Subway tiles are rectangular ceramic or porcelain tiles measuring 3x6 inches that originated in New York City subway stations in the early 1900s. These versatile tiles work in kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and entryways, available in ceramic (more affordable, easier to install) and porcelain (more durable, water-resistant) materials.
Key subway tile benefits include:
- Easy maintenance - Non-porous surfaces resist stains and clean easily
- Versatile design - Works with traditional, modern, and contemporary styles
- Multiple finishes - Glossy reflects light for brightness, matte provides slip resistance
- Layout flexibility - Install in herringbone, running bond, stack bond, or diagonal patterns
- Cost-effective - Affordable option that adds long-term value to homes
Popular subway tile sizes:
- 3x6 inches (classic traditional size)
- 2x8 inches (elongated modern format)
- 4x8 inches (larger contemporary option)
- 3x9 inches (Mediterranean-inspired style)
Subway tiles have established themselves as a foundation of interior design, delivering an exceptional combination of enduring style and contemporary adaptability. Our simple rectangular shape, crisp edges, and flexibility make them a superior choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and numerous other applications. Whether positioned in a traditional brick layout or an eye-catching herringbone design, subway tiles introduce dimension, personality, and sophistication to every space.
Brief History of Subway Tiles
Subway tiles originated in the early 1900s when architects George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge developed them for the walls of New York City's subway stations. Created for both strength and cleanliness, these tiles showcased a smooth, lustrous surface that bounced light, making underground stations appear brighter and more welcoming. Our non-porous finish also simplified cleaning, which was essential for maintaining a hygienic public transportation system.
Beyond practical advantages, subway tiles rapidly earned appreciation for visual appeal. Our clean, rectangular form matched the developing Art Deco and early modernist movements, making them appear in public buildings, hospitals, and eventually, residential homes. Over decades, they became associated with cleanliness and refinement, shaping mid-century modern interiors.
As design trends transformed, subway tiles grew beyond utilitarian origins. The classic white, glossy tiles stayed popular, but designers started experimenting with new colors, finishes, and arrangements. For instance, matte, textured, and handcrafted variations appeared, expanding our versatility. Today, subway tiles remain a design staple, effortlessly combining nostalgia with modern innovation. Whether applied in traditional spaces or contemporary interiors, our lasting appeal and adaptability keep them relevant across generations.