From a practical choice, subway tiles have evolved into a versatile design element, popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and more. Their clean lines and classic appeal are timeless, but they can sometimes appear mundane. This article explores creative ways to elevate your subway tile installation, from unique layouts and color palettes to decorative accents and mixed materials, transforming these tiles into captivating focal points.
Why Subway Tiles Have Become a Design Staple
Subway tiles, characterized by their rectangular shape and typically small size, owe their name to their extensive use in New York City subway stations during the early 20th century. Their practicality, durability, and ease of cleaning quickly made them a popular choice for public spaces, and their aesthetic appeal eventually led to widespread adoption in residential settings.
Standard Size and Thickness of Subway Tiles
Standard subway tiles measure approximately 3 inches by 6 inches, though variations in size are available to suit different design preferences. The thickness of subway tiles can vary depending on the material, but they are generally known for their relatively thin profile. This characteristic contributes to their clean and modern appearance.
Material Composition of Subway Tiles
The material composition of subway tiles is a crucial factor influencing their appearance, durability, and maintenance requirements. Ceramic subway tiles are the most common and affordable option, offering a wide range of colors, finishes, and designs. Porcelain subway tiles are denser and more water-resistant, making them an excellent choice for high-moisture areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Glass subway tiles bring a sleek and luminous quality to any space, while metal tiles offer a contemporary and industrial vibe. Natural stone subway tiles, such as marble or slate, exude elegance and sophistication but require more careful maintenance. It is important to note, though, that natural stone subway tiles are highly porous and can be affected by scratches.
Versatility and Applications of Subway Tiles
The versatility of subway tiles is undeniable. They can be used to create a classic and timeless look in a kitchen backsplash, or they can be installed in a herringbone pattern for a more modern and dynamic aesthetic. In bathrooms, subway tiles are commonly used on walls, shower surrounds, and even floors. Beyond these traditional applications, subway tiles can also add a touch of sophistication to a fireplace surround or create a striking accent wall in any room.
Reimagining Layout Patterns
The traditional layout for subway tiles is a horizontal arrangement, where the tiles are installed side by side in rows. This classic pattern exudes a clean and timeless appeal, often associated with classic subway stations and vintage kitchens. While it remains a popular choice, there are numerous alternative layouts to consider for a more contemporary or personalized look.
Stylish Herringbone Pattern
For a stylish and eye-catching effect, consider the herringbone pattern. This layout involves arranging the subway tiles in a V-shape, resembling the bones of a herring fish. The herringbone pattern brings a sense of movement and intrigue to the space, making it a popular choice for accent walls and backsplashes.
Modern Vertical Stacking Layout
Vertical stacking is a modern take on the subway tile, where the tiles are installed upright instead of horizontally. This orientation creates a sense of height and can make a small space feel larger. It also adds a touch of drama and sophistication to any room.
Dynamic Diagonal Installation
To inject dynamic energy into your space, a diagonal installation can be a striking option. Laying the tiles at an angle creates a sense of depth and perspective, making the room feel larger and more expansive. This layout is particularly effective in creating a focal point on a feature wall.
Subtle Offset or Staggered Pattern
For a subtle yet impactful variation, the offset or staggered pattern can be used. By offsetting each row of tiles by one-third or one-fourth of the width of a tile instead of the usual half, you create a visually interesting and rhythmic arrangement. This pattern adds depth and texture to the wall, while still maintaining the clean lines associated with subway tiles.
Combining Layout Patterns
To truly unleash your creativity, consider combining different layout patterns within the same space. For instance, you could use a herringbone pattern for a backsplash and transition to a vertical stack on the adjacent wall. This approach allows you to create a unique and personalized composition that reflects your individual style.
To enhance your layout design, explore various options and let your creativity shine. Edward Martin's Augmented Reality (AR) tool can help you visualize these layouts in your spaces, making it easier to choose the perfect arrangement for your needs.
