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Continue shoppingSubway Tiles
Subway tiles are one of the most recognisable and versatile tile styles, giving you clean lines, simple shapes and a look that works across both classic and contemporary spaces. Their compact format also makes them easy to install on kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls and feature areas where you want a tidy, consistent finish. At Cheap Tiles Online, you can browse subway tiles in a variety of colours, textures and edge styles, all supported by our price beat guarantee.
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What Makes Subway Tiles Popular?
Subway tiles are popular because they’re easy to work with, suit almost any room and create a timeless look without overwhelming the space. Their rectangular shape brings structure to walls and splashbacks, and the range of colours, textures and finishes allows you to personalise the design. Whether you prefer a soft matte look, a crisp gloss finish or a handcrafted texture, subway tiles give you freedom to style your home in a way that feels balanced and easy to maintain.
The size also allows for multiple laying patterns, from classic brick layouts to herringbone and vertical stacking. This flexibility makes subway tiles an appealing option for both traditional and modern interiors.
Best Uses & Applications for Subway Tiles
Kitchen splashbacks
Subway tiles are a classic choice for kitchen splashbacks because they’re easy to clean and work well with a wide range of benchtop and cabinetry styles. Gloss finishes help brighten the room, while matte textures offer a softer, more contemporary look.
Bathroom walls
Bathrooms benefit from subway tiles thanks to their simple shape and ability to create clean, structured lines. They suit showers, vanity walls and full-height tiling, and work with almost any grout colour to change the overall feel of the room.
Laundry splashbacks
Subway tiles bring practicality and style to laundry areas, adding a protective surface behind sinks and benchtops. Their smaller size also helps maintain neat lines in compact rooms.
Feature walls and accents
Subway tiles can be used to highlight a niche, entryway or decorative section of a room. Using a contrasting colour or textured surface in this instances also helps add depth without overpowering the space.
Style & Format Options
Ceramic, porcelain and stone subway tiles
Ceramic subway tiles remain a common choice for walls and splashbacks because they’re lightweight and available in a wide mix of colours and finishes. Porcelain subway tiles offer a denser, more durable alternative for areas that see higher use or need a refined, long-lasting surface. Stone subway tiles bring natural variation and texture, making them a strong option for feature walls or spaces where you want a more organic, tactile look.
Layout patterns and design approaches
Subway tiles are known for their pattern flexibility. The classic brick layout is still widely used, but stacked horizontal, stacked vertical and herringbone patterns each create a different feel. Vertical stacking can draw the eye upward, helping small rooms feel taller, while herringbone adds movement and works well as a feature section.
Grout colour and spacing choices
Grout plays a major role in shaping the final look of subway tiles. Choosing a grout colour close to the tile produces a calm, blended surface, while contrasting grout highlights the tile outline and adds definition. Narrow joints suit contemporary spaces, whereas slightly wider joints can give a more traditional appearance.
Edge profiles and surface finishes
Subway tiles come in straight-edge, cushioned-edge, gloss, matte and textured options. Straight edges create crisp, defined lines that work well in modern interiors. Cushioned edges soften the look and suit classic or heritage-style rooms. Gloss finishes reflect light and brighten compact spaces, while matte surfaces introduce a quieter, more understated feel.
FAQs About Subway Tiles
They’re most often used on kitchen splashbacks, bathroom walls and laundry areas, but they also work well for feature walls and decorative accents.
Subway tiles are generally designed for walls. If you want a similar look on the floor, you can choose a floor-rated porcelain tile in a rectangular format.
It depends on the style you want. Matching grout gives a more subtle, seamless look, while contrasting grout emphasises the tile shape and layout.
Yes. Gloss ceramic subway tiles are especially easy to wipe down, while matte and textured finishes may need occasional extra attention but remain straightforward to maintain.
Absolutely. Herringbone, stacked and vertical layouts are all popular options that can change the feel of a room.
Yes. Their simple shape works across both classic and modern designs. Choosing a matte or textured finish often gives subway tiles a more contemporary look.
It’s a good idea to order a little more than your room’s exact measurement to allow for cuts, waste and future repairs.
Yes, as long as they’re installed on a suitable substrate. Ceramic subway tiles remain a common choice for shower walls due to their durability and ease of cleaning.