Styling Your Kitchen with Subway Tiles
Introduction to Subway Tiles in Kitchen Design
Subway tiles have always been a favourite among kitchen lovers. Born in the early 1900s and first spotted lining New York City's subway walls, these iconic tiles are named for their origins. Small and rectangular, these tiles are like the little black dress of the tile world, and they turn any wall into an eye-catching masterpiece when laid in a brick-like pattern.
Whether your heart beats for modern vibes or whispers of the past, subway tiles can make your kitchen shine. They're like the chameleons of the tile universe, fitting right in with whatever style you've got going on. If you’re curious about all the nifty tricks you can do with these tiles, our full guide on subway tiles is your next stop.
Benefits of Using Subway Tiles
Why settle for anything less when you’ve got subway tiles? Here's why they're a top pick:
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Ease of Cleaning: Got kids? Love to cook? Subway tiles laugh in the face of messes. With a quick swipe, spills and splashes are history.
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Durability: These guys are rock solid. They’ll take whatever a busy kitchen throws at them and still look fabulous.
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Versatility: Colours, materials, finishes—subway tiles come in a rainbow, meaning they’ll match up to whatever style you fancy, from vintage to vogue.
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Affordability: Look like a million bucks, spend far less. Subway tiles are budget-friendly bling for your kitchen walls.
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Endless Design Options: Go classic with white, or venture into the wild side with green subway tiles or blue subway tiles. Get creative with patterns like vertical subway tiles for that custom touch.
Explore more options with our comparisons on terrazzo tiles, travertine tiles, and mosaic tiles.
Here's a quick recap on why subway tiles deserve a spot in your kitchen:
| Benefit |
Description |
| Ease of Cleaning |
Just a wipe keeps 'em like new |
| Durability |
Tougher than a second-hand car |
| Versatility |
Goes with any style—your imagination's the limit |
| Affordability |
Stylish looks without the designer price tag |
| Design Options |
Loads of colours and patterns |
Keep them shining with our tips on cleaning subway tiles and long-term maintenance tips.
Subway tiles are like the secret sauce of kitchen design—practicality meets style. Whether you’re after that jaw-dropping splashback or a touch of elegance, subway tiles have got it covered. If a kitchen makeover is on your horizon, get the lowdown on all the tile choices so your kitchen ends up both snazzy and sturdy.
Installation Ideas
Play around with how you plop those subway tiles on your kitchen walls, and you’ll see just how fashionable and functional your space can become. Here are three popular styles worth checking out.
Traditional Brick Pattern
Ah, the old brick pattern, a go-to for subway tiles in the kitchen. You stack the tiles like bricks, creating that timeless feel everyone loves. It's a reliable classic — easy on the eyes and a breeze to install.
| Tile Size |
Number of Tiles per Sq Ft* |
| 3" x 6" |
8 |
| 4" x 8" |
4.5 |
*Approximate values
Spice things up with grout in a standout shade! For a splash of inspiration, peek at our article on white subway tiles with grey grout.
Herringbone Pattern
Feeling fancy? The herringbone setup might just be your jam. Tiles lean at an angle, forming an eye-catching "V". It's perfect for a showy backsplash or a standout wall.
| Tile Size |
Number of Tiles per Sq Ft* |
| 3" x 6" |
6 |
| 4" x 8" |
3.3 |
*Approximate values
Take a walk on the wild side with black subway tiles laid out in a herringbone pattern for that bold, dramatic flair.
Vertical Stacked Pattern
For those wanting a bit of modernity, try the vertical stacked pattern. It’s like the minimalist’s dream — neat lines that shoot straight up, making your whole kitchen feel taller.
| Tile Size |
Number of Tiles per Sq Ft* |
| 3" x 6" |
8 |
| 4" x 8" |
4.5 |
*Approximate values
For that fresh, new-age kitchen vibe, explore vertical subway tiles. They’ll give your kitchen a crisp, invigorating edge.
By picking the perfect layout, you’ll give your kitchen a serious facelift with subway tiles. For a treasure trove of style tips and installation tricks, dive into our guides on kitchen tiles splashback and modern kitchen splashback tiles.
