How to Create Backsplashes with Subway Tile
Subway tile is ideal for creating backsplashes in kitchens as well as in bathrooms.
Subway tile gets its name from the white, glazed ceramic tile used in the New York City subway system which opened in 1904. It is generally 3" by 6" in size and used horizontally. However, that rectangular brick shape is so popular that it is being reinterpreted in a variety of ways.
As you can see from this kitchen installation image, traditional subway tile has been reinterpreted with color and in glass to fashion a timelessly beautiful kitchen backsplash design with Glass Subway Tile in Crème Glass 3x6 203575.
In addition to new interpretations in glass as well as ceramic, and in a variety of colors, subway tile is now available with patterns and textures, not to mention that you will even find them used horizontally as you will discover in the image gallery below.
You might enjoy exploring what's new in Subway Tiles from Coverings: Tile Trends and Insights From Coverings. Also check out these two blog articles about subway tiles:
>> Mad For Ceramic Subway Tile? 3 Types To Consider For Your Walls.
>> Subway Tile in Glass, Travertine, Marble, Brick and More? Oh, My!
Let's explore the different variations in subway tile and how you might use them to create a backsplash in your kitchen or in a bathroom.
Subway tile gets its name from the white, glazed ceramic tile used in the New York City subway system which opened in 1904. It is generally 3" by 6" in size and used horizontally. However, that rectangular brick shape is so popular that it is being reinterpreted in a variety of ways.
As you can see from this kitchen installation image, traditional subway tile has been reinterpreted with color and in glass to fashion a timelessly beautiful kitchen backsplash design with Glass Subway Tile in Crème Glass 3x6 203575.
In addition to new interpretations in glass as well as ceramic, and in a variety of colors, subway tile is now available with patterns and textures, not to mention that you will even find them used horizontally as you will discover in the image gallery below.
You might enjoy exploring what's new in Subway Tiles from Coverings: Tile Trends and Insights From Coverings. Also check out these two blog articles about subway tiles:
>> Mad For Ceramic Subway Tile? 3 Types To Consider For Your Walls.
>> Subway Tile in Glass, Travertine, Marble, Brick and More? Oh, My!
Let's explore the different variations in subway tile and how you might use them to create a backsplash in your kitchen or in a bathroom.
Glass & Ceramic Subway Tile Combined Backsplash Design
This kitchen display is featured in our Tampa location. The backsplash design combines glass and ceramic subway tile. More specifically, it uses Bamboo Cream 4x12 and 2x12 glass, and the Acquarella Ceramic Graphite 3x12 and Acquarella Blue Lagoon 3x6.
Note that this design also combines two different textures and styles.
Try Combining Multiple Glass Textures & Sizes
This next gallery image features a kitchen display from the Fort Myers Tile Outlets location. This design uses all glass subway tile in different colors, sizes and textures.
The glass pieces consiste of 4x12 and 2x12 glass with the Bamboo texture and the clear texture.
This kitchen display is featured in our Tampa location. The backsplash design combines glass and ceramic subway tile. More specifically, it uses Bamboo Cream 4x12 and 2x12 glass, and the Acquarella Ceramic Graphite 3x12 and Acquarella Blue Lagoon 3x6.
Note that this design also combines two different textures and styles.
Try Combining Multiple Glass Textures & Sizes
This next gallery image features a kitchen display from the Fort Myers Tile Outlets location. This design uses all glass subway tile in different colors, sizes and textures.
The glass pieces consiste of 4x12 and 2x12 glass with the Bamboo texture and the clear texture.
Wavy Subway Tile
Black & White Composition
Handmade Looking Ceramic Subway Tile
A ceramic subway tile series we particularly love is called Acquarella. It captures that handmade authentic look. In the first gallery image, Acquarella 3x12 in Cream was used with a pencil border outlining a decorative listello to create the backsplash.
