in the first place: low maintenance and incredible style.
How to determine the middle of a subway tile?
The middle of each tile should line up with the edges of the two tiles above and beneath it. Because subway tile typically has 1-to-2 dimensions, you can use the short side of a tile to determine the middle point of the long side.
What is subway tile pattern?
What is the subway tile pattern? Subway tiles are traditionally laid in a 50% offset, meaning that the middle of the tile aligns with the edges of the two tiles above or beneath it. However, modern interpretations of subway tile often take liberties with this pattern, or even abandon it altogether. Alternative subway tile patterns include a one-third offset and a one-fourth offset.
What is beveled subway tile?
Beveled subway tile creates a three-dimensional tile design with sloped edges and a protruding surface.
Why is subway tile so popular?
It originally gained popularity because subway tile is easy to clean and stain-resistant. It became popular in public bathrooms and commercial kitchens.
What is the most affordable subway tile?
Classic ceramic subway tile is one of the most affordable types of tile per square foot. There are many types of subway tile available that vary widely in price, such as marble, handcrafted, and glass.
What is a herringbone tile?
Herringbone pattern subway tile is laid with one tile oriented to the left and one to the right forming an interwoven look. The first tile is usually laid on an angle. The second is laid opposite to it and on top of it with the short end of the first tile next to the long end of the second tile.
What is a spacer for tile?
Spacers are always a good idea when installing tile of any type. They ensure you get a proper grout joint that is even and allows for structural movement without disrupting your tile.
What size is subway tile?
What Size Are Subway Tiles? Traditionally, subway tile is 3 x 6 inches. However, sizes for subway tile have expanded to include many other sizes. The general rule is any wall tile with a 1 to 2 size can be styled as a subway tile: 2 x 4, 4 x 8, 6 x 12.
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When was the first 3x6 tile installed?
The first application of the glazed ceramic 3 x 6 white tile was in the subway stations beneath New York City in 1904. Their popularity quickly spread into businesses and homes in the years that followed.
What is subway tile?
Subway tile is a white, rectangular ceramic tile with a high-gloss coating named for the New York City subway stations built in the early 1900s. It came about when the station architects needed an affordable, low-maintenance tile and designed the high-gloss subway tiles we’re familiar with today.
5 Types of subway tile
Subway tile comes in a few different materials, which differ from the traditional versions seen in New York subway stations. The variety of materials allows you to guide your customers toward a choice that will make the most sense for their space.
Types of subway tile designs
Subway tile can be altered and still maintain its classic look. Here are some common patterns:
What is subway tile backsplash?from daltile.com
Traditionally, subway tile backsplash is a white 3 x 6 inch glazed ceramic tile. However, the definition of subway tile has expanded as it has grown in popularity in the design world to include most sizes that are twice the length as they are wide. They come in virtually all colors and many other materials like glass, porcelain, and natural stone.
How many colors of glazed ceramic tile are there?from daltile.com
This glazed ceramic tile is offered in 41 colors of subway tile backsplash and square tile.
Why is subway tile so popular?from daltile.com
It originally gained popularity because subway tile is easy to clean and stain-resistant. It became popular in public bathrooms and commercial kitchens.
What is subway tile?from daltile.com
Whether you’re looking to tile a kitchen backsplash or shower stall, one popular option is subway tile, so named because it first appeared in— you got it—subways. While this staple of public transport decor may not sound all that appealing for your bathroom walls, these rectangular, high-gloss ceramic tiles are a mainstay in home decor because they’re inexpensive, durable, and versatile. Subway tiles go with just about anything!
What is the most affordable subway tile?from daltile.com
Classic ceramic subway tile is one of the most affordable types of tile per square foot. There are many types of subway tile available that vary widely in price, such as marble, handcrafted, and glass.
What is color wheel tile?from daltile.com
Color Wheel™#N#is a vibrant collection that offers a wide spectrum of colorful selections from bright and pigmented hues to neutral and earthy tones.#N#This glazed ceramic tile is offered in 41 colors of subway tile backsplash and square tile.
