Subway tiles have grown in popularity in interior design in recent years. The splendor of the basic, conventional white square tiles is that there are such a lot of methods to utilize them inside the house. Subway tiles can be used in a range of locations, including the hallway, bathroom, kitchen, and conservatory. These tiles have been utilized in residential and business houses for decades and had been advanced to match the modern-day market's aesthetic sensibility.
Subway tiles are ceramic tiles that were initially utilized in the early 1900s in the construction of New York's first subway station. Subway tiles are now available in hundreds of different colors, sizes, textures, and forms. Choosing from these options may undoubtedly be difficult.
But why are metro subway tiles so popular? And are they a good fit for your house? This article will teach you all you need to know about these classic tiles so you can make an informed purchasing decision.
So, let us get started.
What is Subway/Metro Tile?
Subway tiles are also called metro tiles. It has been in use for more than a century. Designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant LaFarge constructed the classic 36 rectangles for New York City's fresh new subway station in 1904. It comes in two sizes: one for the top row and another one for the walls and floors of the bottom row.
Popular Applications of Subway Tiles
Subway tiles can be utilized in both residential and commercial settings. The following are some of the applications where metro subway tiles work really effectively.
1. Subway Tile Kitchen
Nowadays, you can easily locate subway tile that is suitable for your kitchen backsplash. A subway tile kitchen can give an appealing and soothing feel. They are a wonderful choice for your kitchen backsplash because of their smooth surfaces and tiny grout lines, as well as their ease of cleaning and maintenance.
2. Subway Tile Bathroom
A subway tile bathroom can be found in many people's houses nowadays. It is usually a fantastic and traditional design choice. Subway tile designs are popular in bathrooms because they are both classic and adaptable. They come in a range of colors and patterns. They are often composed of ceramic, which makes them far more durable than other forms of tile.
3. Subway Tile Living Room
Nowadays, we can easily spot a home with subway tiles in the living room. Metro subway tiles are ideal for the living room since they are more aesthetically beautiful and durable than other tiles, as well as being easy to clean without losing warmth or beauty. People choose tiles that are solid and strong. As a result, subway tiles are frequently regarded as the greatest tiles for the living room. They are durable, scratch-resistant, and highly powerful.
How Many Different Colours of Metro Tiles Are There?
Depending on the style and size, there is a large choice of attractive colours to pick from. The colour of your metro tiles is determined by the other materials and colors utilized in the design or construction of a structure. The following are some wonderful colours that may be more popular for metro tiles.
1. White Metro Tiles
We are confident that traditional white metro tiles will never go out of style. These tiles are a popular choice among homeowners who want to give a classic aesthetic to their kitchens, bathrooms, and other interior areas. It is frequently utilized for a minimalistic style and allows for striking contrast inside the environment.
While your metro tile bathroom is being restored or refurbished, white metro tiles are a terrific method to keep it appearing clean. They are also an ideal choice for bedrooms and other domestic places where the natural light in your house will emphasise the white tile. They may provide a sense of openness by allowing more natural light in while maintaining a clean look in your surroundings.
2. Blue Metro Tiles
Blue metro tiles are one of the most popular subway tile kitchen backsplash colours. They can be pricey, but if you want your backslash to stand out and look stunning, they're definitely worth it. Blue is a soothing hue that can instantly make everyone feel at ease in their own house. There are many different tones of blue metro tiles to pick from. The light and dark blues are the most frequent, but there are different tints that will make your subway tile kitchen stand out even more.
3. Grey Metro Tiles
Grey metro tiles look fantastic on their own, but they're also a terrific way to make vibrant colours pop. They complement any decor and perform especially well in kitchens since they give a neutral yet classy ambiance. It is a classic choice for a subway tile bathroom, and there are several hues, patterns, and textures to pick from. Grey is a colour that may be mixed with any other shade to create a totally unique design.
4. Green Metro Tiles
The green metro tiles provide a natural feel and are visually soothing. It's also one of the easiest colours to coordinate with other tiles because it complements most natural hues, including browns, blues, greys, and greens. Green metro tile is ideal for individuals who wish to create an earthy atmosphere in their space.
5. Black Metro Tiles
Most people believe that black metro tile or any dark colour would make a place appear dismal, however black tile with shine or depth will reflect light and bring interest to a room. They have a sophisticated appearance and come in a variety of designs such as herringbone, basketweave, and wavy lines. For a kitchen backsplash and black metro subway tile bathroom is also a great choice. Black metro tiles will open up and brighten an area just as much as lighter ones.
Layout and Pattern Options of Metro Tiles
The overall impact of ceramic metro tile presentation is determined by how they are placed. Here are the five most common metro tile designs and tiling patterns.
