Subway tiles have become a go-to element in contemporary interior design with their classic rectangular shape and often glossy finish. Their versatility, affordability, and timeless charm make them an excellent option for creating standout focal points in homes. Whether you’re aiming for a sleek, modern aesthetic or a cozy, rustic feel, subway tiles offer endless design possibilities to bring your vision to life.
This guide explores the use of subway tiles to create eye-catching focal points in your home. It covers design applications, styling techniques, and installation tips, giving you the tools to effectively use subway tiles. But first, we’ll review the history and evolution of subway tiles, enhancing your understanding of their role in modern interiors and how to leverage their versatility for stunning effects.
Understanding and Exploring Subway Tiles
Subway tiles originated in the early 1900s when they were first used to line the walls of New York City’s subway stations. With their clean, rectangular shape and easy-to-clean finish, they quickly became a symbol of modern, industrial design. Over the years, subway tiles have made their way into homes and commercial spaces, offering a stylish, affordable solution for walls and floors.
Today, subway tiles are a top choice for homeowners and designers due to their ability to adapt to various interior styles. Whether you’re designing a minimalist bathroom, a traditional kitchen, or an eclectic living room, subway tiles can seamlessly fit into your aesthetic. Their evolution from practical solutions in public spaces to elegant elements in private homes reflects their broad appeal and versatility.
Types of Subway Tiles
Subway tiles come in a variety of materials, each offering distinct benefits for different applications. The classic subway tile is typically made of ceramic, known for its affordability and wide availability in diverse colors and finishes. These characteristics make ceramic subway tiles an ideal choice for walls and backsplashes, particularly in areas with low moisture. Alternatively, porcelain subway tiles are recognized for their durability and water resistance. They are more commonly used in high-moisture environments like bathrooms and kitchens, providing a more refined aesthetic compared to ceramic. For those seeking a rustic or organic ambiance, natural stone subway tiles are a suitable option as they add texture and warmth, enhancing spaces with a natural, earthy vibe—ideal for rustic or farmhouse settings. Understanding the materials that subway tiles are made from can help you select the best option to meet the specific needs of your space and achieve your design goals.
Choosing the Right Size and Shape
Choosing the right size and shape of subway tiles is crucial for aligning with the design and scale of your space. Subway tiles vary from traditional 3x6-inch pieces to larger formats, each offering a different visual impact. Larger tiles can make small spaces appear bigger by simplifying the visual texture, while smaller tiles add detail and enhance visual interest without dominating the room. The choice of tile size and shape should complement the room’s dimensions and overall design aesthetic, impacting both the room's appearance and spatial perception.
Incorporating a less conventional tile size can further personalize the design impact within your space. The Everly 4x4 Matte Ceramic Tile in Cloud is an excellent example of how a smaller tile size can diversify visual texture and scale effectively. Ideal for spaces that benefit from a subtle yet distinct touch, these tiles enhance the area's visual interest without dominating the aesthetic. This choice allows for a refined detail that harmonizes with both the proportions of the room and its overall design philosophy.
Selecting the Appropriate Color and Finish
Color and finish are critical factors when selecting subway tiles. Glossy finishes reflect light and create a sleek, modern look, while matte finishes offer a more subdued, rustic feel. Choose colors that complement the overall color palette of your space—neutral tones for a minimalist look, or bold hues for a dramatic effect. This decision will significantly impact the ambiance and style of your room.
Considering Grout Color
Grout plays a significant role in the overall look of subway tile installations. A contrasting grout color can highlight the individual tiles and create a bold statement, while a matching grout color will provide a more seamless and uniform appearance. Choose a grout color that complements your design goals, whether it's to accentuate the tile pattern or blend it smoothly into the overall design scheme.
Benefits of Using Subway Tiles for Focal Points
Subway tiles provide several benefits when used as focal points in interior design. Their incredible versatility allows for integration into a variety of design styles, whether modern, traditional, or eclectic. You can install them in horizontal, vertical, or more intricate patterns such as herringbone or chevron to suit your aesthetic. Additionally, subway tiles are a budget-friendly option, particularly ceramic subway tiles, making them ideal for homeowners looking to make a significant impact without a high cost.
