Decorating
10 Ways to Enjoy the Modern Charm of Subway Tiles
Versatility and authenticity are the name of the game when it comes to subway tiles, as they work with virtually any style
Originating on the subway station walls of New York in the early 20th century, the subway tile has become one of the most timeless interior design elements. The brick pattern format provides clean lines that work in virtually any space – a Provence-style kitchen, a sleek inner-city bathroom or a room full of old-world charm. Here are ways to use subway tiles in different zones.
2. Two tones
Opening directly to the backyard, the bathroom includes an open shower – a handy option after a day at the beach. While the painted walls, both inside and out, give a sunny ambience to the zone, the subway tiles are functional and understated. It makes the bathroom bright, light and easy to clean.
Opening directly to the backyard, the bathroom includes an open shower – a handy option after a day at the beach. While the painted walls, both inside and out, give a sunny ambience to the zone, the subway tiles are functional and understated. It makes the bathroom bright, light and easy to clean.
3. Behind the staircase
Created by Mim Design, this Melbourne residence has a luxurious feel with designer furniture and quality materials. But that’s not all – it’s the the daring design that makes the interior sing. One of the most striking elements is the wall of subway tiles with dark grout behind the floating staircase – all two levels of it. The glass wall and well-positioned wall lights add extra impact. Thanks to the designer’s vision, the look creates a timeless allure in a most modern home.
Created by Mim Design, this Melbourne residence has a luxurious feel with designer furniture and quality materials. But that’s not all – it’s the the daring design that makes the interior sing. One of the most striking elements is the wall of subway tiles with dark grout behind the floating staircase – all two levels of it. The glass wall and well-positioned wall lights add extra impact. Thanks to the designer’s vision, the look creates a timeless allure in a most modern home.
4. Square format
At first sight, this bathroom design harks back to the olden days, with a claw-foot bath, decorative floor tiles and an Art Deco pendant light. Classic subway tiles usually follow suit but, here, the tile dimensions bring originality to the space. While the regular subway tile size is 75mm x 150mm, various formats have now found favour. They can range from simple square shapes, such as in this bathroom, to the ultra-slim profile of 70mm x 240mm and a larger 100mm x 400mm for extra impact.
At first sight, this bathroom design harks back to the olden days, with a claw-foot bath, decorative floor tiles and an Art Deco pendant light. Classic subway tiles usually follow suit but, here, the tile dimensions bring originality to the space. While the regular subway tile size is 75mm x 150mm, various formats have now found favour. They can range from simple square shapes, such as in this bathroom, to the ultra-slim profile of 70mm x 240mm and a larger 100mm x 400mm for extra impact.
5. Black and glossy
Black subway tiles in a glossy finish can convert a compact kitchen into a slick New York loft-inspired space. Another bonus is that the tiles are durable, easy to clean and inexpensive. A simple black and white colour palette, topped off by shiny stainless steel, will never go out of date and adds a touch of glamour to an intimate kitchen.
Black subway tiles in a glossy finish can convert a compact kitchen into a slick New York loft-inspired space. Another bonus is that the tiles are durable, easy to clean and inexpensive. A simple black and white colour palette, topped off by shiny stainless steel, will never go out of date and adds a touch of glamour to an intimate kitchen.
6. Small space, big impact
When designing a powder room (one of the smallest spaces in the house) it deserves to have some individuality. In fact, the design elements – the decorative wallpaper and gilt-framed mirror – are so eye-catching, the subway tiles work as an understated backdrop. However, by giving the splashback a grid-like effect, it accentuates each individual tile.
When designing a powder room (one of the smallest spaces in the house) it deserves to have some individuality. In fact, the design elements – the decorative wallpaper and gilt-framed mirror – are so eye-catching, the subway tiles work as an understated backdrop. However, by giving the splashback a grid-like effect, it accentuates each individual tile.
7. Kitchen envy
While the classic subway tile is usually white or black, a current trend is to give it a contemporary look by adding a modern colour, texture or dimension. Here, the olive-green tiles work a treat with the new kitchen’s retro-inspired elements.
See another example of coloured subway tiles
While the classic subway tile is usually white or black, a current trend is to give it a contemporary look by adding a modern colour, texture or dimension. Here, the olive-green tiles work a treat with the new kitchen’s retro-inspired elements.
See another example of coloured subway tiles
8. New orientation
To add an oh-so-modern look, a bathroom’s classic subway tile can be applied vertically rather than the traditional horizontal orientation. As well as creating a seamless look, the floor-to-ceiling tiles elongate the bathroom walls.
Also see this example in mustard
To add an oh-so-modern look, a bathroom’s classic subway tile can be applied vertically rather than the traditional horizontal orientation. As well as creating a seamless look, the floor-to-ceiling tiles elongate the bathroom walls.
Also see this example in mustard
10. Black grout
To add impact to a large wall, subway tiles can always fit the bill, thanks to their texture and definition. The key is to choose the right grout – it can range from whisper-white to standout black, as seen here. This timeless look of the tiles works intuitively with all the rustic accessories in this bathroom.
TELL US
What do you like or dislike about subway tiles? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
10 Essential Rules for Laying Bathroom Tiles
Floor Tiles: Monochrome Marvels in the Bathroom
Mosaic Magic: Take Your Bathroom Ordinary to Extraordinary
To add impact to a large wall, subway tiles can always fit the bill, thanks to their texture and definition. The key is to choose the right grout – it can range from whisper-white to standout black, as seen here. This timeless look of the tiles works intuitively with all the rustic accessories in this bathroom.
TELL US
What do you like or dislike about subway tiles? Let us know in the comments section.
MORE
10 Essential Rules for Laying Bathroom Tiles
Floor Tiles: Monochrome Marvels in the Bathroom
Mosaic Magic: Take Your Bathroom Ordinary to Extraordinary
You can’t beat the simplicity and authenticity of this kitchen’s white subway tiles. Designed by Wolveridge Architects, the splashback is finished with white grout to create a seamless effect. It acts as a gently reflective backdrop to the other textural features such as the raw timber and brick elements that surround the kitchen space.