Known for their sleek, rectangular form and timeless look, subway tiles remain a favorite in modern design schemes. Their versatility and adaptability make them popular in various spaces, including kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and entryways. However, one question that often arises is whether subway tiles can be successfully combined with other types of tiles to create visually interesting and harmonious designs.
This article explores the possibilities of mixing subway tiles with other tile styles, offering design tips, and expert advice on achieving cohesive looks. We’ll also discuss current tile trends to help you make informed choices for your next project. Let’s begin by understanding the core features of subway tiles.
The Basics of Subway Tiles
Subway tiles are a staple of contemporary interior design. They derive their name from their use in early 20th-century New York City subway stations, where their durability and aesthetics made them a favorite for public spaces.
One of the main reasons for their enduring popularity is their versatility. Their clean lines and neutral tones suit various styles, from classic to modern. Whether your goal is a minimalist, eclectic, or industrial design, subway tiles seamlessly integrate into your aesthetic vision.
These tiles are also adaptable to different spaces, commonly used in kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls, and even as accent walls in living areas. Their rectangular shape allows for various layouts, such as the classic brick pattern, herringbone, and vertical stacking.
Subway tiles also come in several materials, each offering unique aesthetics and functional advantages. Understanding the differences between these materials can help you make the right choice for your design needs.
Ceramic Subway Tiles
Ceramic subway tiles are among the most popular choices due to their affordability, durability, and easy maintenance. Ceramic tiles are perfect for spaces such as kitchens and bathrooms, as they are moisture-resistant and simple to clean. Their wide variety of colors and finishes also allows for creative customization, making them a versatile option for nearly any design style.
In addition to their practicality, ceramic subway tiles are known for their longevity. They can withstand everyday wear and maintain their appearance over time with minimal upkeep. This makes them ideal for busy households, as well as commercial settings. Whether you're aiming for a classic white backsplash or a bold, colorful feature wall, these tiles offer the flexibility to match your design vision while being durable enough for everyday use.
For a refined and modern take on ceramic subway tiles, the Jaden 2.5x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Dove, as shown in the photo above, is an excellent choice. Its sleek, elongated shape and glossy finish bring a touch of elegance to any space, making it ideal for both minimalist designs and more contemporary styles. The soft, neutral Dove color allows it to seamlessly blend with various color schemes, offering both subtle sophistication and a fresh aesthetic.
Porcelain Subway Tiles
Porcelain subway tiles, on the other hand, are denser and more impervious to moisture than ceramic, making them ideal for areas that are frequently exposed to water, like showers and bathroom walls. Porcelain tiles are also more durable, resistant to scratches and stains, and suitable for spaces that experience frequent use. Their refined appearance makes them perfect for high-end or luxury projects, where both aesthetics and durability are critical.
In addition to their strength, porcelain subway tiles are available in a wide range of colors, finishes, and textures, from sleek glossy designs to more natural stone looks. This versatility allows porcelain subway tiles to complement both modern and traditional interiors. The durability of porcelain also means that it can maintain its appearance over time with minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking both beauty and practicality.
Whether you prefer classic ceramic or refined porcelain, subway tiles can adapt to different styles and spaces. However, their true potential lies in their ability to be combined with other tile types, allowing for even more creative and personalized designs.
Mixing Subway Tiles with Other Tiles
Subway tiles are not only versatile on their own but also pair beautifully with other tile types like checkerboard tiles, wood look tiles, marble look tiles, and decorative tiles. By combining subway tiles with other types of tiles, you can create unique, visually stunning designs that reflect your personal style.
Marble Look Tiles
Marble look tiles add a touch of luxury when combined with dark subway tiles. For example, pairing rich, dark subway tiles with marble look tiles in white with elegant veining can elevate the sophistication of any bathroom or kitchen. The contrast between the bold, dark tones of the subway tiles and the soft, natural veining of the marble look tiles creates a striking visual balance.
For a more layered and nuanced design, consider incorporating the Teagan 3x12 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Denim and the Aniston 24x48 Matte Porcelain Tile in Calacatta Antico (shown in the photo above). The deep blue tone of the Teagan tile adds a vibrant pop of color, beautifully complementing the subtle elegance of the Aniston tile's soft veining. The contrast between the glossy finish of the Teagan tile and the matte texture of the Aniston tile provides a tactile variety, enhancing both the visual and functional appeal of your design. Together, this combination brings depth, sophistication, and personality to any space, making it an ideal choice for those looking to create a high-end, luxurious environment that is both contemporary and timeless.
Checkerboard Tiles
Mixing subway tiles with classic checkerboard tiles can create a bold, retro-inspired look. The geometric simplicity of checkerboard patterns pairs well with subway tiles' clean lines, resulting in a striking yet balanced design. Checkerboard tiles can be used on floors or walls, allowing subway tiles to play a neutral role, while the checkered pattern adds visual dynamism. This combination works particularly well in smaller spaces, helping create a defined focal point without overwhelming the room. Mixing subway tiles with checkerboard patterns also allows for creative color combinations that can further define the room’s style. For a bolder aesthetic, consider using high-contrast colors like black and white, or for a subtler effect, opt for muted tones such as greys and blues.
Wood Look Tiles
Wood look tiles offer a natural, warm element that can beautifully contrast with the modern aesthetic of subway tiles. Use wood look tiles on the floor and subway tiles on the walls to create a cozy yet clean design in spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. The natural grain of wood look tiles bring warmth and texture, while subway tiles maintain a fresh, contemporary look. This combination provides a sophisticated balance between modern and rustic, making it a versatile choice for various styles. When paired with subway tiles, wood look tiles can introduce a more organic element that softens the overall design. To emphasize this balance, consider using textured subway tiles that complement the natural grain of the wood look tiles, enhancing the room's warmth without compromising its modern appeal.
