This Train Stops at Style Station – Subway Tile is one of the Year’s Hottest Trends

Daltile Rittenhouse Square

For many city-dwellers, the daily subway ride isn’t always a scenic vacation. But a brief look at the walls of many subway stops reveals some of the most iconic tile work of the 20^thcentury. The instantly recognizable “Subway Tile” look was pioneered in New York train tunnels in the early 1900’s, and today it’s one of the hottest trends in tile design throughout the home. If you’re remodeling a kitchen or bath, this classic vintage-chic Subway Tile look could be perfect for your project.

Subway Tile’s iconic bricked pattern usually involves smaller rectangular tiles, commonly measuring anywhere between 2” x 3” and 6” x 12”. Both ceramic and porcelain tiles are frequently used, in either glossy or matte finishes. Solid colors, namely black and white, give Subway Tile designs a clean and functional look. Actual Subway Tile often incorporates lettering or mosaic artwork, which has inspired a variety of mosaic accents to complete the look in the home. In addition to black, white and mosaic tiles, many manufacturers offer a wealth of tile colors and sizes to dial in the Subway Tile look.

American Olean Bright & Matte Profiles

One of the most popular Subway Tile collections is the Rittenhouse Square line from Daltile. This sleek ceramic tile collection achieves the classic bricked look with 3” x 6” rectangular tiles. The collection includes five distinct colors in both semi-gloss and matte finishes.  The Bright & Matte Profiles collection from American Olean is another stunning ceramic Subway Tile collection. Profiles tiles also measure 3” x 6”, and are also available with either matte or gloss finishes. However, the Profiles collection offers a few more color options, especially in the earth-tones range.

As far as porcelain tiles, American Olean’s Urban Canvas collection offers some fabulous options to homeowners and designers in search of a Subway Tile look. This premium porcelain collection is available in both 4” x 8” and 4” x 12” sizes for a slightly larger rectangular look. Urban Canvas color options set this collection apart. From bright, glossy Designer White to rich brown Nutmeg, to grey-blue Smokey Quartz, Urban Canvas offers a color to match any Subway Tile décor theme.

American Olean Urban Canvas

Glass mosaic tiles, like the Legacy Glass collection from American Olean, add beautiful accents to any Subway Tile design. These translucent glass tiles are available in a plethora of colorful shades from bright green Palm to placid Powder blue. The 2” x 4” Brick Joint collection is perfect for a nice linear accent, or a larger bricked design. The Legacy Glass line includes several other sizes to help bring any design dream to life.

It’s true – Subway Tile isn’t just for train stops anymore. It’s one of the year’s hottest tile trends! There are so many options to capture the iconic Subway Tile look, regardless of how you envision it. If you’d like to talk about Subway Tile styles for your particular remodeling project, please give us a call at 866-705-1340. We’re happy to help. Thanks for reading, and good luck with your project! 

American Olean Legacy Glass