Mixing and Matching
Pairing Subway Tiles with Other Tile Types
If you're giving your kitchen a facelift, don't shy away from mixing subway tiles with other tile styles. A little blend of textures and patterns can do wonders, transforming your space from bland to grand.
Try teaming up subway tiles with terrazzo tiles or mosaic tiles to add some pizzazz. The speckled terrazzo design pairs nicely with the straight lines of subway tiles. Mosaic tiles, with their intricate patterns, break up the plainness that subway tiles can sometimes have.
For another fantastic combo, match subway tiles with travertine tiles. Travertine's natural stone feel adds an earthy touch that goes hand-in-hand with the sleek vibe of subway tiles.
Here's a handy table to check out some snazzy pair-ups:
| Combination |
Description |
| Subway + Terrazzo |
Straight lines paired with speckles |
| Subway + Mosaic |
Clean lines with intricate patterns |
| Subway + Travertine |
Sleek meets natural stone |
Creating Contrast with Grout Options
Grout colour might seem like a minor detail, but it can change the whole feel of your subway tiles. Go for a grout that stands out, and you'll see how it makes the tiles pop.
Take white subway tiles with black grout, for instance. This combo screams modern with its bold contrast, highlighting each tile's classic shape.
If you're after something more laid-back, try white subway tiles with grey grout for a softer contrast that still makes the layout shine. Or, pair blue subway tiles with white grout for a calming, unified look.
Here’s a peek at how different grout choices can jazz up your kitchen:
| Tile Colour |
Grout Colour |
Effect |
| White |
Black |
Bold contrast, modern flair |
| White |
Grey |
Gentle contrast, clear layout |
| Blue |
White |
Harmonious and serene |
Messing with different tile and grout blends is like seasoning your kitchen’s look until it’s just right. For more tips and tricks on subway tiles and their endless style potential, mosey over to our subway tiles section. Whether you're pairing them with other tiles or experimenting with grout colours, you’re sure to cook up a kitchen design that’s both chic and functional.
Choosing the Right Subway Tiles
Picking the right subway tiles for your kitchen is more than a Pinterest dream come true – it’s about choosing materials, looks, and colours that say "home" to you.
Material Options for Subway Tiles
Let’s chat about the different materials subway tiles are made from, each having its own perks and personality:
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Ceramic: These tiles don’t break the bank and are the kitchen wall's best friend. They wear well, come in an entire rainbow of hues, and clean-up is a breeze.
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Porcelain: Tougher than your grandma’s overbaked biscuits, these tiles are perfect if you're dealing with water splashes. Plus, they’ve got a finish to make you look twice.
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Glass: Fancy a sleek, modern vibe? Glass tiles play with light like nobody’s business, giving your kitchen a glow-up. They're pricier, and installation needs a gentle hand.
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Natural Stone: For those who like a touch of rustic chic or a luxe feel, stones like marble and granite bring both texture and an expensive touch. But remember, they like a bit more pampering.
| Material |
Durability |
Maintenance |
Vibe |
| Ceramic |
Okay |
Easy |
Versatile Hero |
| Porcelain |
Tough |
Easy |
Polished Cool |
| Glass |
Okay |
Moderate |
Modern Glam |
| Natural Stone |
Tough |
High |
Rustic Luxe |
Want more tile talk? Check out our deep dives on travertine tiles and mosaic tiles.
Finishes and Colours Available
The finish and colour of your subway tiles will make all the difference. Here’s the lowdown:
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Matte Finish: These tiles keep it chill and chic, plus they’re pretty good at hiding those pesky smudges.
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Glossy Finish: Bounce light around your kitchen with these shiny tiles, perfect if you want to fake a bigger space.
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Textured Finish: Want some texture in your life? These tiles pack depth and character, with looks that range from naturally earthy to beautifully unique patterns.
And for a splash of colour, consider these vibes:
Don’t forget to play with grout colours to make those tiles pop! Perhaps try white subway tiles with grey grout or white subway tiles with black grout.
