The general rule is any wall tile with a 1 to 2 size can be styled as a subway tile: 2 x 4, 4 x 8, 6 x 12. There are a million and one tutorials online for how to install subway tile. For a futuristic vibe in an ultra-modern space, how about combining stainless steel inserts with your subway tiles? Keeping the stacks vertical rather than horizontal also helps to elongate the room. The pattern itself mimics classic brickwork, and is comprised of rows of tile that are laid horizontally at an offset with staggered joints. Recreate it with our selection of crisp white subway tiles and a grout like Laticrete Permacolor in Natural Grey! Mosaic subway tiles are a great way to make installation a snap, as you are installing sheets of mesh-mounted subway tiles instead of placing each tile directly! History lesson aside, there's a reason why subway tile is still around: it’s clean, classic and elegant. The design options with subway tiles are endless! You can completely change the look of a tile depending on the grout you choose, so it comes down to personal preference. Evoking simplicity, order, and symmetry, straight set tile offers a fresh canvas for layering on colors and textures. If you prefer to minimize the contrast between your tiles, try to match your grout to the material as closely as possible. This style has made a major comeback in interior trends thanks to the renewed focus on simplicity and minimalist style. While running this tile pattern horizontally will emphasize the width of the space, vertical installations emphasize the height. Decide your Subway Tile Pattern. Use classic white backsplash to complement a Tuscan-style. image source. If you want the tile job to look finished and tailored, don’t forget to use trim pieces! How to Install Subway Tile Backsplash This literally originated from the white glossy tiles that were installed in the Subway Train Stations. Horizontally stacked subway tiles work beautifully with modern designs and open shelving, creating aesthetic lines throughout the space. After first hitting the scenes in New York subway stations in the early 1900s, the traditional white 3×6 glazed ceramic quickly evolved with modern collections featuring a plethora of sizes, colors, finishes, and textures. The glazed ceramic finish of these beautiful tiles adds a soothing, iridescent shines! Subway Tile Patterns - Slice of Design The most timeless look is 3''x 6'' rectangular tile, laid in a 50/50 brick pattern. You can see the comparison in our diagram below! Whether the accent is a color or just a black tile mixed in with the white tiles it can still add so much attention and pop to the tiled area. Easy to lay out, this popular tile pattern is for those looking for a classic and simple design. Scroll through and find an inspiration picture that you love looking at, then focus on the elements that came together in that design! See how a tone-on-tone grout with our Grey Limestone Waves Etched Subway Tile reduces the effect of the tile pattern and creates the illusion of larger tiles. A great primer on the types of subway tile patterns you can incorporate into your home to create a personal touch with a classic design! Travertine tile assembled in a diagonal pattern with a decorative inlay creates a beautiful kitchen backsplash. Subway tiles have been a staple in interior design since the early 1900’s, when they were first designed for the newly constructed subway system in New York City. Accentuate the dark color with matching grout, allowing you to maintain the elegance of a tone on tone color scheme, yet still bringing an interesting visual to the space. Subway tile is like a basic t-shirt – you can wear it every single day and it can look fresh and new depending on how you style it! Subway tiles laid in a classic running bond pattern (also called the offset pattern) are staggered by centering the end of each tile with the centerline of the tile above and below (this is called a 50-percent offset). Kitchen Backsplashes Tile Backsplashes Kitchen Tile Backsplashes Kitchens Materials and Supplies Tile Extended Design Upon first glance, this subway tile backsplash may not seem extraordinary, but by continuing the tile all the way to the ceiling, the room feels larger, the walls are easy to clean and the kitchen boasts more texture and interest. Just like the brick pattern, use a high contrast grout to pop up the tiles, showcase your pattern and give it a more modern look! Dos and Don’ts From a First-Time DIY Subway Tile Backsplash Install Teresa Odland Updated: Oct. 23, 2020 After receiving contractor bids to tile our kitchen backsplash that didn't fit our budget, my husband and I decided to tackle the project ourselves. This pattern involves a pair of horizontal tiles framed by a pair of vertical tiles. Online Sampling Now Available! Experiment by mixing a variety of tiles to make your own distinctive pattern! Want to step up your subway tile design even more? The herringbone tile pattern is affectionally named after the herring fish due to the shape it mimics. We chose to install our subway tile in the classic running bond pattern. Then, sand the wall and apply mastic to it with a trowel. By cutting them in half ahead of time, you make sure that you get two exact 1/2 tiles with one cut which helps you keep your tiling lined up precisely as you work your way across the wall. However, there are many options for subway tile arrangements, including vertical patterns, herringbone designs, basket-weave arrangements, and more. How to Install a Tile Backsplash Install new ceramic, porcelain, glass or stone tiles above a countertop to brighten a kitchen or bath. Empty content. For a tile pattern like the running bond, you can go with the traditional 50% offset, aka the brick look, or consider a more contemporary one-third offset. The subway tiles here in the Right Angle pattern use a butt-joint instead. Crosshatch (or Basket Weave Pattern) You can also shake up this classic pattern with a little twist - all you do