Playing with Subway Tile Colors and Finishes
Subway tiles offer a world of design possibilities through the creative use of colors and finishes. Whether you prefer the classic appeal of white tiles or want to experiment with bold color blocking, ombre effects, and mixed finishes, there’s an option to suit every style.
Classic Appeal of White Subway Tiles
White subway tiles have long been a classic choice for their timeless appeal and versatility. Their neutral hue complements a wide range of color palettes and design styles, making them a safe bet for any space. White tiles can create a clean, airy atmosphere and can visually enlarge a small room. However, if you want to add a touch of personality and vibrancy, colored subway tiles offer endless possibilities.
Bold Color Blocking Technique
Color blocking is a bold and modern approach that involves using large blocks of different colored subway tiles to create a striking visual impact. For example, you could use a deep navy blue for the lower half of a kitchen backsplash and white for the upper half, creating a sophisticated and contrasting look.
Creative Ombre Effect
An ombre effect is another creative way to incorporate color into your subway tile design. This technique involves gradually transitioning from one color to another, creating a soft and dreamy appearance. You can achieve an ombre effect by using tiles with varying shades of the same color or by blending different colors.
Mixing Colors and Shades
Mixing different colors and shades of subway tiles can add depth, interest, and visual texture to your space. You can create a harmonious palette by using analogous colors (colors that are next to each other on the color wheel) or create a high-contrast look by using complementary colors (colors opposite each other on the color wheel).
Impact of Tile Finishes
The finish of your subway tiles can also significantly impact the overall look and feel of your space. Glossy finishes reflect light, creating a sense of brightness and openness. Matte finishes have a softer, more subdued appearance, which can add warmth and sophistication. Metallic finishes, such as gold or silver, can add a touch of luxury and glamour.
Combining Different Finishes
Combining different finishes within the same space can create interesting textural contrasts. For instance, you could use glossy white subway tiles for the main wall and incorporate a few matte black accent tiles for a modern and edgy look. Experimenting with different finishes can elevate your subway tile design and add a unique touch to your space.
To ensure you select the perfect colors and finishes for your space, request high-quality 4" x 4" samples from Edward Martin. These samples provide an accurate depiction of the color and finish across all tile sizes in each collection, ensuring you get a true representation of our premium products.
Incorporating Decorative Accents
Enhancing your subway tile installation with decorative accents can add unique charm and personality. From classic border tiles to versatile mosaics, stencils, handmade tiles, decals, and contrasting grout colors, there are numerous ways to elevate your design.
Classic Border Tiles
Border tiles offer a classic way to define spaces and add visual interest to your subway tile installation. These decorative tiles can be placed at the top or bottom of a tile wall, creating a frame-like effect. Border tiles come in a variety of styles, from intricate patterns to simple bands of color, allowing you to customize the look of your space.
Versatile Mosaic Tiles
Mosaic tiles are another versatile option for adding decorative accents. These small tiles can be arranged in countless patterns to create focal points or intricate designs. Subway mosaic tiles can be used to create a border, backsplash, or even an entire wall of art. They come in a wide range of materials, colors, and styles, making it easy to find the perfect option for your space.
Unique Stencil Designs
If you desire a truly custom look, consider using stencils to add decorative designs to your subway tiles. Stencils are reusable templates that can be applied to the tiles before grouting. This allows you to create intricate patterns, geometric shapes, or even personalized messages. Stenciling is a relatively inexpensive and DIY-friendly way to add a unique touch to your subway tile installation.
Unique Handmade Tiles
Handmade tiles offer a truly one-of-a-kind option for incorporating decorative accents. These tiles are often created by skilled artisans and feature unique patterns, colors, and textures. Handmade tiles can be used to create a focal point or to add a touch of artistry to your entire space. While they tend to be more expensive than mass-produced tiles, they offer unparalleled beauty and character.
Convenient Tile Decals
Tile decals are a convenient and affordable way to customize your subway tiles. These adhesive decals come in a wide variety of designs, from geometric patterns to floral motifs. They are easy to apply and can be removed if you decide to change your look. Tile decals offer a versatile and low-commitment option for adding decorative accents to your space.
