31 May Trend Watch- Alternatives to Subway Tile

Trend Watch: Alternatives to Subway Tile

Subway Tile. Some people love it, and some people don’t.

Originated by designers George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge, this “ubiquitous 3-by-6-inch rectangle” was first seen in a New York Subway station (hence the name). Since then it’s found its way into restaurants, kitchens and bathrooms, with seemingly unlimited uses.

But if you’re one of those that thinks this classic tile is a little “tired” and over used, then this post is for you.
Below we’ve compiled our favorite alternatives to the original 3-by-six tile, that will still give your design a clean and simple feel. Whether you simply change the size, or maybe the color of the simple porcelain tile, there’s just as many variations as there are hours in a day, or better yet rooms in your house.
Picket
This shape is quickly becoming a new favorite in kitchen and bath trends. The updated shape adds a little interest without being too overwhelming.
A modern kitchen with a white geometric tile backsplash—a stylish nod to Trend Watch: Subway Tile Alternatives—open shelving with stacked white dishes, a bowl of limes on marble counters, and a stainless steel stove with red knobs.
Elongated Subway Tile
By simply making the tile wider, and re-imagining the classic white into a taupe-y grey, this kitchen feels like it’s completely stepped away from the original porcelain tile. To step it up a notch, try installing the tile in a unique pattern. Such as herringbone shown above.
Herringbone Mosaic
Similar to the herringbone shown above, this classic pattern can be expressed in many different ways. The white mosaic creates a simple backdrop of white, while adding a ton of interest with the minuscule pattern in such a large space.
A bright kitchen with teal cabinets, a farmhouse sink, and black fixtures. Sunlight streams through a glass door to a lush, terraced garden. Trend Watch - subway tile alternatives add fresh style above the counters.
Scallop
Once again, changing the shape from a generic rectangle adds interest without being overwhelming. We love the use of scallop tile in the bathroom, because it reminds us of the ocean.
A shower with a silver showerhead, a matching faucet, a white shower curtain on a metal rod, and a white tiled wall featuring a subtle fish scale pattern—a stylish Trend Watch - Subway Tile Alternative.
Jumbo Subway Tile
Simply by over sizing the subway tile, it feels completely re-imagined. While the color and shape ring true to the classic porcelain tile it has a different, almost playful feeling, being over sized.
Modern shower featuring black herringbone tiles—a standout in Trend Watch - Subway Tile Alternatives—plus gold fixtures, a white tiled wall, and a white marble bench with toiletries and rolled towels. Clean, contemporary design.
If you want to learn more about updating your space contact Aneka Interiors today!