As you probably already know, subway tiles get their names from the ceramic tiles used on the walls of the New York City subway stations in the early twentieth century. Subway tiles are used now when you want to add a traditional, even mid-century feel to the space, and such tiles are timeless. More and more homeowners choose subway tiles for decorating their kitchens and bathrooms.
black subway tiles perfectly fit this mid-century modern bathroom
Décor Styles
Today I’d like to be more specific about kitchens. Subway tiles are widely used in the kitchens for backsplashes and even for covering walls because tiles are a very practical and popular solution on the whole, and subway is classics. Subway tiles fit many décor styles: rustic, mid-century modern, just modern, farmhouse, industrial, art deco and Scandinavian. They aren’t boring at all: this is timeless classics that needn’t changing even years after.
mid-century modern kitchen with an ivory subway tile backsplash
Patterns
Subway tiles can be clad in various ways: crosshatch, stack bond, traditional herringbone, running bond, straight and diagonal herringbone, offset, diagonal offset, vertical stack bond and vertical offset bond. The most popular are offset and straight and diagonal herringbone.
black kitchen countertops crisply contrast a white subway tile backsplash for a look that's fresh and simple
Colors
If you think that subway tiles mean only white or ivory ones, you are so wrong! Today you can find lots of colors of such tiles and find your perfect fit easily. It may be a light accent: aqua or blue tiles for a white coastal kitchen to hint on its décor theme, or marble subway tiles for delicate décor. Contrasting and bold colors of subway tiles will help you to make your backsplash not boring, even if you don’t use any eye-catching pattern for cladding. Bold and contrasting subway tiles make your light-colored cabinetry stand out, and white cabinets look crispier; such tiles can also add dimension to your kitchen look. If you don’t want a contrast, keep the backsplash in the colors of your kitchen. Subway tiles can highlight your colors, décor, wood texture and many other things if you use it right.
subway tiles in a pale blue-gray give depth to the backsplash and make the white cabinetry feel even more fresh
chocolate brown subway tiles look chic with black stone countertops and white cabinetry
Now enjoy more various ideas of subway tiles in the kitchen and get inspired!