Subway tile was born from a Victorian fixation on cleanliness, but its classic look is enduring, meaning it will always stay in style. As a result, it’s the ideal choice for a bathroom or kitchen backsplash. While you’ll often see it laid in a standard 50 percent offset running bond, the options are limitless. For example, you can orient your tiles vertically or even in herringbone patterns.
Versatile
Regarding home design, tile is one of the most versatile options. From classic running bond to herringbone and basket weave, there is a look to match any taste. It’s no wonder that subway tiles have become the go-to choice for homeowners, especially with a range of colors, sizes and pattern options.
This timeless classic has become a staple of modern kitchens and baths. They also add a sophisticated touch to fireplace walls, often highlighting an interesting shape or contrasting wall color. If you want to spice up your space, use subway tiles differently.
For example, if you have a neutral color palette that you’re using for your kitchen, use a different color of subway tile to create an accent wall. This will bring attention to your design without distracting the overall room layout. You can also break the traditional brick-style look of subway tiles by combining them with other patterns.
For example, if you have chevron or herringbone flooring, pair it with subway tile to create an even more dynamic way. You can even use different colors of tiles to create a gradient effect. For example, a sandy beige that fades into pearly white or an obsidian shade that works from slate to grey.
Easy to Clean
Subway tiles are a great option for backsplashes because of their durability and easy maintenance. They can withstand the frequent wiping needed to remove food and cleaning spatter, making them a perfect choice for kitchens and bathrooms. They also hold up well in hardworking spaces like laundry rooms and mudrooms.
To keep your subway tile fresh, wipe down the surfaces daily with a damp cloth to eliminate surface dirt and grime. You can also use a mild cleaning solution mixed with warm water for routine cleaning. Avoid abrasive or acidic cleaners, which may damage the surface over time. While most of us think of white subway tile when we hear the term, today’s options include a variety of colors and finishes to suit every taste.
There are endless possibilities, from a subtle glazed finish to a more dramatic crackle design. These finishes can highlight different features of the tile, such as a beveled edge or texture. Backsplashes are the most common place to see subway tile, but you can install them in other areas of your home.
If you envision an eye-catching pattern, pair your subway tile with another material to create an accent wall. This can add interest to the space and draw attention away from trouble spots.
Easy to Maintain
Subway tiles are typically crafted from long-lasting and durable ceramics or porcelain. They’re also non-porous, making them easy to clean and resistant to water damage. This makes them a great option for bathrooms and kitchens, especially in high-moisture areas like showers and backsplashes.
They’re also smart for mudrooms, laundry, and pool rooms. Several different subway tile patterns allow for endless possibilities. For example, lay them in a horizontal running bond pattern for a classic brick effect or herringbone pattern to add visual interest to your backsplash.
You can also try a double basket-weave layout, a unique twist on the traditional subway tile design. Regardless of the type of layout you choose, it’s important to consider your grout color, as this can make or break the look of your new backsplash. Darker grout can make your subway tile appear larger and more dramatic, while light-colored grout can create a more subtle and understated aesthetic.
Subway tiles are a great way to update your kitchen’s decor, and the variety of colors and options available today make them a versatile addition to any space. Whether you’re looking for an eye-catching backsplash or want to protect your kitchen walls from water damage, subway tiles are the perfect choice.
Easy to Install
Despite their origins as an easy-to-sanitize wall surface for subway stations in 1904, these tiles have proven incredibly versatile. Their beauty lies in how they can complement and enhance any room in your home. Subway tile works well in many kitchens, particularly if you opt for a white backsplash.
The neutral color will help keep your space clean and modern and blend seamlessly with other colors or materials in the rest of your kitchen. It’s also possible to add a hint of drama using darker grout. Black grout accentuates your tile’s subtle lines, creating a contemporary and dramatic look.
Although subway tiles are often used horizontally, they can be arranged in various patterns, including herringbone zig-zags and stacked vertically. This lets you personalize your design, transforming it from a simple traditional aesthetic into something unique.
While most people think of subway tile as a kitchen staple, they work beautifully in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and even entryways. The only place you should only put them on the floor if they’re specifically designed as a flooring tile.