What is a herringbone tile?from daltile.com
Herringbone pattern subway tile is laid with one tile oriented to the left and one to the right forming an interwoven look. The first tile is usually laid on an angle. The second is laid opposite to it and on top of it with the short end of the first tile next to the long end of the second tile.
Origins
Subway tiles were invented in 1904 by Christopher La Farge and George C. Heins. The designers had been given the remit of coming up with a suitable wall covering that was easy to maintain but that would appeal to subway users. The tiles they came up with are still used today not only in subway stations but in a host of other venues and homes.
Traditional Subway Tiles
La Farge and Heins’s tiles were designed with curved edges and with a glazed, glossy finish. The finish meant that the tiles did not stain but could be easily wiped clean. Their white glaze meant that they wouldn’t fade and would retain their original brilliance. The glossy color also helped brighten otherwise dark underground stations.
Modern Designs
The tiles not only proved popular in subways. Their neutral color and design combined with their sanitary properties quickly saw them used in diners as well as in home kitchens and bathrooms. And despite having been introduced more than 100 years ago, subway tiles remain very popular today, albeit in a wider range of designs and styles.
Subway Tile Benefits
There are multiple benefits to the purchase and use of subway tiles, including:
Designing With Subway Tiles
With so many options and varieties of tiles, you can use subway tiles in virtually any room, regardless of the room’s purpose or its existing décor.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when buying and designing using subway tiles, especially as today’s range is considerably more expansive than the traditional 3” x 6” white, glossy tiles that were first introduced at the turn of the 20 th Century.
What is the backsplash made of?
In this handsome kitchen design from Ottawa-based designers Sacha and Melissa Leclair of LeClair Decor, a backsplash made from bronze mirrored subway tiles adds an unexpected display of metallic flair and contrasts with the moody and masculine color scheme that includes cabinets in a mix of wood and black paint finishes, dark stone and medium-toned wood floors.
What color subway tile is used in a kitchen?
In this kitchen design by Ottawa-based designers Sacha and Melissa Leclair of LeClair Decor, a stylish built-in bar nook is lined with shiny black subway tiles in a classic offset running bond pattern that reaches all the way up to the ceiling. The black subway tiles mimic the white subway tiles used elsewhere in the kitchen, to add contrast while keeping the overall design cohesive. The dark color creates depth and interest and creates a room-within-a-room feeling that works especially well given the soaring ceiling heights of the kitchen.
What is subway tile?
Subway tile refers to simple 3x6-inch white ceramic tiles that are arranged in an offset running-bond pattern.
What is the bathroom tile in Hasbrouck House?
In another bathroom at Hasbrouck House, an 18th-century Dutch Colonial stone mansion in Stone Ridge, NY, classic white subway tiles are used throughout, including on the small staircase entryway, creating a cohesive look that is also easy to clean and maintain. Black bullnose capping adds a classic finish and a black hand railing fits seamlessly into the design.
Where are white subway tiles?
At Hasbrouck House, an 18th-century Dutch Colonial stone mansion in Stone Ridge, NY , classic white subway tiles were used to finish one of the bathrooms. adding a clean, crisp look that coexists beautifully with the atmospheric original brickwork and gives the room an updated feel. White penny tiles on the floor and a pedestal sink with traditional silver plumbing fixtures and a floating glass shelf and vintage lighting complete the timeless look.
When was subway tile introduced?
The Spruce / Margot Cavin. Subway tile became an instant classic when it was introduced in NYC subway stations in the early 1900s.
Who designed the transitional bungalow kitchen?
In this transitional bungalow kitchen designed by Ottawa-based designers Sacha and Melissa Leclair of LeClair Decor, white subway tiles laid out in a herringbone pattern add a classic, timeless look that works like a charm with warm white oak flooring, white shaker kitchen cabinetry and a mix of neutral finishes and textures.
