Subway Tiles

What are Subway Tiles?

Subway tiles are simple rectangular tiles that became famous for their use in New York City subway stations in the early 1900s. They’re primarily made of ceramic and typically measure 65x260 mm and 75x300 mm, offering a sleek, elongated look that works beautifully in both compact and expansive wall areas.

These tiles became an instant hit among homeowners and commercial property builders because their timeless design could be easily adapted for both traditional and modern looks. While their glossy finish is quite popular, subway tiles are also available in matte, textured, and handcrafted-style punches for those who prefer a softer or more artistic visual appeal.

Benefits of Using Subway Tiles

More people are choosing subway tiles over other tiles because they provide the following benefits:

• Easy Maintenance
  Their smooth surface and rectangular profile make them easy to maintain. A quick wipe is enough to clean them.
• Stain Resistance
  Subway tiles with a gloss finish are highly stain-resistant due to their slippery, non-porous nature.
• Design Flexibility
  All subway tiles work incredibly well with modern, vintage, traditional, or minimal interiors.
• Budget-Friendly
  These tiles are comparatively affordable, so anyone can create a premium-looking wall without overspending.
• Waterproof
  Ceramic subway tiles resist water and moisture, making them perfect for bathrooms and kitchens.
• Versatility
  Their versatile design ensures that they look gorgeous in both traditional and modern style settings.

Subway Tile Applications

Subway tiles work almost anywhere because of their timeless design, moisture resistance, and low-maintenance profile. However, the following are the most common applications.

• Subway Tiles for Kitchens

  Subway tiles in the kitchen are ideal for backsplashes and kitchen walls, as they give an instant, premium look. You can arrange them in herringbone, chevron, horizontal running bond, or vertical straight stack layouts. Green, white, and blue subway tiles are recommended for culinary spaces.

• Subway Tiles for Bathrooms

  You must choose subway tiles for bathrooms if you want a soothing look across shower walls, vanity areas, or wet surfaces. Their ease of maintenance and water-resistance also make them a popular choice for bathrooms. You can style them in endless ways, including herringbone, vertical stack, wainscoting, or mixed patterns for accented areas.

• Subway Tiles for Restrooms

  Subway tiles in restrooms are becoming common in both commercial and residential spaces as they create a bright, welcoming appearance, while helping maintain hygiene. Their simple tile patterns also make small restrooms feel more open and tidy.

Subway Tile Colours

If you’re overwhelmed by the range of colour choices, you can choose one from the following options, as they’re all timeless and classic.

• Classic White Subway Tiles

  White subway tiles are a timeless yet popular choice because they instantly brighten spaces and pair well with almost any interior or layout.

• Green Subway Tiles

  You can never go wrong with green subway tiles, especially those featuring emeralds, sage, and olive tones. This colour can transform even simple walls into accent walls, making a space look premium.

• Blue Subway Tiles

  Blue subway tiles, such as navy and aqua, bring freshness to spaces. Navy suits bold and modern spaces, while lighter blues create a calming atmosphere.

• Grey Subway Tiles

  Grey subway tiles are a smart pick for minimalist individuals and spaces (both residential and commercial). It’s incredibly versatile and works incredibly well with wooden interiors and black fixtures.

• Pink Subway Tiles

  Pink subway tiles are a soft yet trendy pastel choice for homeowners. It’s excellent for enhancing vanity spaces, powder rooms, or creating café-style designs.

• Black Subway Tiles

  If you want to make a bold, modern design statement, you must choose black gloss subway tiles. They’re great for accent walls and upscale bathrooms.

Subway Tile Finishes

Subway tiles come in various finishes, each setting a distinct tone for a space. The following are its common finishes.

• Gloss Subway Tiles

  Gloss subway tiles have a shiny surface and reflect light effortlessly, making compact spaces feel more open. They’re also easier to clean because stains don’t cling easily.

• Matt Subway Tiles

  Matt subway tiles offer a soft, non-reflective look that works well with contemporary and minimal interiors.

• Textured Subway Tiles

  Textured subway tiles, such as handmade-look, wave patterns, and 3D textures, are popular. They add a unique visual depth to spaces and are perfect for creating statement walls or premium design corners.

Subway Tile Sizes

At Orientbell Tiles, the modern and more versatile subway tile sizes available are:

• 65×260 mm
• 75×300 mm

Smaller formats like 65×260 mm are ideal for compact wall areas such as kitchen backsplashes, bathroom, where tighter grout lines and finer detailing enhance the visual appeal.
Medium formats like 75×300 mm are perfect for larger wall expanses, feature walls, commercial spaces and shower areas, offering a clean, seamless look with fewer joints.

Popular Subway Tile Patterns

If you explore trending subway tile patterns, you’ll come across the following:

• Brick Bond - the classic subway look
• Horizontal Stack - neat, modern, and clean
• Vertical Stack – makes walls look taller and minimalistic
• Herringbone – creates a dynamic V-shaped pattern
• Chevron – similar to herringbone but features angled cuts for symmetry.

Subway Tile Price

While affordable than most, subway tile prices vary depending on various factors, such as material, finish, colour, thickness, brand, etc.

How to Choose the Right Subway Tiles?

Anyone buying these tiles for the first time can use the following points to make the right tile selection.

• Space Type

  For smaller areas such as kitchen backsplashes or compact bathrooms, choose 65×260 mm subway tiles and install them horizontally to make the room feel wider.
  For larger wall expanses or statement areas, opt for 75×300 mm tiles for a sleek, contemporary and cohesive look.

• Colour Theme

  If you want to install tiles with darker shades in your house, ensure adequate lighting. Those decorating accent walls can choose bold colours for an attention-grabbing visual appeal.

• Lighting

  Rooms with abundant natural light can support dark tiles with matt finishes. However, low-light spaces require glossy white or light-coloured tiles throughout the day.

• Maintenance

  Glazed tiles are the easiest to clean, whereas matt finishes require more frequent and rigorous cleaning. So, choose accordingly.

Subway Tiles Installation Tips

The following subway tile installation tips can help you achieve a flawless, head-turning aesthetic.

• Choose grout colours wisely. For instance, pick black for contrast, grey for balance, and white for a soft blend.
• Keep the grout lines consistent for a clean look.
• Plan the tile pattern before installation, especially if you wish to replicate herringbone or vertical layouts.
• Seal grouts in bathrooms to prevent mould growth.
• DIY is possible for simple layouts, but professional installation is a must for achieving perfectly aligned results.

Maintenance & Cleaning Tips

Although subway tiles are low-maintenance, you must still pay attention to their timely cleaning and maintenance. Implementing the following tips is recommended.

• Use mild soap or pH-neutral cleaners for regular cleaning.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers that may scratch or dull glossy surfaces.
• Clean grout lines regularly and reseal them in wet areas.
• Wipe water or stains quickly to avoid long-term buildup.

Buy Subway Tiles from Orientbell Tiles

From timeless whites to bold modern shades and handcrafted textures, our Europa Subway collection offers something for every design style. Use filters to compare colours, patterns and finishes, and visualise your choices with our digital tools for a seamless selection experience.