subway tiles

Classic kitchen backsplash

Subway tiles are rectangular ceramic tiles, typically white and measuring about 3 by 6 inches, originally used to line the walls of New York City subway stations in the early 1900s.

Their glossy, easy-to-clean surface made them practical for underground transit, and their simple, classic look has since made them a staple in kitchens and bathrooms.

We chose white subway tiles for the backsplash.

They're often installed in a staggered brick pattern.

Opposites
tile pattern/format

subway tilesmosaic tiles

Small pieces for patterns

penny tiles · hexagonal tiles · terrazzo · tumbled stone · mosaic

design aesthetic

subway tileshand-painted tiles

Individually decorated ceramic squares

majolica

surface treatment type

subway tileswallpaper

Ornamental wall covering

exposed brick · wood paneling · Venetian plaster · living wall · raw concrete

Family

subway, tile, subways, tiles, tiled, tiling, ways, subterranean

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G