The subway tile is an evergreen classic that isn't going anywhere and we are here for it! There are so many variations to the classic brick lay running bond when it comes to laying your tile. Sections:Understanding Subway Tile Patterns Renter-Friendly Subway Tiles Snapshot Infographic on Tiling Patterns While typically subway tiles are oblong, and twice as wide as they are thick; these layout patterns will for practically any sized tile, whether oblong or square.Different Subway Tile Layout Patt
If you’re planning on renovating your bathroom, you must look at these incredible vertical tile shower ideas. These ideas include adding a stunning vertical
These beautiful bathrooms showcase how to use subway tile in all kinds of ways with different grout colors, tile patterns and more.
Learn about the history of subway tile and see 10 patterns you can use to install it in your kitchen or bath project from Village Home Stores.
Subway tiles have been a staple in interior design since the early 1900’s, when they were first designed for the newly constructed subway system in New York City. Created by designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge, glossy white rectangle tiles measuring 3-by-6-inches were created to decorate surfaces that could be easily cleaned, but also feel familiar, safe and friendly to city-dwellers using underground transit for the first time. As a hygienic design solution for the subways (or the filthy, rat-filled underground holes they defined), the first subway tile was born! Artist's Drawing of the City Hall Subway Station in New York Back then, we bet no one knew that these rectangle tiles were about to become more than just public transport decor! In fact, rectangle tiles soon captured the public’s imagination and made their way into the bathrooms and kitchens of American homes, as well as butcher shops, bakeries, and other kinds of places you’d want to be especially clean! History lesson aside, there's a reason why subway tile is still around: it’s clean, classic and elegant. But just because subway tile has been around for over a century doesn’t mean it’s outdated. Subway tiles have come a long way since the turn of the nineteenth century, making endless patterns you can create using subway tile! Subway tiles are more than just a hygienic solution these days – they’re an opportunity to style your floor, wall, or backsplash in unexpected ways and create a unique home that reflects your style! Browse our Selection of Subway Tiles! A transitional style kitchen featured in HGTV Designer of the Year Awards designed with white subway tiles like our Glacier Pure White 8X16 Polished Glass Tile! If you’re wondering how much you can play around with a bunch of simple rectangles, here are some of the best ways to lay subway tiles with design inspiration to help you create designs that will look uniquely yours! Stacked Pattern We’ll start with the simplest of all patterns: the straight pattern, a.k.a the stack bond. This grid style pattern may be the most basic, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of style! This style has made a major comeback in interior trends thanks to the renewed focus on simplicity and minimalist style. There are two kinds of stacked patterns and both are making waves in interiors at the moment - the vertical stacked bond and the horizontal stacked bond! Let’s dive right into the impact each style can have on your interior! Vertical Stacked Bond As the diagram above and the beautiful example kitchen below show, this style consists of tiles that are stacked directly on top of each other so that the tile joints in one row perfectly align with those in the row above and below. The vertical version helps make ceilings feel taller if you want to emphasize the height of a space and make it appear roomier. It also looks great especially with larger tiles! It has an illusion similar to vertical stripes that creates the appearance of height – making it well suited for low-ceilinged or enclosed areas. Our La Riviera Blue Reef 2.5x6 ceramic tiles are dynamic any way you choose to lay them, but we love the impact the bold blue color has when stacked vertically in this minimalist kitchen that uses color to make a statement! The vertical alignment emphasizes the focus on clean lines throughout the cabinetry, and the contrasting white grout with copper details keeps