Born from the old school subway stations of 20th century New York, this style is ideal for a classic vintage décor. We offer a collection of subway tiles that have a multitude of textures, hues and colours.
Revamp your interior design with a Subway style that provides a modern outlook with classic, royal overtones.
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Subway Tiles FAQs
Subway tiles offer an elegant and timeless solution for the home, being a popular choice for use as a kitchen splashback tile or as a bathroom wall tile. Thanks to their immense popularity, you will find many exciting options available in the elegant subway tile format including a range of luxurious materials, colours, finishes and more.
Why are they Called Subway Tiles?
Subway tiles were first created as a hygienic wall tile solution for the underground subway stations of New York. A wall finish was required that would be easy to keep clean and tidy, that could be hosed and wiped down with ease to ensure the cleanliness of these spaces, hence the classic white subway tile was born! Since then, these humble tiles have seen many reinventions and are now available in an extensive range of options that include a never ending array of colours as well as materials, allowing for an immense range of design possibilities.
Subway Tile Patterns: Tile Layout Options
One of the many reasons that ensure subway tiles continue to be a popular choice is that their simple shape and size allow for a range of different tile layouts or patterns to be achieved. Subway tiles are traditionally laid in a brick bond pattern however, these tiles can be laid to run vertically up the wall, in a unique basket weave style and more. See our Guide to Subway Tiles for more ideas on how to lay subway tiles to create a unique look in your next project.
Do Subway Tiles Make a Room Look Smaller?
This depends on how you use your new subway tiles. Lighter coloured tiles paired with a contrasting coloured grout (for example white tiles paired with a black grout) will create a bold, grid-like look that can often make a space feel smaller as the smaller size of the tile is accentuated with the contrasting grout colour. If your goal is to create the illusion of a larger space, you are best selecting a grout colour that will complement the colour of your tiles (for example, white tiles with a white tile grout). Epoxy grouts can be used in most instances that will ensure a low maintenance finish; unlike traditional cement based grouts, an epoxy grout will provide a non-porous finish that will also assist in the prevention of built-up dirt and grime.
Your selected tile layout will also play a role in the perception of space in the area being tiled. Running your subway tiles vertically up the wall for example will create the appearance of a taller room while running your tiles horizontally across the wall will enhance the width of a room, being an ideal solution for narrow spaces.
What are the Most Popular Subway Tile Colours?
White subway tiles as well as marble subway tiles continue to be the most popular choices. Nature inspired colour options are also popular options with blue tiles, green tiles as well as sandy toned natural stone tiles all being popular choices in subway tiles.
Are Subway Tiles Hard to Clean?
In general, ceramic or porcelain subway tiles are very simple to keep clean and most varieties can be paired with a quality epoxy tile grout to further ensure their ease of maintenance. If you opt for a natural stone tile, concrete tile or terracotta tile however, different cleaning and maintenance methods will apply. These include sealing these porous materials as well as incorporating tile cleaning solutions that are specific to your selected tile’s material; for more in-depth information on caring for different tile materials, visit our Resources section here.
Are Subway Tiles Timeless?
Yes, subway tiles offer a timeless solution for the home making for a popular choice as a kitchen splashback tile or as a bathroom wall tile.
What Types of Subway Tiles are Available?
Thanks to their immense popularity and timeless qualities, subway tiles are now available in an endless range of luxurious materials. From classic porcelain or ceramic tiles to natural stone subway tiles, concrete tiles and more, you will find many material options available in a classic subway tile format.
How much do Subway Tiles Cost?
Subway tiles are available in a variety of different price points dependant on the material used in their creation as well as their country of origin. You will find many cost effective subway tile solutions available as well as many higher end designer tiles available to suit a range of different project budgets and requirements.
Do Subway Tiles need to be sealed?
While porcelain tiles and glazed ceramic tiles will not require sealing, other varieties of tiles will. Terracotta subway tiles, natural stone tiles as well as concrete subway tiles and un-glazed ceramic tiles are all porous and as such, will require sealing in order to be best protected against staining or marking; view our Tile Sealing Guide here for more in-depth information.
