what is the measurement of the space between the counter top and the window framing?

It is 18 inches.

I would do 3x6 and maybe use the 2x4 for a design above the stove. Also 2x4 I think looks a little more contemporary. I would use a pencil trim to finish off the edges.

I would say the 3" x 6". Were you going with white tile? I would suggest a soft gray. I think it would be nice to finish it with a bullnose, as long as the bullnose was simple. Subway tiles are a very clean simple look, an elaborate bullnose might be overwhelming or may clash the styles.

18"?! are you sure? ... that would make your facet close to 2 feet tall based on proportion in the photo, and I doubt that's the case ... I would guess maybe 8"? ...

That's not 18" high behind the faucet. That's 7, maybe 8". That said, I agree with Maryfran. Do the 3x6, and use the 2x4 as an accent.

Sorry, I gave the wrong measurement. It is 18" from the counter top to the bottom of the cabinet and 8" from the counter top to the bottom of the window frame. I am leaning towards the 3x6 tiles with a light gray grout. Appreciate everyones comments.

Bullnose 2x4. It's a small space. Looks great.

Defiantly the 3x6..

3x6 with bullnose

I think your plan of the white 3x6 with light gray grout is the perfect choice.

I think smaller marble subway marble tile looks great, I would consider going with 2 X 6" or even 3/4" X 1 3/4" it adds a little more detail and the 2 X ^ is a nice departure from the traditional 3X6

I agree with Drum Hill. I think the smaller subway tile in marble would look wonderful with your counters, possibly laid in a herringbone pattern over the stovetop.

Great idea, herringbone is a beautiful design.

I was just thinking herringbone too, as I saw it mentioned in another discussion.

I thought I'd posted it, but apparently, I was only thinking it!! Use the 3x6 as a field tile, and then use either a rope trim or chair rail to frame out a feature over the stove and do the 2x4 in the diagonal herringbone. I know it sounds like I'm jumping on the bandwagon, but I THOUGHT of it first!!

yeah, that's it-- that's the ticket! LOL

I would measure the area and choose the tile that fits perfectly ... width of grout line taken into consideration. If one of the sizes works perfectly, i.e., not 1/2 cut tiles at the top .. that is the size I would choose.

A very light gray subway tile would look fabulous!

What happens if they BOTH fit? Both 3x6 AND 2x4 would fit full tile counter to cabinet on an 18" backsplash! LOL

i would say it depends on what you can get the bullnose in.

and see if you can get it installed so that the bullnose doesn't change direction from the tile.
so if your subway is -_-_-_- make sure to get the bullnose on the short side.

@J and B....when adding a tile back splash above existing granite countertops, is it best to remove the 4in back splash of granite which was installed for painted walls? I have black granite, white cabs with a mocha wash, light grey walls. Am leaning toward subway tile. I'm concerned about damage to walls and granite if that small granite backsplash is removed.

My vote is for 2x4...I have 2x4 tumbled Carrera marble for my backsplash and love it.

Bonjour. I like 3x6 also, we did a similar project.

I like the 3x6. Less grout lines = less busy , are you going with the mat or glossy tile? I am starting a backsplash next week. I bought the grey gloss tile but gives the illusion of glass without the crazy cost of glass.

I am with the majority above. Glossy 3 x 6 tiles, echoing your sink finish, light grey in minimal grout lines to pick up your delicate countertop graining.

Another idea -- consider re-working the window - remove the "picture-framed casing with a flat stock look - even if it's just on this window in the kitchen. Run your subway tile right up and into the window sill area, with counter-edge tile - then apply your side casing sitting right on the tiled sill.

A look similar to the tiled spice shelf in this photo - with the spice shelf here being your window sill. Have Fun! Mark

I love my 2x4 tile! Def. a light grey grout would work beautifully in your case.

2x4 tile is beautiful too, just a different look.I think it boils down to personal preference.

Someone's in the kitchen inc, great idea for the widow sill! Like it!!

Another option for the window sill, if you are interested, is to use matching marble and bring it out a bit deeper. We did this with the window over our sink, except using soapstone, like our counters. It creates a nice echo to have the horizontal surfaces mirroring each other.

Reply to: mkhodges- We never use 4" backsplashes in new designs and would remove them.....Problem is that you're possibly opening a can of worms depending on how the Granite fabricator did his installs.....You'll certainly damage the drywall which can easily be patched and prepped for tile.....Question is what you'll find on the surface of the Granite where the 4" backsplash now sits.....The thickness of the new backsplash tiles won't hide that area.....There's also a good possibility of cracking the backsplash which isn't really a concern unless you decide that the top is too messed up and you want to put the backsplash back on.....Personally, we'd do it because the 4" backsplash is a thing of the past and (hopefully) the Granite will look fine when you remove the existing splash.....Far better look.....John & Brigitte

We replace/reposition windows all the time (if it's in the client's budget) to achieve a better effect with counters and backsplash tiles.....Take a look at attached pic to see why.....John & Brigitte.

It looks like we will be going with the glossy 3 x 6 white subway tiles. We originally did want to do a carerra marble backsplash but the supplier could not guarantee that the carerra would not have brown tones in it along with the grey. Our counter tops are only white and grey and we did not like the idea of having brown/beige in the backsplash.

I would double check with another supplier about the marble, as IMO that would be ideal, but otherwise your choice seems good. Just make sure, if you use gray grout, that it is really really pale--just a shade darker than the white. Otherwise you'll end up drawing attention away from your beautiful marble counters to a busy backsplash grouting design.

Interesting that you mentioned the grout because we are reconsidering the gray grout for that very reason and think we will use a white grout to match the tile.

You also might consider using a grout that is just a shade darker than the pure white tile, but moving toward ivory, putty, or taupe rather than gray. It's nice to have just the faintest hint of outlining of the tiles. We used "bone" subway tile (similar to our ivory cabinets) with "alabaster" grout (just a shade darker) and love the subtle effect.

mkhodges-- in reference to your question, it's entirely a matter of taste. I've done many WITH the granite splash, and many where the tile comes right down to the countertop. Here's a gallery of some of my backsplashes, so you can decide for yourself:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.545925585479950.1073741831.165818890157290&type=3

You may like our new Sorbetto Stone & Glass Backsplash Collection
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/15790749/thumbs/Sorbetto-Stone---Glass-Mix-Collection

I think your idea for 3x6 with the light grey grout is great! You have a classic color countertop and the 3x6 is a classic style. It would look beautiful if you did white or even a light grey tile. I also liked the idea of the 2x4's as an accent over your range or cooktop!

I have wooden floor outside of my kitchen that I am opening up, can tiles go with beech flooring splitting through peninsular x

What size subway tile should I use beneath my cabinets if height between cabinet and granite counter top is 9 inches?

If all you have is 9", I'm not sure that subway tile would give you a look you'd be happy with. Think about something more along the lines of linear glass and stone-- something along the lines of what Marble Systems Miami has pictured above..

I used 3" x 6" Subway tile, but I had a 18" to work with. I think you need to use a smaller tile. One thing I did was to draw the tile on a section of the drywall to help determine the size I wanted.

I'm going through a similar dilemma with our reno. I'm having light yellow cabinets and probably quartz countertops, though I haven't decided on the color yet. I want subway tiles, but I don't know if I should go with something standard, like 3" x 6", or if I should go for something like a 4" x 10". Also, glossy or matte? I'm leaning toward glossy, but I'm unsure. Too many choices!

I have exactly the same question-- when is larger tile (4 x 10) a better option than 3 x 6? Should you ever use larger time in a smaller kitchen?

3x6 would be lovely! Are the countertops marble? They are beautiful.