the ultra-modern space feeling warm and inviting! Horizontal Stacked Bond Stacking horizontally is the more common subway tile layout, especially if your style leans more contemporary than traditional. This is one of the subway tile patterns that creates a pleasing linear look! Horizontally stacked subway tiles work beautifully with modern designs and open shelving, creating aesthetic lines throughout the space. You can't get any more classic than a ceramic subway tile backsplash, but that doesn't mean you have to stick with a fully traditional look. Going light and airy with our Mallorca White ceramic tile below is a great way to lengthen a smaller space with a horizontal stack pattern. If you want to avoid an all-white effect in this pattern, choose a darker grout for contrast and some visual interest. Gray grout is usually the color of choice with a white tile to make the tile pattern pop without disrupting the lines! Running Bond Pattern The horizontal running bond pattern is likely the most recognizable way to use subway tiles, with a classic brick effect. Subway tiles laid in a classic running bond pattern (also called the offset pattern) are staggered by centering the end of each tile with the centerline of the tile above and below (this is called a 50-percent offset). Easy to lay out, this popular tile pattern is for those looking for a classic and simple design. The symmetrical layout presents a cohesive look that sets a serene stage for busy environments. Stardust Blue 2X8 Glass Mosaic Tile subway tiles displayed in a classic running bond pattern is one way to add a timeless look to your bathroom with modern materials! This style of tile can be as traditional or as modern as you want it to be, depending on how you style your accent details and other building materials! Our Glass Mosaic Subway tiles are already laid out in this classic shape and mounted on mesh to take the guesswork and measurement out of installing a running bond pattern. While running this tile pattern horizontally will emphasize the width of the space, vertical installations emphasize the height. The vertical running bond – the rotated version of the classic brick pattern - is a unique twist which you can try when working in small spaces. Our Recycled Glass Subway Mosaic Tile In Grey Wood Color looks just as good lain vertically as it does horizontally! The wooden grain detailing and gray color scheme are a great way to add height to an accent wall or enhance a fireplace surround! Mosaic subway tiles are a great way to make installation a snap, as you are installing sheets of mesh-mounted subway tiles instead of placing each tile directly! You can find other finishes and colors in our Recycled Glass mosaic tile collection. You can also shake up this classic pattern with a little twist - all you do is to rotate it at a 45-degree angle! This twist on a classic will add a surprising effect that is unique and unexpected! The diagonal pattern will also help to expand the room while keeping the same classic look. Herringbone Pattern Herringbone: the most challenging to install but the one with tons of visual interest! You can create a herringbone pattern by installing tiles in V shapes at alternating 45-degree angles. The short ends of the tile fit into the next row, sort of like a puzzle. For this tile to look more elegant, keep in mind that slightly longer tiles work the best! Depending on scale, this tile can work in a variety of spaces – both on walls as well as floors. If you’re feeling extra bold, a herringbone pattern is a great way to cover an entire wall for a visually stunning aesthetic! Just like the brick pattern, use a high contrast grout to pop up the tiles, showcase your pattern and give it a more modern look! You’re most likely to see herringbone subway tile patterns on a kitchen backsplash. You can use the herringbone pattern to span the entirety of the backsplash or keep it in smaller sections – such as behind the sink or stove. Either way, a herringbone pattern is the perfect opportunity to add a little spice to your home! You can create a modern monochrome kitchen that makes a stunning statement with Mallorca Black 2.5x8 tiles. Accentuate the dark color with matching grout, allowing you to maintain the elegance of a tone on tone color scheme, yet still bringing an interesting visual to the space. Combining the pattern