Elegant Subway Tile Backsplashes For Your Kitchen

Elegant Subway Tile Backsplashes For Your Kitchen

If you are looking for the most timeless type of tile that will never go out of style, I would offer subway tiles. This is a win-win idea for most kitchens and bathrooms designed in modern and contemporary style, and the classics are always in trend.

What are subway tiles?

This is a style of white glazed ceramic tile used on the walls of New York City subway stations in the early 20th century. Nowadays, these timeless tiles can also vary in color and size and are used throughout the home wherever you need them. I would like to share with you some ideas on how you can use them in your kitchen to create a backsplash or even cover the entire wall. Let’s get started!

As I said above, subway tiles are just a common type of tiles these days, rectangular in shape with mostly glossy surface. It is available in every color and size, so you can easily find what you like and match the style of your kitchen. White subway tiles are classics, but if they’re not your thing, take a look at colored versions like blue, gray, emerald, pink and others, for example marble. The size is also optional: subway tiles on a smaller or larger scale look no worse than the originals measuring 3″ × 6″. Whether you highlight the tiles with contrasting grout or use a matching grout is also up to you: the contrasting grout highlights the kitchen back wall and gives the kitchen a pattern.

A bold black and white kitchen with glossy green subway tiles for a pop of color is very cool

A bold black and white kitchen with glossy green subway tiles for a pop of color is very cool

A cheerful turquoise and white kitchen with white subway tiles, colorful accessories and rugs for a fun atmosphere

A cheerful turquoise and white kitchen with white subway tiles, colorful accessories and rugs for a fun atmosphere

a chic, modern kitchen with black base cabinets and concrete countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and some decor

a chic, modern kitchen with black base cabinets and concrete countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and some decor

A classic white Scandinavian kitchen with black countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and black handles

A classic white Scandinavian kitchen with black countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and black handles

a contrasting kitchen with black cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops and brass handles

a contrasting kitchen with black cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops and brass handles

a contrasting kitchen with dark walls, a white subway tile backsplash, gray cabinets and open shelving, and lights

a contrasting kitchen with dark walls, a white subway tile backsplash, gray cabinets and open shelving, and lights

A cozy farmhouse kitchen features white subway tiles with black grout and natural wood shelves

A cozy farmhouse kitchen features white subway tiles with black grout and natural wood shelves

a creamy Scandinavian kitchen with butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and black fixtures

a creamy Scandinavian kitchen with butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and black fixtures

a modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, a wood hood, and floating shelves

a modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, a wood hood, and floating shelves

a modern farmhouse kitchen with white and light gray cabinets, butcher block countertops, a glossy subway tile backsplash, and a pendant lamp

a modern farmhouse kitchen with white and light gray cabinets, butcher block countertops, a glossy subway tile backsplash, and a pendant lamp

a modern country kitchen with white walls and white cabinets, wooden beams on the ceiling, a fireplace and a basket and wooden shelves

a modern country kitchen with white walls and white cabinets, wooden beams on the ceiling, a fireplace and a basket and wooden shelves

a modern kitchen with light cabinets, stone countertops, a white subway tile wall, and simple dining room furniture

a modern kitchen with light cabinets, stone countertops, a white subway tile wall, and simple dining room furniture

A modern white kitchen with a green subway tile backsplash, gray stone countertop and silver fixtures

A modern white kitchen with a green subway tile backsplash, gray stone countertop and silver fixtures

A modern white kitchen with an emerald green subway tile backsplash, butcher block countertops and open shelving

A modern white kitchen with an emerald green subway tile backsplash, butcher block countertops and open shelving

A navy blue modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, a white subway tile wall, and gold fixtures is very elegant

A navy blue modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, a white subway tile wall, and gold fixtures is very elegant

A neutral, modern kitchen with white countertops and hunter green subway tiles and gold fixtures for a more elegant look

A neutral, modern kitchen with white countertops and hunter green subway tiles and gold fixtures for a more elegant look

a neutral farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, a blue subway tile backsplash and a metal hood, and white stone countertops

a neutral farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, a blue subway tile backsplash and a metal hood, and white stone countertops

a neutral kitchen with rustic accents, richly stained wood countertops and a white subway tile backsplash

a neutral kitchen with rustic accents, richly stained wood countertops and a white subway tile backsplash

What are the advantages and disadvantages of subway tiles?

