Subway Tiles

Tiles That Never

Go Out of Style

If you’re looking for tiles that never go out of style, then subway tiles are the ideal budget-friendly addition to your home.

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles get their name from the iconic ceramic wall tiles that appeared in New York City subway stations in the 1920s, and they’ve become a popular tile choice in homes ever since.

So why have subway tiles been such a trend in recent years? The simplicity and practicality is hard to beat. Aside from being affordable, they’re easy to clean and extremely versatile, so they can be used to create both classic or contemporary looks to suit the style of your home.

subway tiles

Where should you use subway tiles?

Subway tiles come in many shapes, sizes, textures and colours and can be used in a variety of different ways, which is why they’re the perfect fit for any home.

They work particularly well in your kitchen (splashbacks), bathroom and laundry due to their high resistance to water and moisture

Some of the ways you can apply subway tiles in your home include:

  • Make the perfect white backdrop in your bathroom by using white pencil-thin grout with a traditional white tile.
  • Create a bold focal point in your kitchen by contrasting your grout with your tile.
  • Add contrast to your laundry with a unique backsplash pattern and colour.
  • Create height and enhance the appearance of your bathroom by laying subway tiles vertically instead of the standard horizontal layout.
  • Lay subway tiles in different patterns it doesn’t have to be classic subway. Other on trend patterns that work well – herringbone, chevron, stacked or basket weave.

Whilst they are versatile, you should never use subway tiles on floors. Because of their thin structure, they won’t stand up to the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic.

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Subway tile size options

The traditional sizes for these tiles are 150mm x 75mm or 100mm x 200mm – with or without the bevelled edge. However, the options have evolved over the years and you can now change it up and create different looks with some larger sized tiles measuring 400mm x 100mm, or ultra slim sizes measuring 218mm x 53mm.

Why buy subway tiles?

Subway tiles have many practical benefits that make it the perfect investment for home renovators or builders. They are durable, stain resistant and can be easily cleaned with just the wipe of a damp cloth. These tiles don’t absorb smoke or other odours (such as from cooking), so from a hygiene perspective your tiles will always present sparkly clean.

Styles come and go but subway tiles are a timeless style that never seems to fade, so your look will never go out of date.

Explore our wide range of tiles

Be inspired by our premium selection of subway style tiles. Start browsing or visit our Myaree or Wangara showrooms to view the whole range.

Subway Tiles 9

Frequently Asked Questions - Subway Tiles

What are subway tiles?

subway tiles are ceramic wall tiles that were originally used in New York City subway stations in the 1920s. Since then they have become a popular choice for homes and interior designers due to their simplicity, practicality, affordability, and versatility in creating both classic and contemporary looks.

Why should I choose subway tiles for my home?

Subway tiles have many practical benefits including; being durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. As they don’t absorb smoke or other odours it makes them hygienic and ensures they’re always looking clean, a key reason you’ll often see them used in kitchens and bathrooms. They are also a timeless style that never seems to fade, so your look will never go out of date.

Where can I use subway tiles in my home?

Subway tiles come in many shapes, sizes, textures, and colours and can be used in a variety of different ways, making them a perfect fit for any home or room. They work particularly well in the kitchen as splashbacks, bathrooms, and laundry due to their high resistance to water and moisture. Of course, not limited to this as there are many alternate ways you can use subway tiles from a design perspective include creating a white backdrop in your bathroom, adding contrast to your laundry, and creating a bold focal point in your kitchen.

What size options do subway tiles come in?

Traditional sizes for subway tiles are 150mm x 75mm or 100mm x 200mm, with or without the bevelled edge. However, the options have evolved over the years, and you can now create different looks with larger sized tiles measuring 400mm x 100mm or ultra-slim sizes measuring 218mm x 53mm.

Can I use subway tiles on floors?

No, you should never use subway tiles on floors. Because of their thin structure, they won’t stand up to the wear and tear of heavy foot traffic. If you have a specific design in mind, please reach out to our team to discuss your options.

What are some popular patterns for laying subway tiles?

While the classic subway pattern is a 50% offset where the middle of the tile aligns with the edges of the top and bottom tiles adjacent to it, modern subway tiles have created a one-third offset or even a one-fourth offset. Other on-trend patterns that work well include herringbone, chevron, stacked or basket weave.

Where can I find a wide range of subway tiles?

Ceramic Tile Supplies offers a premium selection of subway-style tiles. You can start browsing on our website or visit our Myaree or Wangara showrooms to view the whole range. If you have any design requirements or questions you’d like to ask our team, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Do you offer design advice for subway tile projects?

Yes, our design experts are available to you free of charge. If you’re stuck for style inspiration or have a DIY concern, we’re here to help provide you solutions to your design hurdles and bring your décor dreams to life.