Good to Know: Everything you Need to Know about Subway Tile
We’ve touched on our favorite countertop options in older posts (read those here and here) but we’d argue that choosing a backsplash is equally as important. The backsplash is often the first design element one will notice when walking into a kitchen and with the continued popularity of the classic subway tile, we’re going to walk through a few dos and don’ts to consider when sorting through different subway tile options to implement in your home.
Different Subway Tile Options
Subway tile is a classic design choice that has been popular throughout history. Traditionally, subway tile backsplash is a white 3 x 6 inch glazed ceramic tile. However, the definition now includes a variety of sizes, shapes and colors. While a simple white subway tile is perfectly acceptable, we love a tile with a unique and irregular look. In our Valley View kitchen, Marianne chose the Waterworks Cottage Subway Tile in Dover White. If you can, don’t just tile part of the backsplash wall - go from the countertops to ceilings for a more elevated look. Again, in Marianne’s kitchen, by tiling almost the entire room, the kitchen gained even more character and it added to the historical aesthetic.
We also love to use the Uptown tile by Bedrosians - this option is a fresh take on subway tile. These tiles add beautiful dimension and variation to the wall (we used it in the guest bath from our Dutch Fields project shown below). We also love any option from Fire Clay for a handmade ceramic tile - they have the best selection of colors. Another spin on subway tile we love to use in bathrooms is a 3x6 marble subway tile we like this one from Stone Center Online. It’s a great way to get a marble slab look without having to splurge on a full marble slab. For a classic and simple option, we like the Roca Subway Tile by Contempo and Pure by Sonoma Tile (we think the “natural” color through Sonoma is the best organic shade that’s not too stark).
TILE LAYOUT Options
Random layout design by Melanie Beynon Architecture & Interior
GROUT
While it might seem like a small design choice, the grout color selection can make or break your subway tile. We advise against anything too dark - it’s very unforgiving and unless it’s perfectly installed, you’ll notice every mistake. Nine times out of ten, we use the color Warm Grey by Mapei - it is the best neutral tone that doesn’t distract from the tile. However, in my own kitchen, I used Alabaster by Mapei.
