Subway tile has been a staple on kitchen and bathroom walls for the past decade and still seems to be going strong, but does the emergence of some beautiful tile trends signal the end of the line for it? We look at five popular subway substitutes and then make a case for sticking with the classic tile.
5 Alternatives to Subway Tile
1. Mosaic: interesting and tactile. For a textured feel in your bathroom or kitchen, try small mosaics like these. Sheets of tiny tiles are a tactile alternative to the smooth subway, but they can work just as well to form a subtle backdrop to the rest of the room.
Hexagonal mosaics like these are popping up in many well-designed homes right now, and they look great on both floors and walls.
The Winchester Tile Company
2. Glazed: soft and shimmery. If you love the pared-back look of
subway tile but want an even softer feel, go for a glazed finish, as shown here. The shiny, uneven surface reflects the light to give a shimmery look that’s perfect for a tranquil, traditional-style bathroom or kitchen.
The square tiles here are laid in a brickwork pattern, so the difference between this look and subway tile is slight — an ideal compromise for die-hard fans.
3. Chevron: the same, but different. Another compromise for subway tile enthusiasts is this alternative layout. Flat, rectangular tiles are positioned in a chevron pattern to give them a modern edge. The effect is stylish and interesting, and the diagonal lines tie in with the patterned design elsewhere.
A layout like this would work well in a room with a herringbone parquet floor forming a pleasing imitation of the design on the wall.
Here’s another chevron design that’s even further away from classic subway tile. These long, black tiles look stunning laid diagonally from top to bottom in this shower enclosure.
4. Geometric: to enliven a surface. Geometric patterns are continuing to show up frequently in home design on numerous surfaces, and tiles are no exception. The diamond shapes on this wall are laid in an interesting formation that would provide hours of fun for the owners: Are they cubes, hexagons, flowers or stars?
The design is certainly more visually stimulating than a classic subway arrangement, but the tiles are subtle enough not to overwhelm the space.
5. Moroccan: to create elegant curves. Not keen on straight, sharp lines? Try one of the
Moroccan-style tiles that are on the market. The shapes created by a layout like this look gentle and elegant. As an easy transition from subway tiles, use them as a monochrome backsplash, as the homeowners have done here, or go for an all-white design to cover the walls.
If you’re feeling brave, choose a rich color, such as cobalt blue or emerald green, to really make a statement.
Bruce Hemming Photography
5 Reasons to Stick With Subway Tile
Each of these alternatives is beautiful in its own way and would look gorgeous in any home. But does that mean subway tile has had its day? See if you agree with these five reasons for sticking with it.
1. It’s timeless. If you’re going for a vintage look in your bathroom or kitchen, tile design can make or break the room. In this wash space, for example, the distressed wood cabinet, the vintage chair and artwork, and the old fireplace give the room a cozy, antique feel. Since the subway tile’s timeless look doesn’t shout modern, the feel of the room remains old-fashioned.
2. It’s also contemporary. In contrast to the previous vintage look, this bathroom has a distinctly contemporary style. The black-framed shower door and industrial-style vanity unit are smart and on-trend.
Versatile subway tile works with this look as perfectly as it does with a traditional design. The black grout is the key to updating it, as the sharp lines replicate the other elements in the room.
What Grout Color Should You Choose for Your Tile?
3. It works as a frame. Want some pattern on your walls but not all over? Try teaming classic subway tile with smaller areas of pattern, as shown in this design. The pale gray subway tile forms a frame around one of two recesses that were tiled with an intricate design.
The pattern would have been too busy all over the walls, but the subway tile calms it down and helps showcase the beautiful design in the recesses.
4. It contrasts with patterned floors. Subway tile is also the ideal foil for a bold floor design. By tiling the walls with a simple brickwork formation, the owners of this kitchen were able to let loose on the floor. The white walls form a blank canvas to highlight an expanse of stunning pattern.
Peter Landers Photography
5. It shows off architectural features. The exposed brick walls in this bathroom give the room architectural character but would have looked too busy next to an elaborate tile design. The subway tile echoes the brickwork formation on the exposed walls, and the blue tone brings out the warm terra-cotta in the brick.
Tell us: Is subway tile yesterday’s news or here to stay? Share your thoughts in the Comments.
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The final verdict? Subway tile isn't going anywhere! But think twice about committing to white subway tile in every bathroom, as there are a plethora of styles and finishes available. "People aren't as scared to use color anymore.