1. Vertical Metro Tile
An unusual use for ceramic Metro tiles is to arrange them vertically in a running bond pattern. If you have a low ceiling but a larger floor area, this is a good alternative to open up your room vertically. Use big format tiles instead of a lot of little tiles, since having a lot of grout joints can make the area feel smaller. It has the appearance of vertical stripes, which any fashion expert will tell you provides a sense of height and slenderness, making it ideal for low-ceilinged or enclosed settings.
2. Herringbone Metro Tile
Herringbone is a fashionable design in which tiles are set at zigzag angles. This presentation emphasizes adaptability, transforming even a plain backsplash into a striking focal point. It has grown in popularity over time as homeowners seek methods to make their spaces stand out. It has an alternating pattern in which each row alternates between being parallel to one another and being slanted by a 45-degree angle.
3. Mosaic Metro Tile
Mosaic metro tile requires less cleaning than porcelain, wood, and mirror tiles. It is the most recent design and has an alternating pattern in which each row alternates from parallel to densely packed together like a mosaic. It is available in a variety of colours and sizes. Furthermore, these tile backsplashes are non-porous and stain, bacterium, mildew, and mold resistant. This is a major worry for homeowners who are planning to put a tile backsplash in their kitchen.
4. Hexagon Metro Tile
Hexagon metro tile is absolutely popular right now, but merchants are just recently receiving a huge quantity and diversity of tiles. This means that hexagon tile will stay fashionable and trendy for many years to come. It is a more recent style that initially appeared in the 1970s and has grown in popularity over time as homeowners seek methods to make their homes stand out. And because hexagons are a natural form, they will never go out of style.
5. Combined Style Metro Tiles
Several patterns and styles for metro tiles are available these days, but one of the most well-known is the combined style. Adding texture and complexity to your room by installing two distinct colors of tile or two different patterns, such a combination of metro tiles will make your area stand out and be more appealing than others. This style of tile is most commonly utilized in the kitchen's backsplash, which enhances the kitchen's appearance.
Advantages of Subway Tile
- It can be used in a variety of ways. However, some of these methods are really simple and subtle. As a result, subway/metro tiles might be the ideal setting for the rest of your space to shine.
- They are relatively easy to clean, which means they don't collect filth or dust as easily as other forms of wall tiling.
- Because of the diversity of colors, forms, and sizes available, you will be able to pick the metro tile design that best matches your style and preferences. Putting these tiles allows you to create a personalized area that is just ideal.
- It can be utilized in a variety of spaces around the house, from kitchens and bathrooms to hallways and bedrooms. There are also several designs available, so you will never be bored with your design pick! Depending on your preferences, you may go big or basic.
- They are simple to install and maintain, so you won't need any further assistance when doing so. You will also save money because expert installation services are not required.
Conclusion
Now you see why everyone likes Metro tiles, how it has endured for over a century, and why it is here to stay. Today, it is available in a wide range of materials, finishes, colors, sizes, and designs, offering you virtually limitless metro tile design options. We hope that this article will assist you in selecting the best metro tile before purchasing it.
Sunwin Ceramica is a well-known ceramic brand mentioned for its high-quality ceramic goods at reasonable costs. The company manufactures a wide range of products, including the highly popular Metro tiles, GVT/PGVT tiles, porcelain tiles, and sanitary wares, which are immensely popular among their global client base.
FAQs
What are subway/metro tiles?
Metro/Subway tiles are rectangular ceramic or porcelain tiles commonly used for wall coverings, featuring a classic brick-like design.
When was subway tile first used?
Subway tiles were first used in the early 20th century in New York City's subway system, inspiring their name.
Are metro tiles going out of fashion?
These tiles remain a timeless choice in interior design and are not considered outdated.
What does subway tile look like?
Metro subway tiles have a rectangular shape with a smooth or textured surface, typically featuring a staggered brick pattern when installed.
What types of metro tiles are available?
Metro/Subway tiles come in various materials like ceramic, porcelain, glass, and natural stone, offering diverse design options.
How thick is subway tile?
Subway tiles typically come in the 5-10mm thickness range.
Are metro tiles hard to clean?
Metro tiles are easy to clean; their smooth surface simplifies maintenance.
Are metro tiles easy to install?
These tiles are relatively easy to install for professionals and DIY enthusiasts due to their uniform shape.
How to lay metro tiles?
Properly lay metro tiles by starting from the center and using a notched trowel for adhesive application.
What pattern do you use to lay subway tile?
Common laying patterns with this tile include the classic offset, herringbone, and vertical stack, allowing for creative design variations.
Do subway tiles need spacers?
Yes, spacers are essential when installing subway tiles to ensure even spacing and a polished finish.
Tile & Sanitaryware Manufacturer
Sunwin Ceramic is a renowned manufacturer of tiles and sanitaryware, recognized for its high-quality products & innovative designs. With a strong presence in the industry, we established ourselves as a leading brand, offering a wide range of ceramic & porcelain tiles and sanitaryware solutions.
