Is Subway Tile Timeless or Trendy?

​New York City, 1904. Designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge were faced with an interesting challenge; architects had created a new subterranean world as a new form of city travel. The walls of this new underground train travel needed to be covered in something different than a standard square tile in order to properly contour to the curved walls of these underground stations. George and Christopher also knew they would have to find a tile that would meet the high standards of Victorian hygiene.
It was into this unique situation that the “subway tile” was born. These sparkling white ceramic tiles didn’t stain, were easy to clean, and light bounced off of them to give the appearance of a safe and sanitary space.

​Their rectangular shape allowed them to gently curve around the large expanses and wide arches of the underground stations and, together with coloured mosaic tiles, created an impressive backdrop to this marvel of engineering.
Fast forward to present day and any hardworking area of the home can benefit from subway tiles: from kitchens and bathrooms to utility rooms, mud rooms and more.  

Alchimia Ivory 3x12 installed in a horizontal stack pattern.

​Because subway tile has seen a resurgence of popularity over the past 10 years, people sometimes wonder if it is going to go out of style. But considering that they have been around for over 100 years, that is unlikely to happen! Subway tiles give an old-world charm to an older property, but can look just as at home in a contemporary room. 

Brooklyn 3" x 6" Bevel in a classic brick lay.

​While subway tile has definitely been “trending” over the past few years, it is still a timeless choice. Subway tile can be “safe” and neutral; such as the classic glossy white paired with a simple grey grout, but don’t feel limited to just white. It can also be a fun and fashion-forward choice once you start looking at the myriad of colours available these days! 

​Subway tile has also seen updates in the shape and size- available in more than the classic 3x6 they used to be- 3x12, 4x16 and 2x6 are all updated variations on the rectangular shape. Don’t forget that you can also install them in brick-lay, straight or herringbone patterns. Add to that textures such as bevels, waves and hand-formed imperfections and the options are truly endless! 

​These are just a few of the beautiful subway tiles we carry in stock. 

Cloud Pearl 2.5" x 8" in a horizontal stack.

Peacock Rose 2.5" x 8" (Other colours available)

Alchimia White 3x12 in a brick pattern.

Nolita Beige 2.5x8 in a unique parquet pattern.

Opal Turquoise 3x12 in a herringbone pattern.

Village Mushroom 2.5x8 in a horizontal stack

Colonial Black Brillo and Matte 3x12 in a herringbone pattern with combined glossy and matte finishes.

Wadi Terra 2.5x12 in a vertical stack pattern.

Zellige Beige 2x6

​Simple, clean, easy to maintain, available in an abundance of colours and adaptable for nearly any style, subway tiles have stood the test of time and are just as popular as ever!