on our Wooden Beige Wave Etched Subway Marble Tile with a herringbone layout is a great way to create movement and flow on your wall! While the most traditional herringbone pattern has the tiles lie in a 45 degree angle, aligning the pattern so that it lies at a 90 degree angle can create a whole new look. This stair-stepped appearance with sharp corners still retains a zigzag feel, but with a crisp edge that makes any space look incredibly modern! Work this idea into your decor with inspiration from Sunny Circle Studio, who kept this bathroom full of light with a herringbone tile wall in a stairstep pattern! The tile tub surround was a fun pairing with a classic black and white penny round tile floor and a modern slipper tub to create an airy bathroom that is instantly Pinterest-worthy. The potted plants, woven rattan stool, and vintage bohemian rug add a little eclectic personality to the mix of classic tile patterns! Basketweave Pattern A double basketweave pattern is a modern take on the old favorite – a great subway tile pattern to give the space a familiar yet different look. This pattern involves a pair of horizontal tiles framed by a pair of vertical tiles. The biggest benefit of this pattern is that it’s so simple to install while adding something unique to the space! The basketweave pattern provides a more updated design for the classic subway design. It adds a fresh touch and works great in large format areas such as a shower. Incorporating a basketweave pattern with subway tiles may be a small layout tweak, but arranging tiles in two-by-two grids lends a lovely pattern that is totally unexpected! We love this all-white bathroom seen on Jen Talbot design that uses a basketweave or crosshatch pattern with white tile and pairs it with darker contrasting grout for a little bit of contrast! The bronze hardware and marble vanity decor give this minimalist bathroom a beautiful design detail! Love this look? Recreate it with our selection of crisp white subway tiles and a grout like Laticrete Permacolor in Natural Grey! Try Mixing Things Up Want to step up your subway tile design even more? With gazillions of colors, finishes, and patterns, the design possibilities with subway tiles are absolutely endless! Experiment by mixing a variety of tiles to make your own distinctive pattern! This subway tile layout throws all the patterns out the window and creates something unique and modern! Another way to do this is using multiple colors and textures in the same subway pattern to give your walls a modern and unexpected look! A mix of our La Riviera ceramic tiles gives this modern pastel bathroom a subtle rainbow effect - the copper accents make it even more creative! Or you can choose a grout color that will pop out your tiles with a graphic statement and make your subway tile feel extra special. If you want the tile job to look finished and tailored, don’t forget to use trim pieces! Add a little contrast with an inset border, even in a different material. For a futuristic vibe in an ultra-modern space, how about combining stainless steel inserts with your subway tiles? Or for the most glamorous designs, opt for a mirrored subway tile! You can’t go wrong with a classic shower wall like our Glacier Ocean Blue 3
A classic staple in any bathroom, sleek subway tile is one of the most versatile styles you can choose to withstand the test of time in your shower area. Don't just take our word for it. Here's seven subway tile shower ideas that are anything but boring.
Embarking on a tiling project can be both exciting and daunting. Whether you're revamping your kitchen backsplash or adding a new touch to your bathroom floor, mastering the art of tile installation is key to
The subway tile is an evergreen classic that isn't going anywhere and we are here for it! There are so many variations to the classic brick lay running bond when it comes to laying your tile. Sections:Understanding Subway Tile Patterns Renter-Friendly Subway Tiles Snapshot Infographic on Tiling Patterns While typically subway tiles are oblong, and twice as wide as they are thick; these layout patterns will for practically any sized tile, whether oblong or square.Different Subway Tile Layout Patt
Crosshatch subway tiles are a great option to get rid of the boredom that subway tiles bring. Here, we share a few less boring ideas to pattern subway tiles.