is to rotate it at a 45-degree angle! Generally speaking, when you come to the end of a wall and you want the subway tile installation to look like it “wraps” onto the next wall. Subway tiles have come a long way since the turn of the nineteenth century, making endless patterns you can create using subway tile! Our Glass Mosaic Subway tiles are already laid out in this classic shape and mounted on mesh to take the guesswork and measurement out of installing a running bond pattern. Interior Refresh Usually when you see subway tile, it’s done in a simple brick pattern. These traditional home design elements for a marble subway tile backsplash, shower, fireplace surround, or floor, typically measure 3” x 6” or occasionally 4” x 12” and come in honed or polished finishes. Subway tile has been around for more than 100 years, but recently it’s enjoyed a huge surge in popularity, appearing in bathrooms and kitchens in all kinds of styles, from the very traditional to the super modern. The diagonal pattern will also help to expand the room while keeping the same classic look. To install subway tile backsplash, measure the wall, calculate the number of tiles needed to cover it, and buy 10% more tile than you need to account for waste. As the diagram above and the beautiful example kitchen below show, this style consists of tiles that are stacked directly on top of each other so that the tile joints in one row perfectly align with those in the row above and below. Next, sketch your design on the wall and lay out the the tiles on a large table. Kitchen Wall . You can create a herringbone pattern by installing tiles in V shapes at alternating 45-degree angles. For more tips, products, and trends from Garden State Tile, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. Traditional Herringbone: This is probably the most recognizable and popular pattern of the twelve mentioned. The subway tile backsplash comes in a variety of designs. Frequently Asked Questions about Subway Tile Patterns -, If you prefer to minimize the contrast between your tiles, try to match your grout to the material as closely as possible. For a bit of drama, choose a darker grout selection paired with light tile. Add a little contrast with an inset border, even in a different material. Let’s dive right into the impact each style can have on your interior! Like many of the other queries on this post, the answer really is ‘it’s up to you’! Depending on scale, this tile can work in a variety of spaces – both on walls as well as floors. Subway tile is a fresh, inexpensive and classic look for various areas throughout your home. This method aligns tiles with the joint offset by 33% of the tiles above and below - this is ideal for large format subway tiles as it can avoid a lippage effect more common with bigger tiles, and creates the illusion of diagonal lines. Some people who are much more proficient tilers than I am can get away with laying tile without using spacers, but I’m still a newbie and I love how easy they make it to keep my tiles level and evenly spaced. A. We’ve detailed some of the staggered subway tile installation options above - a running bond vs. a stacked bond is a good example. wall tile and backsplash patterns Create walls and backsplashes that become a dramatic and beautiful backdrop in any room. We chose to install our subway tile in the classic running bond pattern. The repetition in design creates a minimalistic, grid-like look that is most often seen in midcentury and modern designs . Easy to lay out, this popular tile pattern is for those looking for a classic and simple design. The tile tub surround was a fun pairing with a classic black and white penny round tile floor and a modern slipper tub to create an airy bathroom that is instantly Pinterest-worthy. Other popular sizes are : 3”x 12” and 4”x 16” which will give a more modernized look. Going light and airy with our Mallorca White ceramic tile below is a great way to lengthen a smaller space with a horizontal stack pattern. While the most traditional herringbone pattern has the tiles lie in a 45 degree angle, aligning the pattern so that it lies at a 90 degree angle can create a whole new look. However, the rotated design provides more of a more unique twist! Stardust Blue 2X8 Glass Mosaic Tile subway tiles displayed in a classic running bond pattern is one way to add a timeless look to your bathroom with modern materials! Or for the most glamorous designs, opt for a mirrored subway tile! But just because subway tile has been around for over a century doesn’t mean it’s outdated. We love this all-white bathroom seen on Jen Talbot design that uses a basketweave or crosshatch pattern with white tile and pairs it with darker contrasting grout for a little bit of contrast! Home > Blog > Subway Tile Patterns For Creative Installations. Our Installation Guide provides a step-by-step visual of the installation process, showing you how to lay down tile using the current standards for tile installation in today’s market. The single-colored backsplash is ideal if you want a simple look. 12x24 Tile Patterns Tile Layout Patterns Kitchen Floor Tile Patterns Herringbone Tile Pattern Floor Patterns Kitchen Flooring Tile Floor Paver Patterns Herringbone Wall Work this idea into your decor with inspiration from Sunny Circle Studio, who kept this bathroom full of light with a herringbone tile wall in a stairstep pattern! Continue that pattern and you’ll end up with the coveted and classic subway pattern. Save Pin It See More Images A horizontal running bond or brick set installation is the most popular style for subway tile, and also the most traditional. Classic 50% offset pattern for subway tile (sometimes referred to as “running bond”) looks like the images below, with every other tile’s edge matching up in a vertical line. It will never go out of style, but can add a lot of personality if you shake it up and have some fun with patterns! A … But just because subway tile has been around for over a century