Down in the Subway - the lowdown on the humble Subway tile.

A gentleman waiting for his train at the Queensway Station circa 1890 

Photograph thanks to Pinterest

Over 100 years later we can achieve the same look in a contemporary setting using our Town & Country, White Glazed tiles as you see here.

Tile: Town & Country, White Glazed

Subway tiles have been used at The Grove, Narbeth they have cleverly used the subway style tile to create a beautiful backdrop to this Victorian style bathroom.

Nowadays the texture and colour of these wonderful subway tiles vary significantly. We can mix and match and put together a myriad of colour combinations. Designers are also beginning to experiment with different tile layouts to achieve a host of beautiful effects using the subway tile. 

#1 Kitchen subways laid in the conventional brick effect style

Tile: Town & Country, White matt

Here, subway tiles are used in a country house setting. Town & Country Crackle glazed tiles come in soft shades and neutrals that make for the most delicate tiled finish.

Tile: Town & Country, Olive and White

Cottage Kitchens

Tile: Lava Brick, Aqua

#2 Kitchen subways laid using a herringbone style 

Photograph thanks to buildhercollective.com.au

#3 Bathroom subways

Subway tiles laid vertically and diagonally to add a varied aesthetic appeal. The Lava Brick here is minimalist, with satin to matt glazes and the option for a pop of colour. The creative versatility of the Lava tile leaves kitchen and bathroom walls open to a traditional feeling in an urbanised space.

Tile: Lava Brick, Green

Tile: Lava Brick, Blue & White

#3 Various layouts with this versatile tile

Subway tiles in a vertically stacked layout

Tile: Town & Country, White Glazed

Tile: Lava Brick, Black

Tile: Lava Brick, Grey

Subway tiles set in herringbone layout

Tile: Lava Brick, Cream

Photographs thanks to buildhercollective.com.au

 The Reminiscent White tile is a slightly distressed, highly glazed wall tile. This plain coloured tile with its delicate texture has been laid with vertical and horizontal lines.

Tile: Reminiscent, Pearl

#4 Tile ranges at BAKED with a more decorative theme.

Tile: Embossed, Fig Black

Rustic, decorative and nostalgic, our Embossed range comes in a palette of seven fabulously muted, moody colours.

Tile: Souk, Turquoise

Shade variations and intentional imperfections add great character to this Moroccan-inspired range that’s perfect for making a design statement in bathrooms, kitchens and living spaces.

I think you'll agree that any area of the 21st century home can benefit from subway tiles – from kitchens and bathrooms to utility rooms, mud rooms and hallways. They can achieve period charm in an older property but can also look bang-on trend in a modern home too. They are practical, timeless and work in interiors of all descriptions.