Subway Tiles for the Kitchen and Bathroom

The Impact of Subway Tiles

As the name suggests, subway tiles were initially designed in the early 1900s, as a solution for easy to clean and maintain walls in the New York subway system. Early subway tiles were small and rectangular (3 x 6 inches), and were made of white ceramic materials with curved edges. They were glossy, stain resistant, and easy to clean, for a bright and spotless look. Today, subway tiles have moved from public spaces to urban homes. Subway tiles for kitchen and bathroom makeovers come in a variety of sizes, however, they are usually small to medium sized and have a rectangle shape. You’ll also find that subway tiles come in a diverse variety of materials, colours, textures, and styles. At Johnson Tiles, we’ve designed a fabulous range of subway tiles to meet the size, colour, and pattern demands of clients. If you’re looking for subway tiles that will complement existing interiors, we can also design bespoke subway tiles – ask us for more information.

A Guide to Designing With Subway Tiles

Since subway tiles were introduced, designers and renovators have utilised the versatility of these small tiles and the different types that are now available, to create awe inspiring designs. Here are some factors to take into consideration when designing with subway tiles in the kitchen or bathroom:

• Subway tiles match beautifully with other materials and style aesthetics including timber, porcelain, and stone.
• Available in a range of different colours, and glossy or matt finishes.
• Don’t be afraid to get creative with the design. The colour, type of finish, and the colour of the grout can completely transform a space.
• Different coloured grouts are a clever way to make a pattern stand out. However, if a seamless and slick look is desired, use the same grout colour as the tiles. This may also mean you need to custom order coloured grout to match.
• Lighter coloured grout can be more difficult to clean than darker shades, so this needs to be taken into consideration for subway tiles in the bathroom and kitchen.
• You can install a pattern using subway tiles. The most common patterns are Brick Lay, Stacked, Herringbone, Chevron, and Vertical.
• The shade or colour should blend harmoniously with any decorative floor tiles, so the overall look of the room remains cohesive and not too busy.
• Subway tiles can be made with a variety of materials; however, porcelain and ceramic are the preferred choice because they are affordable and easy to maintain.
• These tiles are not ideal for floors, as they are simply too slippery.

Need Inspiration?

Whether you are updating a kitchen splashback or want to update tired walls in a bathroom, you can’t go past an arrangement of subway tiles. Here at Johnson Tiles, we’ve reimagined the dimensions, patterns, and colours of subway tiles. Explore our affordable range today, or if you would like advice on the perfect subway tiles for a bathroom or kitchen renovation, book a free consultation with our tile experts, and we’ll help you get started.