In the second gallery image, you see the Stone Subway Tile series which is a double-fired ceramic that imitates natural stone. Pictured is the Taupe color in a 3x6 where the solid 3x6 tile is mixed with the geometric 3x6 in a herringbone design. You can install these in all an solid design or incorporate the geometric designs to create this look. The Stone series is available in 3 colors.
>> See Stone Subway Tile Wall Series Expands Subway Tile Selection
Glass & Ceramic Subway Tile Combined Backsplash Design
This kitchen display is featured in our Tampa location. The backsplash design combines glass and ceramic subway tile. More specifically, it uses Bamboo Cream 4x12 and 2x12 glass, and the Acquarella Ceramic Graphite 3x12 and Acquarella Blue Lagoon 3x6.
Note that this design also combines two different textures and styles.
A ceramic subway tile series we particularly love is called Acquarella. It captures that handmade authentic look. In the first gallery image, Acquarella 3x12 in Cream was used with a pencil border outlining a decorative listello to create the backsplash.
In the second gallery image, you see the Stone Subway Tile series which is a double-fired ceramic that imitates natural stone. Pictured is the Taupe color in a 3x6 where the solid 3x6 tile is mixed with the geometric 3x6 in a herringbone design. You can install these in all an solid design or incorporate the geometric designs to create this look. The Stone series is available in 3 colors.
>> See Stone Subway Tile Wall Series Expands Subway Tile Selection
Glass & Ceramic Subway Tile Combined Backsplash Design
This kitchen display is featured in our Tampa location. The backsplash design combines glass and ceramic subway tile. More specifically, it uses Bamboo Cream 4x12 and 2x12 glass, and the Acquarella Ceramic Graphite 3x12 and Acquarella Blue Lagoon 3x6.
Note that this design also combines two different textures and styles.
3x6 Glass Subway Tile
2x12 Glass Subway
Ceramic Subway Tile
3x6 Subway
Brick Subway Tile
3x6 Classic Subway Tile
The classic 3x6 subway tile in white or bone has a look that withstands the test of time.
This next gallery image shows you a bathroom designed using 3x6 subway for the walls with a bright strip of mosaic to break the all-white look and connect the mosaic feature wall and floor design with the subway tile wall. Notice how the tiles are installed with a 50% offset and run vertically along the base.
Subway Tile Indoors and Outdoors, Too
Finally, the last two images highlight how beautiful ceramic subway tile installed soldier-style, without offset, looks as a backsplash in an indoor kitchen space as well as an outdoor kitchen.
**Note - we do not recommend ceramic subway tile as an outdoor tile in parts of the country where it freezes. However, for the lovely weather we have in the Fort Myers, Sarasota and Tampa areas, it's definitely worth considering!
Comments, questions, reactions to creating backsplashes with subway tile? If you don't see the subway tiles you're dreaming about, be sure to let us know.
The classic 3x6 subway tile in white or bone has a look that withstands the test of time.
This next gallery image shows you a bathroom designed using 3x6 subway for the walls with a bright strip of mosaic to break the all-white look and connect the mosaic feature wall and floor design with the subway tile wall. Notice how the tiles are installed with a 50% offset and run vertically along the base.
Subway Tile Indoors and Outdoors, Too
Finally, the last two images highlight how beautiful ceramic subway tile installed soldier-style, without offset, looks as a backsplash in an indoor kitchen space as well as an outdoor kitchen.
**Note - we do not recommend ceramic subway tile as an outdoor tile in parts of the country where it freezes. However, for the lovely weather we have in the Fort Myers, Sarasota and Tampa areas, it's definitely worth considering!
Comments, questions, reactions to creating backsplashes with subway tile? If you don't see the subway tiles you're dreaming about, be sure to let us know.
Beveled Edge Subway
Glass Subway
Glass Subway
Install Subway Tile Vertically
Try a shimmery glass subway tile
Subway tile with mosaic band
Full Bathroom Installation
White Subway + Seafoam Green
Create a Bottom Border with Subway
Alternate Subway Tile with 1x1 Mosaic
Taupy Brown Subway Tile
Subway Works Well with Hexagon Tile