Pros: Subway tiles are relatively inexpensive compared to other tile options; they are easy to install; They can give any area a timeless look. And they come in a variety of colors and styles that will easily match any decor style. They are durable and long-lasting, there are a variety of design options and a wide variety of colors and finishes are available. Subway tiles feature a non-porous surface that resists mold, mildew and dirt buildup. This is an inexpensive material for remodeling projects. It can add subtle texture to a room’s decor, which is a hot trend today, and it adds character to modern or traditional designs.
Cons: Subway tiles can be difficult to clean due to their small size; If they are not sealed properly, they can become stained over time. and if installed improperly, the grout lines may be uneven or crooked. Because of their small surface area and joints, they can be difficult to clean. They require more grout than other types of tiles, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install. The grout lines may become slightly stained or discolored over time. Because of their shiny surface, they can create reflections that make a room appear smaller than it is. Subway tiles have limited design options compared to other types of tiles.

a Scandinavian kitchen with gray walls, white base cabinets, black countertops, sooty shelves and white subway tiles

a Scandinavian kitchen with gray walls, white base cabinets, black countertops, sooty shelves and white subway tiles

a calm kitchen with gray walls, white cabinets, stained shelves, gray countertops and black accents

a calm kitchen with gray walls, white cabinets, stained shelves, gray countertops and black accents

a serene Scandinavian kitchen with just base cabinets and dark butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and shelving

a serene Scandinavian kitchen with just base cabinets and dark butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and shelving

A simple white Scandi kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcher block countertops and a white subway tile backsplash

A simple white Scandi kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcher block countertops and a white subway tile backsplash

a sleek kitchen with hardwood floors, black shaker cabinets, and white subway tile on the wall

a sleek kitchen with hardwood floors, black shaker cabinets, and white subway tile on the wall

A stylish black farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelving and a large metal hood

A stylish black farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelving and a large metal hood

A stylish modern farmhouse kitchen with green walls, white cabinets and white countertops, plus a white subway tile backsplash

A stylish modern farmhouse kitchen with green walls, white cabinets and white countertops, plus a white subway tile backsplash

a stylish white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, stone and butcher block countertops, a white subway tile wall and shelves

a stylish white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, stone and butcher block countertops, a white subway tile wall and shelves

a tan farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, brass handles, and white subway tile on two walls

a tan farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, brass handles, and white subway tile on two walls

A unique kitchen with light blue subway tiles on the walls, dark cabinets and open shelves is a cool idea

A unique kitchen with light blue subway tiles on the walls, dark cabinets and open shelves is a cool idea

A vintage farmhouse kitchen with white shaker cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, a planked kitchen island, and hanging lamps

A vintage farmhouse kitchen with white shaker cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, a planked kitchen island, and hanging lamps

A vintage-style navy blue kitchen with glossy navy subway tiles, white marble countertops and metallic accents

A vintage-style navy blue kitchen with glossy navy subway tiles, white marble countertops and metallic accents

a white coastal kitchen with shaker cabinets, a turquoise subway tile backsplash, a stained table, and blue stools

a white coastal kitchen with shaker cabinets, a turquoise subway tile backsplash, a stained table, and blue stools

A white farmhouse kitchen with butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and butcher block countertops

A white farmhouse kitchen with butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and butcher block countertops

A white farmhouse kitchen with gray subway tiles along the entire kitchen wall and white stone countertops is a chic space

A white farmhouse kitchen with gray subway tiles along the entire kitchen wall and white stone countertops is a chic space

A white farmhouse kitchen with light gray subway tile and stainless steel backsplash completes the look

A white farmhouse kitchen with light gray subway tile and stainless steel backsplash completes the look

a white farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, a gray subway tile backsplash, and gold fixtures

a white farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, a gray subway tile backsplash, and gold fixtures

a white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelving and a stained kitchen island

a white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelving and a stained kitchen island

a white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, pendant lamps and decor

a white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, pendant lamps and decor

A white kitchen with a navy subway tile backsplash, metal hood, and white stone countertop is super chic

A white kitchen with a navy subway tile backsplash, metal hood, and white stone countertop is super chic

Subway tiles are quite universal and can be combined with different materials that you can use: wood, marble, concrete and others. You can easily add color to your monochrome room or maintain the color scheme when you use a matching shade. You probably imagine subway tiles laid in the usual horizontal “brick” pattern. But did you know that you can lay subway tiles vertically – or even in a herringbone or geometric L-shaped pattern? There are so many possibilities! Give your kitchen a timelessly elegant look with a chic subway tile backsplash and enjoy!

A white kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash and white countertops and gold fixtures is a beautiful space

A white kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash and white countertops and gold fixtures is a beautiful space

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, white stone countertops, wooden floating shelves and a wooden hood

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker-style cabinets, white stone countertops, wooden floating shelves and a wooden hood

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with a light green subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with a light green subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with butcher block countertops, white subway tile, and black accents for contrast

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with butcher block countertops, white subway tile, and black accents for contrast

a white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, white stone countertops and a white subway tile backsplash and stained wood

a white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, white stone countertops and a white subway tile backsplash and stained wood

a white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, open shelving and gray subway tile along the entire wall

a white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, open shelving and gray subway tile along the entire wall

a white, modern farmhouse kitchen with stained corner shelves and white subway tiles on the walls

a white, modern farmhouse kitchen with stained corner shelves and white subway tiles on the walls

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops and a black matte subway tile backsplash for contrast

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops and a black matte subway tile backsplash for contrast

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, stained shelves and an island with gold handles

