A subway tile backsplash is about as simplistic as it gets when it comes to classic design choices for kitchens.
Clean lines and simple patterns combined with easy cleaning and durability make this a popular choice for many homeowners that desire a good value.
Subway tiles have been around since the artistic team of Heins & LaFarge first installed them in the New York City subway system back in 1904. They were part of the Arts and Crafts movement and worked in the Beaux-Arts architectural style.
Subway tiles come in a variety of sizes and colors — which is in sharp contrast to its humble beginnings when white and black were the standard.
Classic subway tiles are 3″ x 6″ but they come in a variety of sizes now.
English Cottage Home With Subway Tiles
The kitchen shown in the photo above is from the English cottage that I chronicled in Marietta, Georgia.
If you have a few minutes, I invite you to check out some — or all — of the articles in that series. It is a full-blown English cottage, built by Jerry Bonner, that was constructed of the finest materials with extraordinary attention to detail.
The subway tile backsplash that was installed in this English cottage-style home was paired with a black, brushed granite countertop and off-white cabinets. As you can see, it’s an awesome combination! It will most likely never go out of style.
Having first laid eyes on it back in 2006, it’s a beautiful site to see in combination with all of the custom, built-in cabinetry.
Reasons To Choose Subway Tile
When subway tile was first introduced, they were made of painted and fired ceramic.
That’s not so today. Various polymers have been introduced to the mix for additional durability and strength.
The 6 main reasons to choose subway tile are:
- Durability
- Classic style
- Easy to clean
- Relatively inexpensive
- Easy to install
- Ability to refract an abundance of light for a brighter kitchen
For something a little bit different, yet still the same, consider trying crackle glaze subway tile.
Must read: 10 Tips Before Choosing A Tile Backsplash
More Ideas For A Subway Tile Backsplash
- Video: How To Install A Subway Tile Kitchen Backsplash
- Susan Jablon Mosaics – Subway Tile Backsplash Examples
- DIY Network: How To Install A Subway Tile Backsplash
- More Arts & Crafts Home Style Ideas
- Subway Ceramics: Historically Authentic Subway Tiles
- This Old House: Ceramic Subway Tile Backsplashes
I started as a home-stalker… visiting brand new homes under construction in the neighborhoods near my house. That inspired me to write about home building and home renovation projects — chronicling homes during different phases of construction from a consumer's point-of-view. Basically, the tips you'll find in my articles are a collection of checklists for what I think should (and should not) go into building or remodeling a quality home.
