Beveled or flat white subway?

7 years ago

I am changing the backsplash in a few weeks from this very busy tile to a soft and calm white subway with white grout. The purpose is to calm everything down there is just too much going on with the knotty alder cabinets and the granite. I can't decide if I should use beveled white or just the classic flat subway. My whole purpose is to create a more farmhouse look, not to mention get rid of this busy-ness. I'm afraid the beveled might look like white brick....would love to hear opinions please! Thank you!

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PRO

HALLETT & Co.

7 years ago

Definitely flat. I might also look at a soft crackle glazed subway with a slightly creamy white color. Bright white might be too cool.

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Comments (26)

cpaul1
7 years ago
If farmhouse is the goal and those are the only two options, then I would do flat subway tile.
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Beth H. :
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
no bevel.

similar set up to yours w/plain old 3x6 white subway tiles (now if only they would have changed out the elec outlets to bright white to match!)

If your granite has more ivory tones, then do more of an off white or vanilla white, not bright white. I'd also do a longer format tile. maybe 2x8 or 3x9. to me, it's just a nicer look

these are Tilebar.com Byzantine Bianco in a 3x12. more of a matte finish.

You can order 5 samples for $5

https://tilebar.com/collection-18/ceramic-subway-tile.html

They also have the Lancaster and Manchester lines in creamy whites.

https://tilebar.com/lancaster-3x6-vanilla-polished-ceramic-tile.html

https://tilebar.com/cadenza-salt-cellar.html

4x4's in this layout is also nice and would suit your farmhouse look a little better.
jhmarie
7 years ago
I used cream subway tile with white grout with my wood cabinets and I am very happy with the result:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042

One thing to think about - if you ever might replace your over the range microwave with a hood, then take it down and tile behind and then put it back up or reserve enough tile to fill in any gaps later. I noticed that your microwave is higher than usual and as long as you are tall, this is not a problem.
Sue Long
Original Author
7 years ago
JHMARIE.....

Lol...I'm definitely not tall! But it will stay put.

I love your tile....where did you get it?
Junee Bug
7 years ago
Do plain white 3x9 subway, still farmhouse but with modern twist.! If you want the standard size, do in stacked pattern or herringbone. Daltiles subway tiles are a little creamier than most. I also like those thicker tiles that have crackle and uneven texture.
Sue Long
Original Author
7 years ago
Here it is next to the granite. I kind of like the white, it brightens up the granite. But I will definitely do flat instead of beveled.
Cece
7 years ago
Don’t know why people here don’t seem to like beveled. Honestly, it adds a subtle dimension and much more interesting than flat, especially in white.
jhmarie
7 years ago
My backsplash tile is "Alabaster", H-Line, which I think is from Arizona Tile. Both my local tile stores carried it when I did my backsplash - about 2.5 years ago.

You are going to be so much happier without that busy backsplash!
Sue Long
Original Author
7 years ago
Cece, I really love beveled tile! Just not sure if I should use it for this project.
Steven
7 years ago
Flat. But do try herringbone!
Cece
7 years ago
Sue, the beveled does look a bit like brick when it’s up, which may not be what you want. If I were you I’d try the tilebar Manchester or Lancaster lines that Beth posted, or something similar. They’re both beautiful. Good luck!
Greg P.
7 years ago
Flat is classic and timeless. Beveled is neither.
RedRyder
7 years ago
The bright white might be too much, so make sure to bring home some tiles that are ivory and creamier. I like beveled tiles too, but not for this situation. (I prefer it for a full wall in a shower to give it depth.) Your goal is to quiet it down, so non-beveled is better, but consider how you install it. BethH. is our resident expert and of her ideas, I love the herringbone installation. It adds interest but isn’t busy.
bholness
7 years ago
Flat.
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
I had your granite and liked bone, flat, 3x8 best. Sold house before we began that project so I don’t have photos. Bright white is too stark for your kitchen. I wouldn’t do herringbone because of busy look. You will be right back with business.
njay
7 years ago
I agree with other, no bevel. I would, however, suggest you look for a soft white or light cream. I think a white would have too much contrast with your counters.
PRO
HALLETT & Co.
7 years ago
The white looks good- your first photo made the granite look more cream.
Sandybean
7 years ago
Your granite looks different in each photo. How does it look in person? I agree to using more of an off white, especially with those cabinets. Nice cabinets by the way.
Sue Long
Original Author
7 years ago
Thanks everyone! I went with a flat 3 x 6 in biscuit! It's just the right about of warmth and not too cool and white! I will post pics when it's all done!!! Appreciate all the help!
Sue Long
Original Author
7 years ago
Here is a pic....the small tile is the biscuit and only for choosing the color, I'll be using flat 3x6 titles.
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
Did you try “bone”. It is between biscuit and white. Just a soft off white.
Sue Long
Original Author
7 years ago
New question....I probably should do this in a new thread but I'll try here. I want my grout to match exactly to my tile. I don't want to see a grid pattern. My tile guy has suggested biscuit grout but it looks too dark to me. Any suggestions on a grout that will basically disappear with my biscuit tiles? Thanks!
jhmarie
7 years ago
I used white, mostly because the place I picked up my grout did not have much selection and there is both white and cream in my countertop. I remember one tile guy who did part of my basement pulled out a large sampler of tile grouts - almost like a paint deck, so you might be able to find one a tad lighter. Even though my grout is not a perfect match, the overall effect is that it does not stand out. I don't think a little lighter or darker will stand out. You could ask him to do a small section and see what you think - find out if it lightens or darkens after it dries too.

Close up:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~57088087

Farther back:

https://www.houzz.com/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~58830972
chloebud
7 years ago
I would say the biscuit based on your photo. The white looks too stark with the granite. Definitely check the bone Flo mentioned. Good for you for getting rid of the busy backsplash!
PRO
Flo Mangan
7 years ago
You can get close. Turn the tile over if it is porcelain thru you can match grout easier this way. I would do sample because grout can dry lighter so you have to test it. Tilers are not designers so they aren’t best judge of color.