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Subway Tiles:
A Trendy Addition to Your Home Decor

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Subway tiles get their name from the iconic New York subways, as the tiles were originally used to line the walls of New York’s subway stations. These tiles are typically 3 x 6” made of ceramic or porcelain.

Royal Tiles has a wide range of subway tiles well suited for kitchen backsplashes, bathroom walls and several other parts of your house. Check our collection here.

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In This Blog

The Timeless Appeal of Subway Tiles for Home Design

Subway Tiles have truly stood the test of time. They have been around for over a century and are still gaining popularity as one of the most loved tiles.

The clean, chic, elegant and minimalistic appeal of these tiles provides endless possibilities in design and customization. From kitchens to bathrooms, they can adorn your home with their timeless appeal and highly functional qualities. With their simplicity and classic look, you can be assured that these tiles will never run out of style.

Why Subway Tiles Remain a Popular Choice for Homeowners

There are several reasons why subway tiles have remained trendy and well loved. Here are a top few:

 

They are simple and versatile

Considering the fact that these tiles were first used in the 20th century, they have been around forever. One of the reasons behind such long running popularity of these tiles must be their simplicity, versatility and timeless appeal. Interior designers and homeowners can enjoy the flexibility to work with tremendously different types of designs with subway tiles.

 

Stain-resistant and easy to clean

Subway tiles were initially used because of their hygienic properties. Even today, homeowners love them for kitchens, bathrooms and walls because they are so easy to clean and maintain.

 

More affordable than most tile options

Despite being so chic and versatile, subway kitchen tiles are lighter on the wallet than most other tiles. This may be because most subway tiles are made from porcelain or ceramic – two of the more affordable materials in the tile world.

 

Tons of colour options

When we think of subway tiles, the clean and white subway tiles immediately come to mind. But over the years, there has been so much advancement and diversity in the colour choices available in these tiles. This multitude of colours provides homeowners with amazing choices in terms of decor and design. Check out the colour range of Subway Tiles available at Royal Tiles here.

 

Flexibility in positioning

Traditionally, we see subway tiles as horizontally placed tiles. They can be just as beautifully arranged in vertical, herringbone, basketweave and vertical L shape patterns though. This flexibility in positioning ensures wider options for customization, personalization and design.

How to Choose the Right Subway Tile for Your Space

Some of the major considerations you can keep in mind to selecting the right subway tiles for your home are:

Select the right size

The most common size for subway tiles is 3×6”. However, this size might not be suitable for every part of your home apart from your kitchen backsplashes.

4×12” or even 4×16” tiles are suitable for bathrooms, large shower areas and expansive walls. Large tiles like these can also create a modern and spacious look. They can even be used to highlight architectural details.

In small bathrooms, backsplashes or powder rooms, smaller tiles can be a great choice. 2×4” or 3×6” tiles can create an airy feel while adding visual interest. 3×6” size tiles are also great for transitional spaces or traditional bathrooms that have clawfoot tubs and vintage fixtures.

 

Think through all the possible layouts

Horizontal stacks

Horizontal stacks are the most popular layouts for Subway tiles. This layout is versatile and can be used in a wide range of spaces. But there are tons of other styles that you can experiment with.

 

Herringbone patterns

Herringbone patterns involve laying the tiles in a V-shaped or zigzag pattern. They resemble the bones of a fish. This style looks great if you want to create a visual interest through a dynamic and eye-catching look. You can use this pattern for tall spaces like the shower, accent walls, backslashes, or even entryways.

 

Basketweave Pattern

Basketweave Pattern involves arranging the tiles in a woven pattern, closely resembling a basket or checkerboard. You can add texture and depth to spaces through these tiles. And the best part is – it’s so simple to install!

 

Brick or Running Bond Pattern

In the Brick or Running Bond Pattern, the tiles are offset so that the joints between them create a staggered, brick-like pattern. This pattern is versatile and can be used in any room, adding visual interest and movement to the space.

 

Vertical Pattern

Vertical Pattern creates a sense of height and is often used in spaces with low ceilings or to add visual interest to a feature wall.

 

Diagonal Patterns

Diagonal Patterns can create a dynamic and visually appealing pattern. This layout can be used in any room and can make a space appear larger while making it more interesting.

Smooth vs textures, glossy vs. matte

Glossy styles give a reflective and bright finish whereas matte styles provide a more sophisticated or casual look. Similarly, a textured finish provides a more dramatic look whereas smooth styles can radiate elegance. Carefully pick and choose a style that would match the aesthetic you want to achieve through the tiles.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Subway Tiles in Your Décor

Pair multiple tile shapes together

Mix multiple shapes of Subways to create drama, visual appeal and add character to your space.

 

Mix different sizes of subways

You can create interesting patterns by mixing two or more sizes of subway tiles to enhance the overall aesthetic of your space.

 

Combine tiles with wallpapers

Putting up both wallpapers and tiles in a room can provide a lot of flair and avoid boredom.

 

Combine tiles with wallpapers

Putting up both wallpapers and tiles in a room can provide a lot of flair and avoid boredom.

 

White and black subway tiles

Create a contrasting yet classic look by putting together white and black subway tiles.

 

Blue subway tiles

blue subway tile

Calm, cool, relaxed and classy – if this is your vibe and aesthetic, go for blue subway tiles. These tiles might be best suited in bathroom and shower spaces.

Designing a Modern Bathroom with Subway Tiles

Tiling subway tiles in the bathroom can be a fun process as you have so many designs and varieties to experiment with. Here are a few of our favorite choices:

Work with contrasting colours

subway contrasting colour

Contrasting colours that somehow blend well in a space together and create a complete look can be a great way to add flair to your bathroom space.

 

Green subways that radiate elegance

green subway tile

A highly sophisticated, regal and enchanting look can be created using green in your bathroom with subway tiles.

 

Plain white all the way

plane white subway

If you want an airy, clean, sophisticated and classy bathroom or shower space, try using the timeless white subway tiles all over.

Top Reasons to Select Subway Tiles from Royal Tiles

Royal Tiles is the largest tile showroom in Sydney, dedicated to providing high-quality tiles for all your home renovation and design needs.

Here are a few aspects that help us stand out:

●     Extensive collection of high quality tiles

●     Tiles available in a wide range of styles and colours to match your design and preferences

●     Knowledgeable and friendly staff to guide you every step of the way

●     Tiles sourced from the finest manufacturers and most trusted tile factories

●     Competitive prices with exceptional customer service