Porcelain subway tiles, on one hand, offer exceptional visual depth and clarity, enhancing the aesthetic quality of the space with their vibrant color retention and glossy sheen. Moreover, the timeless appeal of subway tiles ensures they never go out of style, adapting well to new design trends, including darker hues and textured finishes, enhancing their adaptability in contemporary decor.
Now that you have a solid understanding of subway tiles’ history and versatility, it's time to explore how these tiles can be styled to suit different interior aesthetics. From modern minimalism to rustic charm, subway tiles can be tailored to enhance the look and feel of any space.
Styling Subway Tiles for Different Aesthetics
Whether your space embodies the sleek lines of modern minimalism or the inviting textures of rustic farmhouse, subway tiles can be expertly tailored to augment the unique character of any interior. Let’s explore the diverse ways in which subway tiles can be adapted to different aesthetics, enhancing both their functionality and their decorative impact.
Modern and Minimalist
Subway tiles are ideally suited for modern and minimalist interiors, thanks to their clean lines and simple forms that enhance a streamlined, clutter-free aesthetic characteristic of modern design. To achieve a modern look, consider choosing subway tiles in neutral colors such as white, gray, or black to create a clean and polished appearance. For those looking to add a sophisticated touch of color while maintaining a sleek design, the Jaden 2.5x16 Glossy Ceramic Tile in Ink (as shown in the photo above) offers a deep, rich hue that complements a modern palette without overwhelming the senses. This tile accentuates depth and openness, making it an excellent choice for creating a sophisticated yet minimalist vibe.
For areas where even greater spatial expansion is desired, consider incorporating larger format tiles. These can help minimize grout lines, further enhancing the minimalist vibe. Additionally, using grout colors that closely match the tile can contribute to a seamless appearance. To complete the modern feel, pair subway tiles with sleek, minimalist fixtures like chrome faucets or frameless mirrors.
Rustic and Farmhouse
Subway tiles can effectively contribute to a rustic or farmhouse-inspired aesthetic by carefully selecting the right colors, textures, and accessories to evoke warmth and coziness. For a rustic look, it's advisable to choose subway tiles in warm, earthy tones such as beige, taupe, or cream.
Natural stone subway tiles are particularly effective for adding texture and an organic feel to the space. Using darker grout colors can also create contrast and highlight the individual tiles, enhancing their visual impact. To fully capture the farmhouse charm, complement the subway tiles with rustic materials like reclaimed wood, stone countertops, or exposed beams, which add to the authenticity and cozy feel of the design.
Bohemian and Eclectic
Subway tiles are also a great match for bohemian and eclectic interiors, which thrive on a mix of patterns, colors, and textures. For a distinctive boho look, consider blending subway tiles with other patterned tiles such as Moroccan or geometric designs to inject variety and visual interest. You can also experiment with vibrant, bold colors like teal, mustard, or even glossy black subway tiles to make a dramatic statement. To round out the bohemian aesthetic, add natural elements like houseplants, wooden furniture, and macramé wall hangings. Once you've settled on your desired aesthetic, you can begin to strategize how to use subway tiles to create compelling focal points throughout your home.
For an even more interactive experience, take advantage of Edward Martin’s augmented reality (AR) tool to visualize subway tiles in your space before making a decision. This powerful feature allows you to see how different subway tile styles, colors, and layouts can transform your room, making it easier to choose the perfect option for your aesthetic needs.
By carefully selecting the right colors, sizes, and layouts, you can seamlessly incorporate subway tiles into any aesthetic—whether you prefer a modern, rustic, or eclectic design approach. But no matter the style, the true beauty of subway tiles lies in their ability to create striking focal points that draw attention and elevate the overall design of a space. Now, let’s explore how to use subway tiles to create those captivating focal points throughout your home.
