Without a doubt, one of the most popular tile selections in recent times is the subway tile. Available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, textures and colours, it’s easier than ever to create a look that is unique to your style using its versatility. The most enticing reason to use subway tiles is for the infinite number of ways and patterns you can lay them in. Here are the top 5 ways to lay subway tiles that customers love!
Traditional Herringbone
Whether it’s for a kitchen splashback or a feature wall in the powder room, the traditional herringbone pattern can turn a blank canvas into a statement feature without overpowering the space. It creates the illusion of movement and if you want to make an even bigger statement, a contrasting grout is an excellent choice to help highlight the pattern.
Horizontal and stacked
Stacking horizontally is the more common subway tile layout for contemporary homes. When you opt for the horizontal stacked subway tile pattern, the method is simply laying the tiles horizontally, one on top of the other – creating a satisfying linear look! Though it is the simplest and most obvious way to lay these tiles in, the effect is still beautiful, timeless and suits both light and dark tiles.
Vertical and stacked
Modern and on trend, the vertical stacked pattern adds interest to a space without being overwhelming to the eyes all whilst adding visual height. For instance, if you opt for a concealed rangehood in your kitchen, adding this pattern to your splashback can help “lift’ the space up to create an illusion of height. It can also help make ceilings feel taller if you are looking to emphasise the height of a space such as in your bathroom.
Horizontal and bricked
A timeless, crowd favourite, horizontal bricked result in a brick like a pattern which is how subway tiles were originally used in New York City subways in the early 1900s! It is the most recognisable way to use subway tiles as they are staggered by centring the end of each tile with the centreline of the tile above. As you can imagine, this is a more traditional look compared to a simple stack so it’s a pattern that can’t go wrong and stands the test of time.
Vertical and bricked
The vertical bricked pattern is essentially a “standing brick” layout which creates an intricate pattern yet is also subtle to the eye. This style can help enlarge a room and make a statement in any space such as when you choose floor to ceiling tiles!
Pairing grout with subway tiles
Once you’ve decided on your subway tile and pattern, the next decision is choosing the all-important grout! You can completely change the look of a tile depending on the grout you choose. It all comes down to personal preference, however, we have 3 tips to keep in mind.
If you are looking for your tiles to blend seamlessly, you can camouflage your grout by matching this to the colour of your tile. For example, Unite White - Matt - 100x300 by Beaumont Tiles, can be paired perfectly with white grout.
Perhaps you are wanting to make this a statement piece, using a contrasting grout will help make your tiles pop! This can be achieved by using a darker grout colour such as Charred Ash.
Lastly, if you are using a multi coloured pattern tile, you’ll need to choose a grout colour that compliments the palette. For example, Misty Grey is a neutral grout colour that blends seamlessly with those warm or cool tone tiles, allowing the pattern within the tile to stand out and be the feature.
As you can see, the design options with subway tiles are endless! If you aren’t sure where to start, scroll through and find inspiration images of a look you are loving and once you pick your overall aesthetic, it will be easier to decide on choices for colours, patterns and textures with the help of your qualified interior designer.