Contrasting Grout Colors
The color of your grout can significantly impact the overall look of your subway tile installation. While white grout is a classic choice, consider using a contrasting color to create a bold statement. Dark grout can make the tiles appear larger and create a modern look, while light gray grout can add a subtle touch of color. Experiment with different grout colors to find the perfect match for your design scheme.
Mixing Materials, Forms, and Textures
One of the most effective ways to elevate your subway tile design is by combining it with other materials. The contrast in textures and appearances can create a visually striking and dynamic space. For instance, pairing subway tiles with natural stone, such as marble or granite, can add a touch of luxury and sophistication. The cool, smooth surface of the subway tiles complements the rich, veined patterns of the stone, creating a harmonious yet contrasting look.
Creating Eclectic Backsplashes
To create a truly eclectic and personalized backsplash, consider incorporating a mix of materials. Combine subway tiles with glass, metal, or even wood for a unique and eye-catching design. For example, a combination of white subway tiles, stainless steel accents, and reclaimed wood can create a modern industrial look.
Incorporating Natural Elements
Incorporating natural elements into your design can bring a sense of warmth and organic beauty to your space. Marble, granite, and slate are popular choices for creating a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere. These materials can be used as countertop surfaces, backsplash accents, or even as flooring material to complement your subway tile installation. Because of their porous characteristics, you may opt for stone-look subway tiles for the durability of porcelain or ceramic combined with the opulence of natural stones.
Playing with Subway Tile Shapes and Sizes
Mixing different tile shapes and sizes can add visual interest and depth to your design. Consider combining rectangular subway tiles with square or hexagonal tiles to create a playful and dynamic pattern. You can also experiment with different tile sizes within the same shape to create a sense of movement and rhythm.
Adding Depth with Textured Tiles
Textured subway tiles offer a tactile and visually appealing alternative to the traditional smooth finish. Tiles with embossed patterns, rippled surfaces, or even three-dimensional designs can add depth and dimension to your space. They can be used to create a focal point or to add interest to an entire wall. By incorporating textured subway tiles into your design, you can elevate the overall aesthetic of your space and create a truly unique look.
Lighting and Styling
Lighting plays a crucial role in showcasing the beauty of your subway tile installation. The right lighting can enhance the color, texture, and overall ambiance of the space. For example, warm, soft lighting can create a cozy and inviting atmosphere, while bright, white light can make the space feel larger and more open. Experiment with different lighting fixtures and placements to find the perfect balance for your subway tile design.
Strategic lighting can be used to highlight specific areas of your subway tile installation. For instance, installing recessed lights above a kitchen backsplash can draw attention to the intricate patterns or colors of the tiles. Similarly, wall sconces placed on either side of a bathroom mirror can illuminate the subway tile walls and create a flattering glow.
When styling a space with subway tiles, consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. A minimalist approach with clean lines and neutral colors can complement the classic look of subway tiles. For a bolder look, incorporate vibrant accessories and contrasting colors to create a visually stimulating space. Remember to balance the elements in the room to avoid overwhelming the subway tile design.
Accessories and decor can also elevate the style of your subway tile space. For example, open shelving with carefully curated items can add visual interest to a kitchen backsplash. In a bathroom, incorporating plants, decorative mirrors, or textured towels can create a spa-like atmosphere. The key is to choose accessories that complement the color scheme and style of your subway tile installation.
Transforming Subway Tiles from Ordinary to Extraordinary
Incorporating subway tiles into your design is more than just about their practical benefits—it’s an opportunity to express your creativity. By experimenting with layouts, colors, and finishes, and integrating decorative accents, you can transform these classic tiles into a distinctive feature of your space. Whether you’re aiming for a chic, modern look or a warm, inviting ambiance, there’s no limit to the ways you can make subway tiles truly your own. Embrace the versatility of subway tiles to create a stunning, personalized space that stands out.
