It’s time for a tile upgrade, and let’s be honest, the options can be overwhelming. If you’re after something timeless yet versatile, subway tiles are worth considering. Practical and stylish, subway tiles have evolved in materials, colours, and patterns since their debut over a century ago.

Above: Splendor Créme Glossy
Table of Content:
What are Subway Tiles?
Subway Tile Materials and Styles
Where to Use Subway Tiles In Your Home
Layout Patterns
Grout Colour
Prefer to watch?
Browse our range of Subway Tiles
What are Subway Tiles?
Picture glossy white or black rectangular tiles, often seen in butcheries and restaurants, evoking a vintage New York vibe while exuding cleanliness and hygiene. These tiles get their name from the iconic subway stations, designed to brighten up dark tunnels with their easy-to-clean, light-reflective surfaces. Originally created in a 3×4 rectangle for New York City’s first subway station, subway tiles, also known as Metro tiles, quickly moved from underground to home interiors. Their smooth surface and easy maintenance make them a top choice for kitchens and bathrooms.

Above: Splendor Acqua Glossy
Subway Tile Materials and Styles
The first subway tiles were made of ceramic, but today’s options include ceramic, porcelain, glass, marble, and other stones. Your choice of material will depend on the look and functionality you desire. Once limited to black and white, subway tiles now come in a variety of inspiring colours to spark up any space.

Above: Drop Pink Ceramic
Where to Use Subway Tiles In Your Home
Subway tiles are most popular in kitchens, bathrooms, and utility rooms. They make excellent splashbacks, feature walls, and shower interiors. Thinking about creating the perfect splashback? Check out our detailed guide here.

Above: Splendor Blanco Glossy
Layout Patterns
Subway tiles aren’t just easy to clean—they’re also incredibly versatile, being able to be styled in a variety of ways. While the classic brick pattern remains popular, you can break away with herringbone, chevron, or other creative layouts for a modern twist on this American classic. For more layout inspiration, see our blog here.
Grout Colour
Traditional grout colours like white, grey, or black were used to match the tile colour. Nowadays, grout comes in a spectrum of shades. Using contrasting grout, such as black with white subway tiles, creates a striking framed effect. On the other hand, matching grout to the tile colour, like black grout with black tiles, creates a seamless look. Your grout choice depends on the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Need help choosing grout? Our guide to grout colours is just a click away here.

Above: Splendor Grigio Glossy
Prefer to watch?
Ryan and Deon discuss Subway Tiles in the video below:
Subway tiles are here to stay! With an array of colours and layout options available, you’re on your way to designing a feature wall worthy of Broadway. Visit your nearest Tiletoria showroom today or browse our range of subway tiles online.
Browse our range of Subway Tiles
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bevelled shiny white wall tile
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black gloss flat ceramic wall tile 100 x 300 mm
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colonial brillo marine 75 x 300 mm
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colonial matt jade
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colonial mate sky ceramic
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colonial mate white ceramic
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colonial mate grey ceramic
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colonial mate black ceramic
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colonial brillo sky ceramic
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colonial brillo ivory ceramic
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colonial brillo jade ceramic
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handcraft white glossy
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handcraft teal green gloss
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handcraft mint pista
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handcraft grey glossy
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handcraft anchor grey
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manacor subway blush pink
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manacor subway white
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manacor subway mint 65 x 400 mm
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manacor subway mercury grey ceramic tile 65 x 400 mm
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manacor subway blush pink ceramic 65 x 400 mm
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manacor subway blue moon ceramic 65 x 400 mm
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manacor subway beige argile
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splendor grigio glossy 75 x 300 mm
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splendor verde glossy 75 x 300 mm
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splendor acqua glossy 75 x 300 mm
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splendours white matt
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white matt ceramic 100 x 300 mm
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zellige white glossy
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zellige grey glossy
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zellige light green glossy
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zellige dark green glossy
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zellige blue glossy
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zellige dark blue glossy
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opal green brillo ceramic 75 x 300 mm
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drop pink ceramic 75 x 300 mm
Browse Full Range