November 30, 2023

Simple, utilitarian, innovative, and artsy, the iconic subway tile has been reinvented many times. Let’s look at the original subway tile's history and journey to becoming a classic design statement that has evolved into something much more.

A Brief History of Subway Tile

These unassuming 3”x6” glossy ceramic rectangles had their beginnings in New York City’s first subway line. While the first practical subway built in America was constructed in Boston between 1895 and 18970, the new York Subway is one of the world's oldest public transit systems. Built by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) and designed by architects George C. Heins and Christopher Grant LaFarge, New York’s first underground transit system opened in 1904.

Already popular amongst the germaphobic Victorians, ceramic tile surfaced public buildings and private residential kitchens and baths at that time. The tiles were durable and very easy to clean — and the subway’s architects knew these tiles could stand up to the dirt and grime they would be subjected to. To brighten the gloomy underground tunnels, the designers specified a glossy, white tile that was light-reflective and read as “clean.”

The glossy-white rectangular tiles had an appealing, sleek appearance, and the subway tile soon became a symbol of modernity. Over the years, while other design trends came and went, subway tile stood the test of time and remains the tile of choice for those looking to achieve a clean, timeless, and sophisticated look in their space.

The Evolution of Subway Tile

Oxidized glazes and saturated hues in a lean 3"x12" size in a vertical offset pattern illustrate the adage, "What is old is new again," with the Oxida subway tile collection. 

Both classic and on-trend, traditional subway tile never really goes out of style. The iconic white 3 x 6 tiles still have a place today. But like many classics, the subways' design evolution has kept the surfacing on-trend in recent years. How have designers taken something so ordinary and made it extraordinary?

Subway tiles endure and remain at the forefront of tile design because tile designers continue to add their twists to the classic. The latest on-trend colors, unique finishes, unconventional installation patterns, and dimensional designs are just some of the many iterations.

The traditional 3" x 6" size is still popular and quite versatile when creating unique patterns, but subway tiles are found in many sizes now. Thinner, elongated subway tiles and jumbo subways create a very modern vibe. Textured surfaces, beveled edges, and three-dimensional designs take the simple subway to new heights. Colors are limitless, and no rule says you must use just one. For a one-of-a-kind look, sprinkle tiles of a different color into subway tile designs in a random fashion. Matte subways are now very much on trend, and mixing matte and gloss finishes produces a unique, beautiful aesthetic that is dynamic and unexpected. Different glaze techniques result in subway tiles that have fluidity of color or a watercolor effect, mimicking hand-glazed tiles of the past. The possibilities for subway tiles today are nearly endless! 

Snippet Ceramic Subway Tile 

Our Snippet wall tile collection is a pattern lover's dream! Five colors, two faces, one size… who knew you could get such creativity within a small little package? The line is a powerful package that delivers an almost endless array of patterns to help designers express their unique visions. 

Aquarelle Ceramic Wall Tile

Fluid color movement is achieved with a watercolor effect glaze in two linear shapes to use alone or mix and match. View the Aquarelle subway tile collection. 

Color Perspectives Ceramic Subway Tile

Color Perspectives' elongated profile makes an even greater impact when installed vertically in a herringbone pattern. The wall tile's large 4"x 12" size makes a bold statement, and the upscale bevel highlights the grandiose shape, adding dimension to any room. Color your world with Color Pperspectuves' nine stunning hues.

Stripes Ceramic Wall Tile

Transition from dimensional to flat surfaces with Stripes subway tiles.  The 3"x12" ceramic wall tiles can be placed vertically or horizontally. Mix the flat and dimensional tiles to stripe walls with bands of light and shadow. 

Marmos Marble Subway Tile

The Fairmont brass and marble subway tile from the Marmos collection has a very elegant vibe. The stunning tiles also mix beautifully with other shapes from the collection. 

Warehouse Row Ceramic Subway Tile

Glossy, elongated subway tiles with a vintage slant. Our Warehouse Row wall tile collection offers the look of painted brick walls in soothing colors of white, grey, blue, and green. The mix of colors in a herringbone pattern gives these tiles an edgy vibe. 

Maiolica Ceramic Wall Tile 

 With gradient colors in polished enamels, Maiolica is a versatile subway tile collection that combines style, subtleness, and charm with a handmade appearance.

These subway tile collections are just the tip of the iceberg! Crossville Studios can help you explore the world of subway tiles for your interior design project. The tile pros at 27 dedicated locations are ready to assist you in exploring the latest tile trends and help you specify your tile projects with confidence. Connect with us today!