Even after over 100 years, subway tiles remain a timeless favorite for residential and commercial interior designers. Though subway tile was created with practical, purpose-durable, waterproof wall coverings for industrial spaces, it has evolved into a beloved design element that blends functionality with style.
Join Oasis Tile as we explore what makes subway tiling so iconic, how to modernize this classic look, and how you can incorporate it into your spaces to create a timeless aesthetic for years to come.
The Origins of Subway Tile: What It Is?
The original subway tile was a simple 3x6-inch white glazed ceramic tile arranged in an offset running-bond pattern, which remains the most popular way to lay subway tiles. Its origins date back to 1904 when George C. Heins and Christopher Grant LaFarge designed it for the walls of the New York City Subway system.
This functional style was born out of necessity. The rapidly expanding New York City Transit Authority needed a durable, easy-to-maintain material for high-traffic areas. At the time, ceramic floor tiles outperformed the more common materials of the day, including stone and wood; they were susceptible to moisture damage, harbored bacteria, and were difficult to clean.
The efficiency of a subway tile layout made them a game-changer. Thanks to their uniform design and size, converting entire walls or floors with these tiles was cost-effective and easier. Plus, they were easy to clean and complimented any architectural style while maintaining a clean, polished appearance, making subway tiles a timeless choice in design.
Today, subway tiles' running bond pattern remains a design staple. While they’re less commonly used on floors than in the past, porcelain is the preferred material when they are due to its superior durability compared to ceramic.
The classic one-over-two pattern, with its staggered 50% offset arrangement, continues to showcase subway tiles' enduring charm and versatility. It’s a consistent feature in commercial kitchen and bathroom guides or commercial guides for designers seeking both practicality and style.
Where Can Subway Tiles Be Used?
Kitchen Backsplash and Floor Tiles
If you’re wondering, “What is a subway tile backsplash?” You’re in the right place! A kitchen backsplash is a vertical panel installed behind the countertop, typically extending from the counter to the bottom of the wall cabinets.
When it comes to choosing your kitchen backsplash, the possibilities are endless. Consider our Deep Red 3x6 Glossy Glass Subway Tile for a bold statement. If you prefer a more understated look, try our Antique Grey 3x6 Matte Porcelain Subway Tile. Either way, our subway tile backsplash colors and textures at Oasis abound.
Whether made of ceramic, porcelain, or marble, subway backsplash tiles are straightforward to keep clean. This is particularly important for a kitchen backsplash, regularly exposed to splatters, grease, and other foodborne messes.
Kitchen Floors
But subway tiles aren’t just for backsplashes. They’re also a popular choice for kitchen floors. If you’re exploring kitchen floor tile ideas, consider the durability and style of subway floor tiles. When deciding between ceramic and porcelain floor tiles, consider the amount of wear and tear kitchen floors experience. We recommend porcelain flooring for high-traffic areas because it is the best material for floor tiles.
Bathroom Floors and Showers
Discover the enduring elegance of subway tile ideas for your bathroom. Known for their durability and ease of maintenance, these tiles provide a practical and elegant solution that can adapt to almost any decorating style. Whether you choose our In Collection Lines Mint Green Decorative Mix 3x12 Glossy Ceramic Subway Tile for your shower or our Seattle Brick White 2x10 Glossy Porcelain Tile, one of our most popular bathroom floor tiles, you’ll be set to create a relaxing and refreshing space.
For those exploring heated tile flooring options, porcelain subway floor tiles are an excellent choice because they efficiently retain heat and add a luxurious element to your bathroom. The answer is yes if you’re wondering whether you can tile over existing vinyl flooring. With sufficient preparation, subway tiles can easily be installed over vinyl, making your bathroom renovation even more seamless.
Entryway Floors and Mudrooms
Tiled subway floors are an excellent choice for entryways and mudrooms in homes, and they work well in homes with pets. If you’ve been debating tile vs. hardwood flooring, you can easily opt for a wood-looking tile like our Wooden Grey Brown 6x36 Beveled Polished Marble.
Design Options for Subway Tiles
According to subway tile history, the original tiles were laid in a 50% subway tile offset, meaning that the middle of the tile aligned with the two tiles above or beneath it. This staggered subway tile layout pattern and the size ratio of each rectangular tile with 1 to 2 dimensions became synonymous with the term “subway tile.”
Since then, some other subway tile trends in 2025 have stormed the industry, including the following.
Straight
The classic straight-stacked subway tile look is the simplest and most timeless way to arrange them. Simply stack the tiles one on top of the other from left to right. For a modern twist, you can stack your subway tiles vertically or horizontally. If you're researching different ways to use kitchen tiles, these less-common layouts are a fantastic way to add a unique touch.
Herringbone
The herringbone pattern is an exquisite and timeless choice, perfect for adding a touch of sophistication to any room. Its dynamic zigzag pattern creates a sense of movement, making rooms feel larger and more inviting. Subway tiles look particularly striking in this style, especially in a more traditional color like white Ridge White Matte 2x8 Ceramic Tile. They can be used as kitchen wall tiles, bathroom backsplashes, or even paired with contrasting dark cabinetry for dramatic contrast.
Running Bond
The staggered layout is the quintessential choice when deciding between stacked and staggered subway tiles. It offers a timeless design in which each row starts with a half-tile offset from the row above or below. Depending on how much of a pattern you want to create, the offset can be 50/50 for a more traditional look, 75/25 for a subtle variation, or 90/10 for a more dynamic effect to generate the level of movement you desire.
Conversely, a stacked layout delivers a modern, sleek aesthetic for walls. Subway tiles are perfectly aligned in straight rows and columns, emphasizing clean lines and symmetry.
Larger tiles, such as 4x12 or 6x12, can make walls and rooms feel more open, while smaller tiles, such as 2x4, are excellent for intricate patterns or smaller areas. Whether stacked or staggered, pairing the proper layout with the appropriate tile size will deliver a stylish result for your walls.
Subway Tile Installation: DIY or Not?
Are you planning to hire a professional to install your subway tile or do it yourself? Both are reasonable options, but it is crucial to consider the final choice carefully.
Hiring a professional is often the best choice if this is your first time installing tile. You’ll avoid making many of the most common tile problems. Even when following our tile installation guide, it is still a messy job that requires patience; unlike floor tile installation costs, which typically range from $5 to $15 per square foot, the cost to tile walls ranges anywhere between $9-$46 per square and depends on the size of the space, the type of tile being used and the installation method.
Find the Perfect Subway Tile Today
Whether installed vertically or horizontally, subway tile remains a modern and versatile choice for any space, from kitchen floors and backsplashes to entryways and bathroom showers. People choose tile flooring because of its durability, low maintenance, and versatility, and it remains a favorite among designers for the same reasons. Whether the classic running bond, modern stacked layout, or timeless herringbone pattern has caught your eye, subway tiles can match any style.
At Oasis Tile, we offer a vast selection of subway tiles perfect for wall installations, from kitchen backsplashes to bathroom accents. Backed by expert guidance and insights from our comprehensive tile-buying guide, you can confidently choose the best options for your project. Explore our collection today and order samples to bring your vision to life.