Decorative Tiles
For a more eclectic or personalized design, subway tiles can be paired with bold decorative tiles. Think of colorful, patterned tiles that add a pop of personality to a backsplash or an accent wall, balanced by the simplicity of subway tiles. Decorative tiles with intricate designs or bold colors work well as accents, allowing subway tiles to act as a visual anchor. This mix can bring an artistic, customized feel to any space, making it perfect for homeowners seeking a unique, expressive look. Incorporating decorative tiles as accents in smaller areas, like a niche or backsplash border, helps maintain balance without overwhelming the design.
The combination of subway tiles with other tile types can lead to striking and personalized designs. With these possibilities in mind, let’s now explore some design tips and inspiration to help you seamlessly bring your vision to life.
Tile Design Tips and Inspiration
Designing with subway tiles opens up a world of creative possibilities. To achieve a cohesive and visually appealing result, consider the following design tips along with examples that showcase how subway tiles can be mixed with other materials.
Color Palette
Choosing the right color palette is critical for creating a harmonious design. Consider the overall aesthetic of your space and select colors that complement one another. For a classic, timeless look, opt for a monochromatic color scheme with shades of white, gray, and black. If you prefer a more vibrant atmosphere, experiment with bold, contrasting colors like navy blue, emerald green, or terracotta, paired with neutral tiles.
To add depth and subtle variety to your color scheme, consider blending lighter tones with more textured or patterned accents. This can include using different shades of white or gray to create a soft gradient effect or pairing darker subway tiles with lighter complementary hues. Incorporating natural elements, such as stone or wood look tiles, alongside neutral subway tiles can create a more layered, organic look without overwhelming the space with too many bold colors.
A well-balanced color palette also takes into account the interaction of tiles and lighting. Bright, reflective tiles in lighter shades can make a space feel more open, while darker, matte tiles add warmth and coziness. By choosing colors that align with the natural and artificial light sources in your space, you can enhance the mood and aesthetic appeal of the design.
Layout and Pattern
The layout and pattern of your tiles play a crucial role in defining the character and style of a space. Traditional subway tile patterns, such as the classic brickwork layout, provide a timeless appeal that's perfect for creating a clean, uniform look. This layout is ideal for areas like kitchen backsplashes or bathroom walls, where a simple, yet sophisticated design is desired. On the other hand, more intricate patterns, like herringbone or chevron, introduce movement and visual interest, giving a modern twist to any room.
While subway tiles are often associated with a rectangular shape, the Everly 4x4 Matte Ceramic Tile in Cloud, shown in the photo, offers a square alternative that can be arranged in equally creative ways. Its square design works well in grid or offset layouts, bringing a fresh and modern approach to tile design. The soft white hue and matte finish also provide a neutral, calming backdrop that blends seamlessly into both contemporary and traditional spaces.
Another creative way to use subway tiles is by combining them with contrasting materials in the same space. For instance, in a bathroom, pairing subway tiles on the walls with wood look tiles on the floor creates a balanced, serene environment that feels both modern and organic. Additionally, the layout of subway tiles can influence how decorative or marble look tiles interact with the design. Opting for layouts like a diagonal or basketweave can add dynamic energy to the room, drawing the eye and breaking up the uniformity of standard layouts. By thoughtfully combining patterns and materials, you can craft a unique design that stands out while maintaining cohesion throughout the space.
Grout Color
Grout color plays an essential role in your design’s final appearance. For a clean, seamless look, choose grout that matches the color of your subway tiles. If you want to highlight the tile pattern, select a contrasting grout color. For instance, pairing white subway tiles with black grout creates a bold, modern grid-like effect, ideal for minimalist or industrial spaces. Using colored grout, on one hand, can introduce an unexpected element of contrast or harmony, depending on the design goals. For example, pairing bold-colored grout with neutral subway tiles can turn a simple design into a statement feature.
Lighting
Lighting dramatically affects the appearance of tiles, particularly subway tiles with their glossy finish. Natural and artificial lighting will impact how your tiles reflect light and color. In low-light areas, opt for lighter-colored subway tiles to brighten the space. In contrast, in well-lit areas, darker tiles can create depth without making the room feel small.
For a living room accent wall, consider using dark gray subway tiles combined with lighter paint colors to create depth and dimension. Adding under-cabinet or accent lighting enhances the visual impact of the subway tiles, making the space feel cozy yet modern.
Also consider the type of lighting—ambient, task, or accent—that will be used in the space, as this will directly impact how the tiles are perceived. Matte finishes tend to absorb light, while glossy finishes reflect it, so the tile finish should be chosen with the room’s lighting conditions in mind.
Achieving the Ideal Tile Combination
Creating a beautiful and cohesive space with subway tiles and other materials comes down to thoughtful design choices, proper planning, and creative combinations. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, modern, or eclectic style, the versatility of subway tiles allows you to explore endless possibilities. By carefully considering factors like color, texture, and layout, you can transform your space into a unique, personalized haven that reflects your style and vision.
To help you make the best decisions for your project, Edward Martin offers high-quality 4" x 4" samples. These samples accurately reflect the color and finish of all tile sizes within each collection, ensuring that you receive a true representation of our premium products. Additionally, Edward Martin’s augmented reality (AR) tool allows you to visualize how different tiles will look in your space before making a final choice. Together, the AR tool and physical samples provide a comprehensive way to explore your design options and bring your tile vision to life with confidence.
