Five Ways to Use Subway Tiles for Your Backsplash
When it first opened in 1094, New York City’s underground transit station featured ceramic tiles all over its walls. The tiles, which were durable and easy to maintain, soon came to be known as “subway tiles.” Before long, subway tiles were being sold to consumers and the simple but stylish 3”x6” tile soon became a popular addition to bathrooms and kitchens in many American homes. Using only slight variations, you can easily change the look of subway tiles, whether you need a style that’s classic or contemporary.
Depending on the type of subway tile you desire, the price range varies considerably, from $2 per square foot for budget tiling up to $50 for handcrafted tiles. If you’re not experienced at installing tiles, installing a subway tile backsplash can seem a little intimidating. The best way to start is with a small area. Though you will probably need to replace the grout and adhesive over time, subway tiles are durable enough to last for several decades. Although darker colored tiles may show some scratches with age, their colors will not fade over time.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that subways are only available in the classic white tile. They come in a wide range of stunning colors including: lagoon blue, loft spa green, watermelon, sage and ruby. Subway tiles are smooth and easy to clean, making them a pleasant and lasting addition to any home. The tiles can be used in a number of ways to create a backsplash. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Stacking the Tile
Whether you are creating a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom, a horizontal, stacked configuration never fails to please; it’s also relatively simple if you’re installing tiles for the first time. It’s perfect for smaller spaces and with a matching grout the compact, symmetrical, horizontal pattern almost seems like a continuous wall of tile. If you’re feeling more adventurous, or you have a professional installing the tile for you, there are a number of other arrangements that you may want to consider. For a continental feel, tiles can be stacked vertically. An offset brick arrangement, the most common style for subway tiles, will give an industrial feel. More complex designs include: herringbone, diagonal herringbone, perpendicular, and windmill.
Making the Most of Grout
Some people think of grout as a dirty word when it comes to tiling, but you can use it to enhance your backsplash in a number of ways. If you’re using a colored tile, an off-white grout can help your backsplash blend in naturally with wooden shelves or cabinets. Using a colored grout to contrast with your tile is a great way to make a bold statement, rather than helping it blend into anonymity. Adding black grout to white tile gives it a cool, eye-catching contemporary look. If your backsplash is in a heavy duty are, such as a shower stall or behind a kitchen sink, using grey grout will help to maintain a clean look.
Framing a Focal Point
If you are creating a backsplash above a cooktop or sink, consider installing a framed focal point comprised of a small area of different tile. This can give either a contemporary feel, or complement the period style of your surrounding fixtures. You have an almost endless choice of possibilities of how you can use subway tiles to create a focal point. Don’t limit yourself to just to using different size, color and shape of tile, also think about using different materials, such as metal, glass or stone tiles to add extra emphasis.
Contrasting Cap and Base
Using contrasting cap and base molding gives a backsplash a stunning and clearly demarcated area, particularly when your backsplash does not run directly from the base of a fixture, such as a sink or countertop, to the base of a shelf or cabinet. In other situations where the edges of the tile are exposed, you will need to finish it off with a trim. There are many different styles to choose from including, penny round, bullnose, v-cap, cap molding, and bar liner. You may choose a matching trim for a smooth, seamless effect, or a contrasting color to emphasize the edges.
Adding Subtle Accents
Ornamental tiles can be very expensive, but you can take advantage of their beauty by scattering a few subtle accents among your backsplash tiles. Accent tiles take an ordinary area of tile and add interest and a unique twist of style. You can use accent tiles to add color, shape or even texture. You can integrate accent tiles as a regular motif in the overall pattern of the backsplash, or add random accents throughout. The latter enables you to add focal points that incorporate different forms of contrast; you can even use antique tiles or other materials altogether.
Depending on the type of subway tile you desire, the price range varies considerably, from $2 per square foot for budget tiling up to $50 for handcrafted tiles. If you’re not experienced at installing tiles, installing a subway tile backsplash can seem a little intimidating. The best way to start is with a small area. Though you will probably need to replace the grout and adhesive over time, subway tiles are durable enough to last for several decades. Although darker colored tiles may show some scratches with age, their colors will not fade over time.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that subways are only available in the classic white tile. They come in a wide range of stunning colors including: lagoon blue, loft spa green, watermelon, sage and ruby. Subway tiles are smooth and easy to clean, making them a pleasant and lasting addition to any home. The tiles can be used in a number of ways to create a backsplash. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Stacking the Tile
Whether you are creating a backsplash in your kitchen or bathroom, a horizontal, stacked configuration never fails to please; it’s also relatively simple if you’re installing tiles for the first time. It’s perfect for smaller spaces and with a matching grout the compact, symmetrical, horizontal pattern almost seems like a continuous wall of tile. If you’re feeling more adventurous, or you have a professional installing the tile for you, there are a number of other arrangements that you may want to consider. For a continental feel, tiles can be stacked vertically. An offset brick arrangement, the most common style for subway tiles, will give an industrial feel. More complex designs include: herringbone, diagonal herringbone, perpendicular, and windmill.
Making the Most of Grout
Some people think of grout as a dirty word when it comes to tiling, but you can use it to enhance your backsplash in a number of ways. If you’re using a colored tile, an off-white grout can help your backsplash blend in naturally with wooden shelves or cabinets. Using a colored grout to contrast with your tile is a great way to make a bold statement, rather than helping it blend into anonymity. Adding black grout to white tile gives it a cool, eye-catching contemporary look. If your backsplash is in a heavy duty are, such as a shower stall or behind a kitchen sink, using grey grout will help to maintain a clean look.
Framing a Focal Point
If you are creating a backsplash above a cooktop or sink, consider installing a framed focal point comprised of a small area of different tile. This can give either a contemporary feel, or complement the period style of your surrounding fixtures. You have an almost endless choice of possibilities of how you can use subway tiles to create a focal point. Don’t limit yourself to just to using different size, color and shape of tile, also think about using different materials, such as metal, glass or stone tiles to add extra emphasis.
Contrasting Cap and Base
Using contrasting cap and base molding gives a backsplash a stunning and clearly demarcated area, particularly when your backsplash does not run directly from the base of a fixture, such as a sink or countertop, to the base of a shelf or cabinet. In other situations where the edges of the tile are exposed, you will need to finish it off with a trim. There are many different styles to choose from including, penny round, bullnose, v-cap, cap molding, and bar liner. You may choose a matching trim for a smooth, seamless effect, or a contrasting color to emphasize the edges.
Adding Subtle Accents
Ornamental tiles can be very expensive, but you can take advantage of their beauty by scattering a few subtle accents among your backsplash tiles. Accent tiles take an ordinary area of tile and add interest and a unique twist of style. You can use accent tiles to add color, shape or even texture. You can integrate accent tiles as a regular motif in the overall pattern of the backsplash, or add random accents throughout. The latter enables you to add focal points that incorporate different forms of contrast; you can even use antique tiles or other materials altogether.