Vintage Subway Tiles Go Uptown

Timeless subway tiles became common in the early 20th century. Their durability and easy-to-clean status made them ideal for use in public spaces (subways! ) ) , but their classic simplicity established them as appealing and practical for use in the house, too. Conventional ceramic subway tiles, generally white, have flat, smooth, exceptionally polished surfaces and are most commonly implemented horizontally with pencil-thin grout lines. However, reproductions and new takes on the first designs have introduced numerous styles and colours, allowing for striking pattern-making chances!

Brennan + Company Architects

This classic toilet comes with a traditional flat, floor-to-ceiling application of 3″ x 6″ white subway tile. Light reflects off the bright white, high gloss finish. Once implemented in straight, tight lines, the usually inexpensive tile appears rich, polished and incredibly high-end.

Susan Serra

This gorgeous kitchen uses white walls as a foundation with mild blue-gray subway tiles. The grout lines are thicker, drawing more attention to the tiles.

Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Just like the flat application but want to do something special? Utilize a dark grout. Even easier to stay clean looking than white grout, some people love it, some people hate it. The dark grout lends an Old Earth atmosphere to any subway tile motif, which makes it pop up and giving it extra dimension.

The 3″ x 6″ dimensions is most commonly related to subway tile in residential use, but other shapes and sizes are fair game, too. Try mixing two different trends of subway tiles, as the designer did in this elegant toilet.

Sylvia Martin

Carrera marble subway tiles are an elegant alternative to traditional white. All the components — wall tiles chair rail, console sink, marble basketweave tiles onto the floor and the snazzy Venetian mirror — provide this toilet an enchanting feel.

Elizabeth Dinkel

Don’t desire tile around? Patterned wallpapers are an outstanding complement to subway tiles!

Create interest onto a fully-tiled wall using contrasting (but well-coordinated) accents. The inset rectangle of 1″ x 1″ tiles flanked by black pencil tiles functions superbly in this magnificent Concepts for designer bathrooms Pittsburgh.

Sharon Portnoy Design

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the orientation of your tile. The vertical application of this backsplash is fresh and unexpected.

Interiors

Marble subway tiles work well in a vertical application, too. Because these tiles change a bit in length and width, the verticality gives the illusion of high ceilings.

Contemporary house architects

Glass subway tiles deliver a dimensional element to a traditional look. The light blue glass paired with walnut finishes leads to a warm modern toilet I would not ever need to leave!

Mascheroni Construction

You can never go wrong with herringbone, in my book. The pattern on the backsplash behind the stove gives the kitchen a focal point while introducing a feel without overpowering the space.

Chipper Hatter Architectural Photographer

Create your own pattern with contrasting tiles of different shapes and sizes. Stripes, squares, bands of color — the sky’s the limit.

Amoroso Design

Break up a sea of white with subway tiles as a functional feature wall. This is also a great way to use tiles that may be a bit out of your financial plan without breaking the bank. Using them at a small area not only saves money, but makes the most from them by providing them special attention.

More:
Layout With Vertical Tile
Prepared to Try out a Larger Bath Tile?
From Spain: New Trends in Tile

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