Bathroom Accessories
Basins
Baths
Cabinets
Mirrors
Showers
Bathroom Taps
Toilets & Bidets
Wall Tiles
Floor Tiles
Feature Tiles
Taps
Kitchen Sinks
Floor Tiles
Mosaic Tiles
Outdoor Tiles
Swimming Pool Coping
Natural Stone Cladding
Swimming Pool Mosaic Tiles
Tiles
Showers
Accessories
Vinyl Flooring
Interior design maven Melanie Ewing, CEO of Chapters Interiors, calls the over-100-year-old Subway Tile “the eternal child” of the décor world: forever fresh and fabulous, and at home on just about any mood board. This iconic little charmer is the ultimate style chameleon, with the uncanny ability to adapt itself to modern trends.
Subway Tiles have become a staple in modern interior design, known for its versatility and timeless appeal. Let’s deep dive into their fascinating journey and explore why they remain a firm favourite.
A Brief History Of Subway Tiles.
Originally designed for the New York underground system in 1904 by New York architecture giants George Lewis Heins and Christopher Grant Lafarge, Subway Tiles were created to be both utilitarian and aesthetically pleasing. Their glossy white surface not only brightened the underground, but also made maintenance easy, embodying the Victorian era’s emphasis on cleanliness. Subway passengers were inspired by these smart, bright, clean white tiles, and before long, the Subway Tile became ubiquitous in homes, hotels, hospitals, and other public buildings.
The Difference Between Subway Tiles and Metro Tiles.
You may have heard these two terms? So, what’s the difference? To be honest, the term “Metro Tile” can be used interchangeably with “Subway Tile”, because they are describing the same tile. If you want to be a purist, though, a Subway Tile takes its name from the original white 3” x 6” underground tiles. It can also be called a rectangular wall tile. “Metro Tile” is a commonly used term and describes similar ranges of differently sized rectangular wall tiles – glossy polished, rustic, matt satin, bevelled or straight-edged, colourful or achromatic, all available thanks to innovative new production techniques.
Why Subway Tiles Remain in Vogue.
The interior design world’s enduring love affair with these popular little tiles can be attributed to their crisp silhouette, their adaptability and their charming simplicity. Subway Tiles can fit seamlessly into various design aesthetics, from rustic to modernist, making them a go-to choice for homeowners and designers alike.
Innovative Ways To Lay Subway Tiles.
The original installation pattern was called a brick pattern, or a classic brick bond. where the tiles are laid horizontally and staggered by a half or a third for each row. A more modern take on the classic brick pattern is a stacked block with no staggered joints, vertical or horizontal. A popular pattern is the herringbone shape, and variations of it. Today, there are several creative ways to mix it up and make your Subway Tile feature wall as eye-catching as possible. Get creative and take your Subway Tiles from classic to contemporary to elevate your interiors. Here are twelve patterns to inspire your creativity:
Twelve Different Ways to Lay your Subway Tiles:
- Herringbone at 90 degrees.
- Step Ladder.
- Classic Subway, stacked like bricks.
- Geometric Look.
- Classic at a Diagonal.
- Stacked Vertical.
- 90 Degree Classic.
- Stacked Horizontal Tile.
- Stacked Vertical – Alternating.
- Classic Herringbone
- Stacked Horizontal – Alternating.
- Herringbone at 45 Degrees.
The Best Spaces to Feature Subway Tiles.
Subway Tiles for kitchens and bathrooms are ideal because they are non-porous and durable, offering low maintenance. They shine as kitchen splashbacks or as accent walls in bathrooms and wet rooms, enhancing both style and functionality. Subway Tiles on Floors? For us at Italtile, the jury’s out on this option. While we’ll agree that their small size, along with grouting, will assist with grip, we believe their surfaces are too slippery. Some Subway Tiles may not be durable enough for floors and will crack under repeated impact. Check the manufacturer’s rating for the tile you’re interested in, or #justask us. Our design-certified sales consultants have deep product knowledge and will be only too happy to assist with your choice and guide you.
Choosing The Right Grouting For Your Subway Tiles.
Your choice of grouting can take your Subway Tile installation from classic to contemporary. It plays a really important role in the overall aesthetic, as it can either unify the look, or build contrast.
Stick to matching grout for a more seamless aesthetic: for example, white with white, black with black. But we’re here to say... how about something different? Create contrast, colour the lines, and deliberately draw attention to the installation pattern by choosing a contrasting grout colour. Grey or black with white. White or grey with black. Consider fun options like glitter grout for added quirk or flair. You decide, depending upon your appetite for the unusual.
Italtile stocks a wide range of superb, exclusive grouting options by our partners ProGrip, that offer the very latest in polymer technology, with water repellent qualities.
Then there’s our exclusive Litikol Starlike Evo range of glitter grout, designed to give your exclusive, luxury Subway Tiles from Italtile the glamour they deserve. Both grouting labels carry our LiveGreen label for sustainability.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Subway Tiles.
Advantages:
-Easy to maintain non-porous and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for wet areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
-Durability: Subway Tiles are water-resistant and can handle the humidity of a bathroom or kitchen.
-Aesthetically pleasing; Thanks to the variety of sizes, textures, colours, finishes and patterns available, Subway Tiles will please the most discerning style palates.
-Versatile: The myriad modern installation patterns allow you to create the accent wall you desire.
-Subway Tiles brighten up a space: These iconic glossies reflect light, which brightens up a space and can make a room feel bigger.
Disadvantages:
-Grout maintenance: depending upon the grout you choose, porosity can pose a challenge, which can lead to maintenance issues over time. Grout, depending upon the quality you use, can stain and discolour over time, or grow mould. Regular cleaning is required.
