Since the early 1900s, it has been one of America’s most popular and versatile tile choices.
Subway tile, appropriately named, made its first appearance in 1904 when it was used to line the walls and ceilings of the City Hall underground subway station in New York City.
The white tile, at 3 x 6 inches, is pretty, easy to clean, bright and generally affordable. It also goes with just about any other finish and now comes in a variety of shades. Our favorites range from bright white to beige cream.
Though it’s recently gained more popularity, we don’t consider it a trendy tile and think it’s here to stay for the long haul. It’s a timeless and classic choice for your home.
White subway tile looks great here paired with a classic marble counter. The pretty marble counter and brass faucet are the stars of this kitchen, and the muted subway tile is a nice complement.
In this example, the addition of a herringbone accent behind the cook-top adds interest without looking too busy. Using monotone white subway tile is key to this subtle look.
Paired with this commanding La Cornue range, the simple white subway does not compete with the fabulous range, yet highlights it beautifully.
With white subway on the wall, the focus of this kitchen is the fun patchwork floor.
A cream colored subway tile looks nice paired with pretty black soapstone counters and an unlacquered brass faucet.
White subway tiles behind the range, paired with white painted v-groove walls elsewhere, looks great in this example. Schafer, The Great American House, Pg 38
White glazed subway tiles from Waterworks are found in this cottage kitchen in Connecticut. Black grout holds them in place.
Handmade subway tiles are available today which give a look with extra character. They look nice in an old home, or anywhere that you’d like an irregular/non-perfect look.
Handmade subway tiles add depth, character and a little irregularity to this back-splash.
Besides the standard 3×6″ subway tile, another timeless look is the 4×4″ square. We group this classic beauty in the subway tile family, although its square size stretches the boundaries of the subway tile definition.
A white square tile – sized 4×4 inches.
Handmade square subway tiles.
Found behind the cooktop of this petite cottage kitchen are rows of classic white subway squares.
I think I spy white 4×4″ squares behind the range in the historic Isaac Jenkins Mikell house in Charleston, South Carolina.
The clean white squares behind the range of this farmhouse kitchen in Normandy, France have also stood the test of time.
As for bathrooms, when subway tile debuted in the early 1900s, the Victorians also first discovered germs. A clean white bathroom represented sanitation. Today, a white bathroom is still the choice of many homeowners for its light reflecting properties and fresh appearance.
Looking clean and classic, beveled white subways line the walls and ceiling of this shower enclosure.
Installing subway tile, especially in a large space, can be tricky. Getting the grout lines even and tiles placed square can have a huge effect in the overall appearance. Our expect craftsman are keen to these details.
In this quaint bathroom, the white subway tile used throughout keeps it light and fresh. Your eye is drawn outside instead of stopping short and focusing on how small the space is.
Subway tile is a workhorse in laundry and mud rooms as well, as seen in a couple of examples below.
The chevron floor is the statement piece in this laundry room, while the square white subway tiles on the back-splash keep it looking clean & chic.
This modern mudroom features a dog wash station lined in white subway tile with dark grout.
In this example, a bright and airy laundry room is complete with white subway tile on the back-splash.
The understated look of subway tile is something that will stand the test of time and will make a great backdrop for your kitchen, bath or utility room.
We think subway tile could be the perfect fit for your Forever Home.