6 tiles = one square ft $35 per square ft. with shipping in the USA Our Urban Olive Subway Tile is one of our most popular tiles. It is a true classic and gives you a clean, streamlined look. The Subway Tile is a versatile building block for endless patterns, arrangements, and designs. We design and custom glaze our tiles, which allows you to choose the color, size and shape that you want. Renwick Tiles was established in 2008 in Knysna, South Africa. In 2018 we re-located to Southern California to be closer to family and in 2022 we moved our business to Western Colorado. Our tiles are handmade in Colorado and can be shipped anywhere in the US. Through a sequence of 4 steps, each tile is created individually for your home or commercial project. We hand pour wet clay (slip) into wood molds which are then set out to dry. Next, we fire them in the kiln (bisque-firing) and then hand glazed each tile by spraying or hand brushing. **stamped with a pattern** Lastly, the tiles are returned to the kiln for one last firing to set the glaze. In addition, the tiles can be high-fired for pools, steamrooms or fountains. They clean well and will stand up to the test of time and the elements. We have enjoyed our ESTY experience and love the fact that we are getting orders from all over the US. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your needs or any questions you have about our product. You can reach out to Ruth directly at [email protected]. Check out our website at RenwickTiles.com. There you can view our complete line of tiles and learn more about our family run business. PLEASE READ! Lead time for orders is ***4-6 weeks. If you are operating on a timeline, please reach out to Ruth directly to determine if we can meet your deadline. As each tile is unique, there may be slight variations in color and texture which are inherent to the process of glaze application and kiln-firing. These variations are part of the beauty of handmade tiles. Customers are reminded that colors can appear differently in person from what you may see on your screen. All our Best, Ruth and Craig Renwick
Elevate a basic color scheme with an intricate design to capture the eye; these patterned tiles will transform your bathroom. For more bathroom and small space design ideas visit Domino.
Crosshatch subway tiles are a great option to get rid of the boredom that subway tiles bring. Here, we share a few less boring ideas to pattern subway tiles.
Let's talk about subway tiles - a great option for the bathroom which is both inexpensive and classic.
6 tiles = one square ft $35 per square ft with Shipping in the USA Our Jade Green Subway Tile is our most popular tile. Our “reverse tile” has an inverted bevel around the outside edge. This subtle design technique gives the tile more dimension, which makes your final design slightly more dramatic. Still timeless and beautiful, these tiles are versatile and can be used in the kitchen, the bathroom or on an accent wall. Our Subway Tile Collection is artful and durable and will bring a unique modern style ¬to your own designs. We design and custom glaze all our tiles, which allows you to choose the color, size and shape that you want. Because our tiles are handmade, no two tiles are exactly the same. If you don't see the color or size you are interested in, please get in touch. Our tiles are handmade in Colorado and can be shipped anywhere in the US. Renwick Tiles was established in 2008 in Knysna, South Africa. In 2018 we re-located to Southern California to be closer to family and in 2022 we moved our business to Western Colorado. All our tiles are handmade in Colorado and can be shipped anywhere in the US. Through a sequence of 4 steps, each tile is created individually for your home or commercial project. We hand pour wet clay (slip) into plaster molds which are then set out to dry. Next, we fire them in the kiln (bisque-firing) and then hand glazed each tile. Lastly, the tiles are returned to the kiln for one last firing to set the glaze. In addition, the tiles can be high-fired for pools, steamrooms or fountains. They clean well and will stand up to the test of time and the elements. We have enjoyed our ESTY experience and love the fact that we are getting orders from all over the US. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your needs or any questions you have about our product. You can reach out to Ruth directly at [email protected]. Check out our website at RenwickTiles.com. There you can view our complete line of tiles and learn more about our family run business. PLEASE READ! If you are operating on a timeline, please reach out to Ruth directly to determine if we can meet your deadline. As each tile is unique, there may be slight variations in color and texture which are inherent to the process of glaze application and kiln-firing. These variations are part of the beauty of handmade tiles. Customers are reminded that colors can appear differently in person from what you may see on your screen. All our Best, Ruth and Craig Renwick [email protected]
Even if you aren't selling any time soon, subway tile will always feel current. Here are some beautiful real-life examples to choose from.
This post is sponsored by KILZ. All opinions are 100% mine. As you know, I’ve been helping my friend Jo at her house lately. We are sooooo proud of ourselves! We’ve been doing a lot of
Subway tile is a versatile and classic choice for any design project. This guide will hep you pick the right design for your project.
Don't plan your bathroom remodel without looking at this first.
From patterns, colours, where to use them, how to end them and what colour to fill the grout, we have all you need to use subway tiles.
Say no to the "basic b" bathroom: I'm peeling back Pinterest's layers to find new bathroom tile ideas that can elevate the simple into something special.