Is the subway tile outdated? ›
White subway tile will never go out of style and will never feel or look dated. How can we say and claim that with such certainty? It's easy! White subway tile is a staple of modern kitchens and presents a modern classic that easily fits in any kitchen style and goes perfectly with any kitchen cabinets colors.
Is Subway tile out of style in 2024? ›
There are a few staples when it comes to bathroom tile, the design equivalents of your favorite white T-shirt. Simple subway tile and black-and-white patterns are timeless and aren't going anywhere anytime soon. But we're not here to talk about the classics.
Is subway tile in or out? ›
And of course, it is a current trend as well. The beautiful part about subway tile being both a classic and a trend is that it won't ever really go out of style. Subway tiles are a definite option for your kitchen or bathroom backsplash.
Is subway tile trendy or timeless? ›
Homeowners and designers recognized the tiles' ability to add a timeless and versatile aesthetic to kitchens and bathrooms. Enduring Popularity: Over a century later, white subway tiles continue to be a design classic.
What is the trend in tile in 2024? ›
Think beiges, taupes, creams, and browns, inspired by nature. This interior design trend embraces tranquility while visually embracing you in the feeling of warmth. In tile, we're seeing warmer hues in stone-look, concrete-look tile and patterns have incorporated more earthy tones.
What is the trend in backsplash in 2024? ›
However, the 2024 trend is using stone tiles to add texture and style to your kitchen. Whether you decide to use tiles with a weathered finish or ones that have an acid-wash look, your kitchen backsplash will be spectacular with stone tiles.
What is replacing subway tiles? ›
Is It Over for Subway Tile?
- 5 Alternatives to Subway Tile.
- Mosaic: interesting and tactile. ...
- Glazed: soft and shimmery. ...
- Chevron: the same, but different. ...
- Geometric: to enliven a surface. ...
- Moroccan: to create elegant curves. ...
- 5 Reasons to Stick With Subway Tile. ...
- It's timeless.
Timeless Appeal
The ever-popular 3"x6" subway tile reigns supreme for a reason. It offers a classic aesthetic that transcends fleeting trends, making it a versatile foundation for a multitude of design styles.
What backsplash is going out of style? ›
'Glass backsplashes are no longer at the forefront of kitchen design. In 2024, there's a move toward more textured and statement backsplashes,' she says. Rather than glass, Amber suggests slab backsplashes that match with kitchen countertops for 'a contemporary aesthetic' that won't date.
Listed below are a few disadvantages of subway tiles：
- They can be difficult to clean due to their small surface area and grout lines.
- They require more grout than other types of tiles, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install.
- The grout lines can easily become stained or discolored over time.
Vertical tile layouts have been trending, initially as a creative use for subway tile. Laying subway tile vertically is more than a new approach to the classic look. It also draws the eye upward to create the illusion of higher ceilings.
What is the most popular size subway tile? ›
It is traditionally 3 x 6 inches and this is the most popular size. However, any rectangular tile with 1-to-2 dimensions can work as subway tile, with other sizes including 2 x 4, 4 x 8, and 6 x 12.
What tile never goes out of style? ›
Characteristics of Classic Tile That Never Loses Its Style
Neutral shades, like black, white, beige, tan, and gray. Classic patterns and designs, like black and white checkerboard and herringbone. Natural stone or porcelain and ceramic lookalikes. Hexagon-shaped and other geometric tiles.
What kind of floor tile is timeless? ›
Materials such as marble, natural stone, and high-quality porcelain contribute to a timeless aesthetic. Traditional tile patterns and layouts are crucial for embracing a timeless look.
What is a timeless backsplash? ›
One popular timeless design is the classic marble slab look as it offers a distinguished style yet is versatile enough to fit in an array of kitchen layouts. A cherished minimalist-inspired design is white or off-white subway tile that effortlessly pairs with most kitchens.
Does subway tile increase home value? ›
If you want to customize your kitchen and increase the resale value of your home, a kitchen subway tile backsplash can help you achieve that balance. Subway tile backsplashes are versatile, low maintenance, and last for decades.
What backsplash will not go out of style? ›
"Hexagons and herringbone's patterns don't seem to ever go out of style. A herringbone pattern with a Calacatta marble finish makes for a little subtle interest in an all-white kitchen." Angling your tiles is a great way to add interest without breaking the bank for special patterns or adding colored tile.
