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A Guide to Subway Tile Design Ideas and Tips

A Guide to Subway Tile Design Ideas and Tips

Subway tiles, which originated in the New York subway system over a century ago, remain timeless and adaptable today. These tiles have been used in residential and commercial buildings for years and have been updated to suit the style sensitivity of the current market.

Subway tiles are available in hundreds of different colors, sizes, textures, and forms today. Without a doubt, selecting among these choices may be intimidating.Learn more property facts by clicking here. You no longer need to be concerned. This article will teach you all you need to know about these enduring tiles, allowing you to make an educated purchase with ease. Let us have a look.

A Brief Overview of Subway Tile and Its Advantages

A Guide to Subway Tile Design Ideas and Tips

Subway tiles have been a fixture in New York City’s subway system since 1904, when designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge were charged with creating safe, readily cleaned, and user-friendly surfaces. Subway tile pattern acquired a reputation for being clean and practical as a result of a Victorian-era concern with sanitation. And has rapidly gained popularity as a wall covering in a variety of different locations, ranging from kitchens to butcher shops and restrooms.

Subway tiles have a reflecting aspect that illuminates any interior space, which makes them a popular option for homeowners redecorating their homes’ interiors. Additionally, they are simple to clean and stain-resistant, making maintenance a breeze. Apart from being family-friendly, these classic tales are also cost-effective. At home centers, you may get basic choices for $1.5 per square foot. However, thicker, more expensive subway tiles may cost up to $15 per square foot.

The flexibility of subway tiles is unparalleled. These tiles are no longer limited to the urban subway system; they come in a variety of designs, combinations, colors, and sizes.

Suggestions for Choosing the Correct Subway Tile

Consider the following characteristics while selecting subway tiles for your house.

Size

Choose a tile size that corresponds to the dimensions of the area you’re tiling.

The most common subway tiles size is 36″ tiles, which have a pleasing 1:2 ratio. They work well as backsplashes in kitchens but may seem a little crowded in bathrooms. The 412″ tiles are ideal for showers because they have a slimmer and longer 1:3 ratio, which results in fewer grout lines and a more contemporary appearance. Additionally, 416″ and 424″ variants are available.

Finish

Smooth vs. textured, glossy vs. matte, or something else entirely, the tile finish has a significant impact on the overall look.

A glossy surface enhances the brightness of your room, while a matte finish creates a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. A metallic finish seems luxurious and beautiful and maybe paired with a textured finish for a more dramatic appearance. By contrast, a crackle finish imparts an antique taste that screams old-world sophistication.

Shape

A Guide to Subway Tile Design Ideas and Tips

The basic universal form of subway tiles is flat and without embellishments. They come in a variety of colors and sizes and serve as an excellent background for other design elements. Beveled edges give refinement and elegance to a standard subway tile, as well as intrigue to an otherwise flat wall. Sculptural, uneven-edged, and framed subway tiles are all viable choices.

Layout

Subway tiles may be installed in a variety of methods, including horizontal running bond, stack bond, vertical offset bond, vertical running bond, herringbone pattern, crosshatch pattern, and diagonal offset pattern. Before making a decision, acquaint yourself with the impact that each layout has on a room.

Color

Subway tiles come in a variety of hues, including contemporary black, blue-green, vibrant red, purple, yellow, and traditional white. Select your colors with care to get the desired impact, whether it’s to raise the atmosphere, enrich your design, or infuse it with vitality.

Subway Tiles with a Gloss or Matte Finish? Weighing Your Alternatives

The popular glossy finish is reflective and brilliant, with a classic and elegant appearance. While the shine enhances the appearance of your rooms, it may also reveal dirt, dust, fingerprints, and wet stains. Cleaning high-gloss subway tiles, on the other hand, is a snap. Visit http://completelycleanaz.com/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-subway-tiles/ to learn about 10 Things you probably didn’t know about subway tiles.

A matte finish may be dressed up for a more sophisticated appearance or downplayed for a more casual appearance. Combine a matte subway tile with a handmade style for an enduring and inviting look. Although matte tiles conceal water stains and dust better than glossy tiles, they may need more washing to remove grease or oil streaks.

Grout is Always Important When It Comes to Subway Tiles

Grout is critical in deciding the final appearance of your subway tiles installation. While smaller grout lines seem to be cleaner, they are less likely to conceal setting irregularities. In comparison, broader grout lines provide a more classic appearance and complement uneven or handmade tiles.

The grout color is also significant. A contrasting grout accentuates the size, shape, and pattern of the tile, resulting in a strong and dramatic appearance. While a color-matched grout disappears into the wall, all attention is focused on the tiles. On the other hand, a neutral grout color provides a modest contrast without attracting undue attention.

Patterns on Subway Tiles

The horizontal arrangement is the most common subway tiles design, and it performs an excellent job of visually expanding and opening up rooms. Because vertical layouts are rare, you can always count on them to make a design statement. A mix of vertical and horizontal patterns results in a more contemporary appearance.

If you’re a minimalist, a stacked set may be a perfect choice. However, a matte finish, textured surface, or warm tones will help keep this layout from seeming too clinical. The herringbone pattern, with its unparalleled elegance and beauty, complements both modern and classic designs and is an effortless way to create a focal point in your space.

Trendy Subway Tile Designs » Glossy Beveled

The beveled glossy subway tiles are a three-dimensional, high-style, and low-maintenance ceramic tile that may be used as a backsplash, shower surround, or wall décor in bathroom and kitchen designs. A mix of white beveled glossy tiles and white cabinetry provides a seamless transition from the countertops to the floor. The beautiful bevel edge captures and reflects light, preventing your kitchen from becoming monochrome. Additionally, you may use these tiles to denote various parts of your bathroom and to brighten the space. Alternatively, transform an empty wall area into an enticing focal point.

To create a more dramatic appearance, mix glossy beveled tiles with other modern patterns such as porcelain mosaic wall tile or arabesque tiles.