Subway tile got its start as a low-maintenance option for transportation hubs in the early 20th century and the style has steadily increased in popularity ever since. Now, you’ll find subway tile in homes and businesses all over the world.
The original subway tile was white and it continues to be a timeless decor choice. However, subway tile design has evolved to include limitless creative options for color, glaze, size, grout combinations, and layout variations. Subway tile installed in a herringbone, vertical, diagonal, or stacked pattern gives a contemporary twist to this time-tested favorite.
These are just a few of our ideas for how to use subway tile in your home or business and you can find more inspiration on our Pinterest board. The sky’s the limit for subway tile design options, so use these examples as a starting point and then let your imagination run wild!
Pinkish beige gauged porcelain tile pavers and pearly white wall tile complement the pretty-in-pink paint color of this indoor-outdoor space. Note that ceramic tile has many options that withstand freeze-thaw cycles so that you can use ceramic tile in these spaces without worry of damage.
Variegated glossy blue brick-look tile makes for a contemporary twist on the classic design.
Nothing rivals a view of the ocean — except maybe this pastel blue ceramic tile backsplash. The backsplash leads your gaze right to the sea, but still, you might find yourself returning to the tile. Although light in color, the backsplash won’t show any stains or scratches; and you won’t need to worry about water…
The yellow brick road takes on new meaning in this glamorous backsplash. Golden mini subway tile with slight color discoloration creates a visual display everyone will be following (with their gaze).
Combining both a luxurious look and low-maintenance functionality, this golden, luminescent tile backsplash is the perfect addition to any high-end cafe.
This bathroom takes a contemporary approach to brick-look tile with a textured golden design that is sure to turn heads and impress guests.
One tile installation has the ability to completely change the look of your space. This gold brick-look tile backsplash takes the bathroom from traditional to trendy.
This kitchen backsplash adds a slight twist to classic white subway tile by alternating white with light blue and greige shades for a one-of-a-kind installation. You can also mix color tiles randomly for an even more unique look.
Cool shades such the blue and greige tones in this backsplash inspire peace and tranquility for a calming, yet stylish kitchen that also has a spotlessly clean look.
Love the look of brick fireplace surrounds? Brick-look small subway ceramic tile provides the added benefit of low maintenance and flame resistance.
Get the look of brick in any color you want with ceramic tile, whether the classic red brick or this contemporary charcoal small subway tile in a brick pattern . . . or something completely different. Ceramic tile offers you a huge variety to choose from.
Two winning ingredients for an eye-catching ceramic tile kitchen backsplash: a deep blue tone in a herringbone pattern. Of course, a ceramic tile backsplash is more that good looks, you also get, stain-, water-, and flame-resistance!
Tired of the typical running bond pattern? Follow in this kitchen’s footsteps and lay your wood-look ceramic tile in a beautiful herringbone pattern.
Covered in what appears to be bars of gold but is actually gold ceramic tiles, this counter is only slightly more glamorous than the chocolate-y marble-look tile that sets it off.
Marble looks don’t have to be black or white — this brownish marble-look tile features red tones and warm honey veining.
This space combines old and new with a unique Victorianesque black and white mosaic ceramic tile floor and a sleek black stacked subway ceramic tile feature wall.
Express yourself! Achieve a tetris look such as this by staggering colors randomly into a one-of-a-kind subway tile installation.
Classic meets glamour in this three-dimensional backsplash ceramic tile clad in both a bright metallic look and a white-marble look.
Glamorous metallic tile and classic white marble-look tile combine to create a one-of-a-kind tile backsplash.
Stacked subway tile in a white onyx look adds sophistication to this casual living room.
