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!

White Tile With Green Glass

Delicate green squares of glass are tucked in neat stacks between white ceramic tiles for a delicately beautiful basketweave effect. Tile is a versatile medium for showing off your style with whatever size, color, and shape you dream up. More than just stylish, ceramic tile is water-resistant and is inhospitable to mold, mildew, and bacteria.…

White Subway Tile Wall

Ah, the iconic look of ceramic subway tile. Hygiene-obsessed Victorian sensibilities demanded an easy-to-clean option to line the tunnels of the newfangled subways systems, and lo, subway tile was born. Fast forward over 100 years, and ceramic tile is still appreciated for its easy-care features as well as its resistance to mold, mildew, and bacteria.…