Finding the right subway tiles is about blending good looks with smarts. Whether you're after porcelain's toughness, glass's sleek glow, or the fancy feels of natural stone, the perfect tile mix is out there waiting for your kitchen.
Maintenance and Care
Who knew keeping your subway tiles looking fresh could be so easy? A bit of regular cleaning and some simple habits. That’s all it takes. Show your kitchen some love, and those tiles will thank you with long-lasting looks and practicality.
Cleaning Subway Tiles
Keeping the sparkle intact starts with a little elbow grease and a whole lot of common sense. Here’s how to keep them gleaming:
Daily Wipe Down: Grab a soft cloth or microfiber towel to mop up spills or splashes as soon as they happen. A stitch in time, right?
Weekly Cleaning: Break out the mild detergent and warm water combo. Gently scrub those tiles with a sponge or soft brush. Just steer clear of any gritty cleaners—they’re a no-go for tile surfaces.
Grout Scrub: Grout tends to wear the evidence of daily life more than the tiles themselves. A dedicated grout cleaner or a homemade brew of baking soda and water will do wonders.
| Cleaning Frequency |
Action |
| Daily |
Soft cloth wipe down |
| Weekly |
Mild detergent wash |
| Monthly |
Grout deep clean |
Want products that do the job? Check out our tips and tricks for subway tiles splashback.
Long-Term Maintenance Tips
Want your tiles looking like they were just installed? Follow these straightforward steps:
Seal That Grout: After the initial sealing, give the grout a fresh coat every six months. It says no to stains and mildew.
Go Easy on the Chemicals: Strong chemicals? Nope. They warp both looks and longevity. Pick gentle, pH-balanced cleaners.
Oops, Spill!: Got a spill? Clean it, pronto! Especially if it’s something acidic—like lemon or vinegar—before it picks a fight with your tiles and grout.
Regular Peek-Ins: Every once in a while, take a look-see for any loose or cracked tiles. Fix them up to avoid sneaky water damage.
| Maintenance Frequency |
Action |
| Every 6 months |
Reseal grout |
| As needed |
Fix loose tiles |
| ASAP |
Clean spills |
Follow these simple tips, and your subway tiles will keep turning heads and sticking around. Fancy some more kitchen decor ideas? Feast your eyes on our variety of subway tiles or mix things up with splashback tiles and the ever-popular mosaic tiles.
Inspirational Design Ideas
Ready to jazz up your kitchen? Subway tiles are the way to go. They can totally transform your cooking space, whether you fancy something sleek or want to add a splash of colour. Here's how you can mix and match these tiles like a pro.
Subway Tiles as a Backsplash
Subway tiles behind your stove or sink? That's what we're talking about! Not only do they look fab, but they're a breeze to clean, too. Let’s dive into why they’re a no-brainer:
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Aesthetic Appeal: Subway tiles ooze elegance. Keep it crisp with white subway tiles or bring the sunshine with green subway tiles — add your colour splash where it counts.
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Durability: These tiles are tougher than your Nan’s pork crackling. They stand up to heat and humidity, perfect for all your kitchen antics.
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Versatility: Play with grout colours to add pizazz. White subway tiles with grey grout whisper chic, while white subway tiles with black grout shout drama.
| Grout Colour |
Effect |
| Grey Grout |
Keeps it chill |
| Black Grout |
Dramatic flair |
Get more vibes from our subway tiles splashback piece.
Subway Tiles for a Feature Wall
Want a kitchen that says "look at me"? A subway tile feature wall could do the trick.
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Statement Wall: Go bold or go home! Black subway tiles scream wow-factor, creating a wow moment against your cabinets.
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Mixed Textures: Mix subway tiles with a dash of wood or metal for a layered look that’ll have heads turning.
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Vertical Layout: Flip the script with vertical subway tiles to add height. A fresh spin on an old classic.
For more tips, peek at our kitchen subway tiles guide.
By weaving these ideas into your kitchen makeover, subway tiles can change the whole game. Whether it's a splashback or a full feature wall, they offer endless style—making them the perfect pick for your next kitchen makeover.