-Susceptible to chipping: Depending upon the quality of the tile you choose, the glazed surface can chip, especially in heavy traffic areas where impact is possible.
-May not be the best choice for an ultra-modern aesthetic: although we at Italtile believe Subway Tiles are suitable for pretty much all interior design styles; personal choice may not include them in an ultra-modernist space as they may be considered too “sentimental” or nostalgic.
Subway Tiles on Floors: Yes or No?
We’ve noticed an uptick in the use of Subway Tiles on floors. We at Italtile aren’t convinced, and will always advise against a large floor installation, particularly in heavy traffic areas. Speak to our design-certified Sales consultants about the suitability of your choice of Subway Tiles for a floorspace before you regret your decision.
How To Care For Your Subway Tiles.
Bathrooms and kitchens are humid environments: a daily wipe-down of your easy-to-clean Subway Tiles and grout lines with a soft damp cloth or sponge is advised. Keep a watch out for areas likely to take spills and splashes, around the sink or stove. We recommend mixing a drop or two of dish soap in warm water to mop up the oopsy asap.
If you’re unsure and feel like your Subway Tile installation needs stronger tile and grout cleaners, please chat to one of our sales consultants, as Italtile stocks a range of specialist grout cleaners and tile cleaners.
Should Subway Tiles Be Sealed?
No. Please resist the urge to use a sealant over Italtile’s glazed ceramic subway tiles and specialist grout.
Are We Over the White Subway Tile Trend?
In a word... no. There will always be a space in our hearts for the classic glossy white Subway Tile. The white Subway Tile is like the little black dress of tiles and it’s a timeless investment that will hold its value when you put your house on the market. But it must be said that we are also enamoured of the fabulous variety of coloured and textured Subway Tiles at Italtile, that offers a fresh perspective and keeps the aesthetic in vogue, while still honouring the original design’s charm and simplicity.
What Goes With White Subway Tiles?
Literally everything! A classic white Subway Tiles allows for a gazillion interior design possibilities because it’s the perfect blank canvas. Having said that, a good starting point is a richly glazed Subway Tile, with matching white grout, married with a smooth wood-look porcelain tile. Classic. Looking for something a little more modern? Finish off your Subway Tile with a contrasting grout colour and add a contrasting smooth geometric patterned tile, like super-popular hexagonal tiles. Stone-look tiles, screed-look tiles, patchwork tiles and patterned tiles... all play nicely with white Subway Tiles. Really, it’s up to you and your preferences.
Subway Tile Sizes.
The most commonly available Subway Tile size is 75 x 150mm, but because of the diversification of these popular tiles, you’ll find various formats available, from ultra-slim silhouettes like 70x240mm (blurring the lines between subways and KitKat Tiles) to more substantial options – like 152x304mm or 100x400mm. Subway Tile slash Metro Tile 2.0 if you like: snazzy updates that will offer a more modern design element to elevate your space.
Italtile’s Latest Subway Tile Ranges.
So many faves in our new Subway Tile Collections, designed to add charm and elegance to your home. But let’s give top spot right now to one of our leading wall tile ranges, in glorious full colour:
-Italtile’s exclusive, sensational Vogue Ceramic Subway Tile 75x300mm range, made in Spain, eco-chic beyond, dripping with delicious glaze and available in eye-catching hues: Vogue Esmeralda Gloss, a lush tropical green; Vogue Denim Gloss, a varianced blue hue that pays homage to the forever fashionable denim look; Vogue Neutro Gloss, a superb off-white; and Vogue Greige Gloss, with its warm whisper of quiet luxury.
Then, if you’re considering the classics, look at:
-Aria White Gloss Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile 100x300mm, another sustainably made Spanish beauty.
Cautiously adventurous? Dip a toe in the colour pool with Aria Green Gloss Glazed Ceramic Wall Tile 100x300mm.
For those on the hunt for vibrant Subway colour with talkability, Italtile offers a dazzling selection from which to choose. Go matchy-matchy, or mix it up for a modern twist:
-Fuxia Pink Bevelled Subway Ceramic Tile 75x150mm
-Rojo Red Bevelled Subway Ceramic Tile 75x150mm
-Naranja Orange Bevelled Subway Ceramic Tile 75x150mm,
-Azul Cobolto Blue Bevelled Subway Ceramic Tile 75x150mm and
-Verdi Vic Green Bevelled Subway Ceramic Tile 75x150mm.
We’re mad about our Mini Subway Tile Mosaic Sheets. So many to mention, but let’s showcase a couple. Firstly, our marble-look mini subway tile mosaic beauties, like:
-Black Leopard Subway Marble Mosaic Sheet 300x300mm.
-Herringbone Milky White Marble Mosaic Sheet 270x245mm.
Then, for something futuristic:
-Chrome Glass Subway Mosaic Sheet 300x300mm.
Max out on colourful minis, like:
-Cherry Red Glass Subway Mosaic Sheet 300x300mm.
A Last Word On Simply Beautiful Subways.
Subway tiles continue to captivate with their rich and storied history, and their famous adaptability. Whether you’re looking for Subway Tiles for kitchens, bathrooms or floor spaces (once again proceed with caution here), Italtile offers a huge range that combines luxury with sustainability. Chat to our design-certified sales consultants, request a sample, hop online and take advantage of our free design tools. Explore our collections today, from classic, to contemporary, to multi-colour, to minis, and discover how these timeless tiles can transform your space and offer years of pleasure.
Turn your space into a style station with Subway Tiles and Live Beautifully!
Ciao.
Validate your login