Creating a Focal Point with Subway Tiles
Far beyond their conventional uses, subway tiles serve as a dynamic design element capable of transforming any space with striking impact. Their clean lines and varied configurations allow for unique design elements, from sophisticated backsplashes to bold accent walls.
Using Subway Tiles as a Backsplash
Using subway tiles as a backsplash is one of the most popular methods for creating a focal point in kitchens and bathrooms. The classic choice is a horizontal layout, where tiles are arranged in a grid pattern, producing a timeless and clean appearance that suits both modern and traditional kitchen designs. For those seeking an intricate design, a herringbone pattern may be ideal. This zigzag configuration introduces movement and texture to the backsplash, establishing it as a true focal point. To elevate the aesthetic further, opt for the Chantel 3x12 Matte Porcelain Tile in Alaska Grey (as seen in the photo above) in a herringbone setup. Additionally, the cool, sophisticated shade of these tiles adds a contemporary touch to the space, while the matte finish brings a subtle elegance that enhances the overall design.
Subway Tiles in Kitchens
Subway tiles can enhance more than just kitchen backsplashes—they also serve as focal points in other parts of the kitchen. A popular method is to install subway tiles behind the stove, which draws attention to the cooking area as the central feature of the room. Another effective use is around the base of a kitchen island, where they add visual interest and help define the space. Incorporating both matte and glossy finishes can also create layers and contrast, complementing current design trends. Consider pairing subway tiles with high-end materials such as quartz countertops or brushed brass hardware for a more upscale appearance.
Creating a Subway Tile Accent Wall
Creating a focal point with a subway tile accent wall is another effective design strategy, particularly suitable for open-plan spaces, bedrooms, or living rooms. When choosing a wall for this purpose, it's best to select one that is naturally visible from multiple angles. Tiling the entire surface of this wall helps it serve as a visual anchor. To make the wall stand out even more, consider using subway tiles in a bold color or incorporating a 3D texture to add a tactile element to the space. For an enhanced effect, complement your subway tile accent wall with decorative elements like framed artwork, mirrors, or lighting fixtures, which help draw further attention to this striking feature.
Incorporating Subway Tiles into Flooring
Subway tiles are not only versatile for walls but can also be effectively used on floors, particularly in frequently used areas like bathrooms, mudrooms, or entryways. Opting for durable materials such as porcelain subway tiles or wood look porcelain tiles is advisable for these spaces. Many choose a simple grid layout for its clean and classic appearance that is also easy to maintain. To add visual interest and texture, making the floor a room's centerpiece, one might consider more intricate patterns like herringbone or chevron. A useful tip for those using subway tiles on flooring is to include a border or accent strip of a contrasting color or material, which can define the space and create a harmonious balance.
Subway Tiles in Bathrooms
Ceramic or porcelain subway tiles are particularly well-suited for bathrooms due to their water resistance and durability. They are commonly used on shower walls, where choosing porcelain tiles arranged in a herringbone or stacked vertical layout can add both height and elegance to the space. Another effective application for subway tiles in bathrooms is around the bathtub. Incorporating the Marsden 3x10 Matte Ceramic Tile in Almond can transform the bathtub area into a visually captivating centerpiece. The warm, neutral tone of this Marsden tile provides a soothing atmosphere while its matte finish adds a sophisticated touch that complements modern bathroom fixtures. For a cohesive look, pair these tiles with fixtures in brass or matte black, enhancing the elegant and timeless appearance of your bathroom.
Creating Standout Focal Points with Subway Tiles
Subway tiles are a versatile and stylish way to create stunning focal points in your home. Whether you’re using them for a kitchen backsplash, an accent wall, or a bathroom floor, their timeless appeal and durability make them an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. By exploring different patterns, finishes, and grout colors, you can customize subway tiles to fit any design style—from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse.
To assist in your decision-making process, Edward Martin offers high-quality 4" x 4" samples from our subway tile collection, as well as all other tile collections, accurately reflecting the color and finish of every tile. This allows you to receive a true representation of our premium products, ensuring your choice aligns perfectly with your interior design vision before you make a final decision.
