12 Spectacular Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

Subway tiles are one of the most popular options for splashbacks. Simple, sophisticated and effortlessly stylish, subway tiles have remained firmly in fashion since they burst onto the Victorian interior design scene.

These small rectangular tiles were originally designed to clad the walls of subway stations, providing a practical, easy-to-clean solution that hospitals, kitchens and domestic homes soon adopted.

Over a century later, these smart tiles are still dominating interior design trends, providing beautiful splashback solutions for kitchens, bathrooms and utility areas. From the simple to the showstopping, keep reading to discover the most impressive subway tile backsplash ideas.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Tiles Like This: Emilia Greige

Subway tile backsplash ideas

Whether you have a traditional Victorian-inspired kitchen or a contemporary, minimalist bathroom, subway tiles can provide the perfect splashback solution.  From crisp whites and deepest blues to multicolours and varied layouts, we’ve rounded up our pick of the most effective subway tile backsplash ideas.

Mixed layout subway tiles

There’s no doubt that a wall of chic white subway tiles provides one of the classiest splashback solutions. If you love the idea of an all white backsplash but want to add a twist, consider mixing up the tile layouts.

From inlaid panels in different designs to distinctive borders, with subway tiles, the possibilities are endless.

Image credit: @coastalhamptonshouse

Recreate This Look: Asha Blanco

Cool grey tiles

Grey is one of the coolest colour choices for splashbacks. With a little more depth than white, this neutral shade will complement many kitchen cabinet colours, sit beautifully in all types of bathrooms and is subtle enough to withstand the test of time.

Grey is extremely versatile so you can confidently use it in contemporary and more traditional design schemes. The shade of grey that you choose will have a big impact too, choose deep shades for a dramatic, sophisticated look and lighter shades for a brighter, more modern feel.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Similar Tiles: Emilia Steel

Classic cream subway tiles

Choose cream subway tiles and edge them with moulded border tiles for a traditional-looking kitchen or bathroom splashback.

A softer take on white, cream will perfectly pair with all other colours and create a calming, subtly luxurious feel.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Recreate This Look: Emilia Blanco/Emilia Bone/Emilia Ask

White tiles, black grout

A design classic, black grout will make white subway tiles pop, emphasising whatever layout you’ve chosen. It’s also hugely practical, hiding stains and inevitable mould and mildew buildups, particularly in bathroom areas.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Similar Tiles To This: Rio Blanco

Perfect pink tiles

Unleash your inner Barbie with a wall of showstopping pink splashback tiles. From the palest candy floss shades to hotter pinks, this colour is guaranteed to add interest and character to your home.

Pinks don’t have to be in your face bright, this surprisingly versatile colour can be almost neutral in appearance, adding warmth, style and calming vibes.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Get the Pink look: Asha Rosa

Beautiful multi-tonal tiles

Add interest to a backsplash by choosing tiles with a striking glaze. Picking an unusual layout is a great way to showcase beautifully coloured subway tiles. Add a twist to the usual herringbone pattern by laying a straight version instead. It’s ideal for more modern kitchens and bathrooms.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Tiles Like This: Asha Rosa/ Rio Rosa

Sophisticated navy blue tiles

One of the most luxurious and sophisticated colours for a splashback, navy blue tiles will add understated elegance to a bathroom or kitchen.

For extra impact, look for tiles with a bevelled edge, this simple cut edge gives the tiles more depth than standard subway tiles and is perfect for creating a high-end finish.

Image credit: @housegardenshow

Recommended Tile: Habana Blue

Two-coloured tiles

Backsplashes provide the ideal opportunity for getting creative with tiles.  You certainly don’t have to stick to just one colour and there are many design opportunities from bold stripes and subtle ombre transitions to eye-popping colour block changes and randomly laid multicoloured tiles.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Recreate This Look: Rio Rosa/ Rio Beige

Supersized subway tiles

The traditional subway tile size is around 6 x 3 inches but there are many variations on the theme. Try super-sizing your tiles for a cool, contemporary look. Bigger tiles have fewer grout lines and are great for making small spaces appear larger.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Bevelled edge subway tiles

Add a touch of luxury to a backsplash by opting for bevelled edge tiles. These tiles have angled edges and are ideal for evoking a classic, traditional look.

Bevelled edge tiles can be laid in the same ways as regular, smooth subway tiles.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Recreate This Look: Dorset Bevelled Blanco

Vintage style tiles

Because subway tiles are so popular, they’re available in a wide range of materials and finishes. From glass and stone to polished and matt porcelain glazes, there is truly a subway tile for every style.

We love these gorgeously glazed tiles with a rustic, aged finish, ideal in all styles of kitchens and bathrooms.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Tiles Exactly Like This: Asha Rosa

Textured tiles

Tiles with a subtle surface texture will add a new dimension to backsplashes. Lay textured subway tiles as closely together as possible to emphasise their undulating surfaces.

Mix it up with a beautiful and unusual basketweave pattern, you can add further interest by alternating the tile colours.

Image credit: @originalstyleuk

Tiles Like This: Rio Blanco/ Rio Rosa

Is subway tile a good choice for a kitchen backsplash?

Simple and chic, subway tiles remain one of the most popular tiles for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Small in size but big on impact, these tiles are easy to fit and suitable for all budgets.

Part of their immense popularity lies in the huge range of colours, textures and finishes available and the myriad ways in which they can be laid. Subway tiles are super versatile and will suit all styles of home from modern to traditional.

Are subway tile backsplashes still in style?

Subway tiles are one of the best-selling tiles on the market. Their versatility, multitude of layouts and vast range of materials and colours ensure their longevity. Subway tiles are usually small, so they are easy to fit and perfect for creating interesting and attractive splashback surfaces.

How can I make my subway tile more interesting?

With their brick like proportions, subway tiles are often laid in the traditional, staggered brick bond. This timeless layout is a style classic, but there are many more ways to lay metro tiles. Explore the herringbone variations, basketweave patterns, one-third running bond offsets and modern vertical and horizontal stacked layouts. You can also combine tile layouts for added interest.

What is the best offset for subway tiles?

Traditional running or brick bond subway tiles have a 50% offset, this is aesthetically pleasing and easy to fit. You can add a modern twist to the traditional brick bond by fitting the tiles with a one-third or one-quarter offset instead.

Atlas Ceramics stocks a full range of porcelain, stone and glass subway tiles for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Browse our selection yourself or call one of our helpful experts for advice.