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, stained shelves and an island with gold handles

a white Nordic kitchen with shaker cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelving and a black range hood

a white Nordic kitchen with shaker cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelving and a black range hood

a white Nordic kitchen with white countertops and a white subway tile backsplash and simple dining room furniture

a white Nordic kitchen with white countertops and a white subway tile backsplash and simple dining room furniture

a white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, a striking blue subway tile backsplash, and white countertops

a white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, a striking blue subway tile backsplash, and white countertops

a white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and open shelving

a white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and open shelving

a white Scandinavian kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and a range hood that matches the wall

a white Scandinavian kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcher block countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, and a range hood that matches the wall

a sleek kitchen with white and dark green cabinets, white stone countertops, and a white subway tile backsplash

a sleek kitchen with white and dark green cabinets, white stone countertops, and a white subway tile backsplash

a sleek, neutral kitchen with cream cabinets, a gray subway tile backsplash, and gray countertops

a sleek, neutral kitchen with cream cabinets, a gray subway tile backsplash, and gray countertops

an ethereal white kitchen with shaker cabinets, white countertops, open shelving and black fixtures

an ethereal white kitchen with shaker cabinets, white countertops, open shelving and black fixtures

A striking kitchen with sleek cabinets, a striking blue subway tile backsplash, a large island and dark stools

A striking kitchen with sleek cabinets, a striking blue subway tile backsplash, a large island and dark stools

A striking white farmhouse kitchen with stone and butcher block countertops and a striking green subway tile backsplash

A striking white farmhouse kitchen with stone and butcher block countertops and a striking green subway tile backsplash

Dark chocolate subway tiles with white grout create a contrasting and bold kitchen backsplash

Dark chocolate subway tiles with white grout create a contrasting and bold kitchen backsplash

A bold black kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash accented with black grout and touches of gold and brass

A bold black kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash accented with black grout and touches of gold and brass

A bold blue kitchen with a black subway tile backsplash, white marble countertops and lots of gold for a polished vibe

A bold blue kitchen with a black subway tile backsplash, white marble countertops and lots of gold for a polished vibe

A chic, neutral kitchen with a pink subway tile backsplash and touches of gold for a glamorous and cute look

A chic, neutral kitchen with a pink subway tile backsplash and touches of gold for a glamorous and cute look

A chic slate gray farmhouse kitchen with a gray subway tile backsplash and mosaic tile floor is elegant

A chic slate gray farmhouse kitchen with a gray subway tile backsplash and mosaic tile floor is elegant

A chic white farmhouse kitchen with terrazzo countertops and a gray subway tile backsplash is very elegant

A chic white farmhouse kitchen with terrazzo countertops and a gray subway tile backsplash is very elegant

A cozy coastal kitchen in white with bold blue subway tiles that add color and indicate the location

A cozy coastal kitchen in white with bold blue subway tiles that add color and indicate the location

A cozy white kitchen with emerald green subway tiles and wooden shelves is very bright and very stylish

A cozy white kitchen with emerald green subway tiles and wooden shelves is very bright and very stylish

A pretty white kitchen with turquoise subway tiles, a wooden island and shelves, and white furniture is very cool

A pretty white kitchen with turquoise subway tiles, a wooden island and shelves, and white furniture is very cool

A matte navy kitchen with navy subway tiles and gold accents for a bold and dramatic dark-toned kitchen

A matte navy kitchen with navy subway tiles and gold accents for a bold and dramatic dark-toned kitchen

A minimalist gray kitchen with white countertops and white subway tiles as well as a wooden dining set looks very inviting

A minimalist gray kitchen with white countertops and white subway tiles as well as a wooden dining set looks very inviting

A sophisticated, moody black kitchen with gray marble countertops and a black subway tile backsplash is totally chic

A sophisticated, moody black kitchen with gray marble countertops and a black subway tile backsplash is totally chic

A small, minimalist white kitchen with wooden countertops and shelving, as well as a white subway tile backsplash and hanging lamps

A small, minimalist white kitchen with wooden countertops and shelving, as well as a white subway tile backsplash and hanging lamps

A two-tone white and gray farmhouse kitchen with a marble tile backsplash and mixed metal accents

A two-tone white and gray farmhouse kitchen with a marble tile backsplash and mixed metal accents

A light green vintage kitchen with large format subway tiles, wooden countertops and a traditional dining set with benches for a country atmosphere

A light green vintage kitchen with large format subway tiles, wooden countertops and a traditional dining set with benches for a country atmosphere

an inviting, neutral kitchen with blue subway tiles, wooden beams and shelving, and a fireplace next to it

an inviting, neutral kitchen with blue subway tiles, wooden beams and shelving, and a fireplace next to it

A white kitchen with dove gray subway tiles and green accents feels fresh and ethereal

A white kitchen with dove gray subway tiles and green accents feels fresh and ethereal

An airy white kitchen with a light blue subway tile backsplash and neutral metallic colors looks very inviting

An airy white kitchen with a light blue subway tile backsplash and neutral metallic colors looks very inviting