doesn’t mean it’s outdated. https://construction2style.com/tutorials/subway-tile-pattern-ideas Straight Set, or stacked tile, plays well with midcentury modern and contemporary spaces. This twist on a classic will add a surprising effect that is unique and unexpected! For this tile to look more elegant, keep in mind that slightly longer tiles work the best! Dismiss, Subway Tile Patterns For Creative Installations, Tactile Elegance: The Portugal Collection from Crossville, Powder Rooms: The Jewelry Box of the Home, The Madison Collection Expands with 12 New Lines. As time has passed, there have been many different varieties of colors, styles, materials and even unique installation patterns of subway tile created. Or you can choose a grout color that will pop out your tiles with a graphic statement and make your subway tile feel extra special. The nice thing about subway tile is that you can customize the pattern easily to include a stacked pattern, a brick offset pattern, or even a horizontal pattern. Classic ceramic subway tile is one of the most affordable types of tile per square foot. Laid in a 50/50 brick pattern, over the years this has become a renovation staple. So the lesson here is that you can def go more classic with an “expected” subway tile installation if you are nervous about switching things up too much, but you can freshen things up with other finishes. The vertical version helps make ceilings feel taller if you want to emphasize the height of a space and make it appear roomier. Subway tiles are more than just a hygienic solution these days – they’re an opportunity to style your floor, wall, or backsplash in unexpected ways and create a unique home that reflects your style! There are two kinds of stacked patterns and both are making waves in interiors at the moment - the vertical stacked bond and the horizontal stacked bond! Subway tiles can be laid in a variety of pattern, and not all the tiles need to be the same color, accents can help spice up a bland look. Installation/ Every contractor is super different on how they price the installation. Download our helpful PDFs for DIY installation and tile pattern preferences. This grid style pattern may be the most basic, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of style! It's reminiscent of traditionally laid brick and works well in kitchens and bathrooms alike. Other popular sizes are : 3''x 12'' and 4''x 16'' which will give a more modern look. Recreate it with our selection of. The bronze hardware and marble vanity decor give this minimalist bathroom a beautiful design detail! Horizontal stacked subway tile features a clean linear pattern with rows of tiles perfectly stacked directly upon one another. Combining the pattern on our Wooden Beige Wave Etched Subway Marble Tile with a herringbone layout is a great way to create movement and flow on your wall! This enlarged subway tile features four varying old-world designs in denim blue tones with a smooth surface. To learn how to work with Aspect Peel and Stick Metal Tiles, read these simple general installation instructions. Create a timeless beauty that is chic, elegant and uniquely yours! A mix of our La Riviera ceramic tiles gives this modern pastel bathroom a subtle rainbow effect - the copper accents make it even more creative! A 3-sided shower for example: You would typically center the back wall so the cuts are even on both sides. This pattern is made up of V-shaped rows of 45-degree angled tiles. Here are some great options for creating a truly unique look! Inspired by the colors and patterns of the historical London district, our Camden Decor Azurro 4 in. Subway tile is like a basic tee- you can wear it every single day and it can look fresh and new depending on how you style it. A great question landed in my inbox regarding subway tile installation, it’s one I haven’t tackled here on the blog, so today’s a great day to do so! I love making signs! And in general, the overall pattern you see below is our favorite type of shower enclosure tile installation. See how a tone-on-tone grout with our, Can you install tile over tile? I also love the Painted Wood Sign (using the Cricut to cut a vinyl stencil) and my Welcome Home Sign with Interchangeable Seasonal Shapes. Popular on backsplashes, subway tiles attain new heights of style in a herringbone layout. Literally. It adds a fresh touch and works great in large format areas such as a shower. Order Up to 5 Samples for $1.99 + Free Shipping. and a grout like Laticrete Permacolor in Natural Grey! That’s exactly how I like to think of subway tile! Or, watch the video, for even more tips. The wooden grain detailing and gray color scheme are a great way to add height to an accent wall or enhance a fireplace surround! A transitional style kitchen featured in HGTV Designer of the Year Awards designed with white subway tiles like our Glacier Pure White 8X16 Polished Glass Tile! This pattern is perfect for wide walls and larger spaces to keep the eye moving throughout the room. Artist's Drawing of the City Hall Subway Station in New York. Learn More Here. The most timeless look is 3”x 6” rectangular tile. This classic pattern can be very effective at making small rooms appear larger. This subway tile layout throws all the patterns out the window and creates something unique and modern! You can use the herringbone pattern to span the entirety of the backsplash or keep it in smaller sections – such as behind the sink or stove. A simple way to achieve a more unique subway tile design is with a diagonal lay pattern. Once you pick your overall aesthetic, it will be easier to decide on choices for materials, colors, and your ideal layout! This interlocking design comes together to create squares that run in alternating directions for an intricate, yet captivating, look. See more ideas about kitchen inspirations, kitchen remodel, kitchen design. Should subway tiles be staggered and how do you stagger them? 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