You may be asking why they have that name. It is because New York subway stations were the first to use them. This tile was created in 1904 when architects were requested to create a surface for the first subway station that was brilliant and easy to maintain.
Ceramic tile that was easy to maintain, waterproof, and bacteria-resistant was a logical choice because Victorians placed a high value on hygiene. Apollo Tile’s subway tile continues that legacy—its shiny, white appearance creates a bright surface that calms passengers’ fears of traveling below the ground and gives them a sense of security and cleanliness. Subway tile is also famous because of its classic design and life expectancy.
Are They Still Popular?
Since subway tiles first appeared in 1904, they have spread to other transportation centers worldwide. It was soon being used in kitchens and restrooms, among other places where hygiene was an issue, due to its hygienic look and health advantages.
Its popularity is still rising now. It is still a favorite among house and company owners even after more than a century. With a straightforward tile arrangement and simple white rectangle tiles, it has produced a layout that is both visually beautiful and easy to put together.
Where to Use Them?
Usually produced as wall tiles, subway tiles are often used in applications like the ones listed below.
Backsplashes: The most common application for this kind of tile nowadays is backsplashes. With possibilities to tailor your backsplash pattern to your area, the classic white subway tile style looks fantastic in almost any kitchen or bathroom. Additionally, the surface behind your counter is protected and will continue to look fantastic for many years to come because of the tile’s resilience to water and stains. You can display your subway tiles on full walls, just like in the New York subway station. The natural gray tile pattern is the choice for living areas.
Showers: Classic white showers are popular for people who like to create inspired decor, and subway tiles are also a popular option for showers. During the Victorian period, all-white restrooms were popular since simple tiles were saved for the parts of the house that were not noticeable.
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Creative Ways to use These Ttiles
There are many different ways to make your tiles look unique, regardless of whether you choose to follow the conventional arrangement or not.
- Change the primary color: It is not a standard rule for tiles to be white. It may be necessary to use colored tile to add a playful and contemporary touch to your design. Although no color is prohibited, usually kitchen backsplashes choose a plain gray subway tile for an aged look.
- Use different colors: Multicolor tiles are for you if you can’t decide on just one color. A popular method is to randomly include tiles of various colors into your layout to create distinctive appearances.
- Go with natural looks: Subway tiles don’t have to be colorless. Patterns and natural styles, such as flowers, and prints with Art Deco influences, look fantastic. White backsplashes look a lot like the classic white pattern at first sight, but the delicate marble streaking gives it a posh touch.
- Try small tiles: Make a subway tile patchwork with tiny tiles. For smaller tile usage, like backsplashes, this solution is excellent.
- Try huge tiles: You might use tiles that are bigger than usual. Although these tiles don’t exactly resemble subway tiles, they have a similar appearance. Use this method only if you’re covering a bigger space, like the full bathroom.
- Try combining sizes: Because of the wide range of ceramic tile alternatives, you can even mix and match sizes to create unique subway tile designs.
- Try beveling it: Do this to physically make your tiles stand out. With its rising edges and projecting surface, beveled subway tile produces a three-dimensional tile pattern.
- Make use of tile accents: It may also be made distinctive through the use of tile accents. You may establish a center point, add decorative tiles in between the subway tiles, or add an outline to either the bottom or top of your tile pattern.
- Add some texture: Selecting a tile with a layer of texture is another method to add individuality. You will want to stretch out and explore the design created by the textured tile.
- Try staggering tiles: Instead of cutting the tile to produce straight edges, staggered tile adjustments, a technique that is becoming more and more popular, stopped following the natural form of the tile. This arrangement highlights the imaginative layout designs that subway tile can produce, and it’s a great option for staggered tile conversions. You may switch up your tile design by using staggered tile transitions to use different subway tile colors, shapes, or materials.
Trying Different Patterns
You are now aware of the general features of conventional subway tile. Pushing forward to discover creative ways to present your layout is a fundamental aspect of the current tile. Here are some inventive subway tile installation ideas:
- One-third offset: A popular pattern is the one-third offset, which differs just slightly from the conventional 50% offset.
- One-fourth offset: If you space your subway tiles 25% apart, your wall will appear to have steps going up and down it.
- Horizontal Grid: Eliminating the offset is an additional choice. By doing this, a typical horizontal grid is produced.
- Vertical Grid: Eliminating the offset is an additional choice. By doing this, a typical horizontal grid is produced.
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Conclusion
You can now understand why subway tiles are so popular, why they have lasted for more than a century, and why they will always be around. If not, you have the skills and resources to create the ideal tile design for your house.
You could even have taken an interest in a particular pattern yourself. This is only the beginning of the inspiration. To see even more imaginative subway tile patterns, check out a few design websites and Pinterest pages.
