18+ Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash
ID# 189109 – Product BA7019 – Bronzite Brown Glass Hand Cut Artisan Mosaic Tile
Glass Subway Mosaic Tile Backsplash with Two-tone Cabinets
In this rustic kitchen, brown subway mosaic tiles make for an eye-catching backsplash, stretching from the countertop to the ceiling. Adorned with irregularities in shapes and size, these hand-cut artisan mosaic tiles give the space an authentic feel. And their glossy finish bounces the light around the room to make this design more appealing. While the brown cabinets topped with gray countertops complement the backsplash tiles, the white upper cabinets enlighten the atmosphere.
ID# 189113 – Product BA1063 – Rusty Brown & Gray Slate Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash for Dark Cabinets
This ultra-sophisticated kitchen is characterized by a combination of bold colors, textures and patterns. It features navy blue cabinets, white countertops, and stone tile backsplash. The navy blue cabinets paired with brass hardware provide a sophisticated foundation for the space. The slate subway mosaic tile backsplash makes a rustic twist against the cabinets, bringing an organic warmth. The rough and matte texture of these slate tiles is complemented by the natural wood range hood. The white Silestone quartz countertops enlighten the atmosphere which is dominated by dark shades.
Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash
Since they were used in New York City subway stations as wall cladding, subway tiles have been one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom backsplashes. Coming in a variety of materials, colors, sizes, forms, patterns and textures, these tiles are incredibly versatile, offering a timeless backdrop for different kitchen and bathroom designs. Another factor that influences the aesthetic, as well as practical considerations in the use of subway tiles, is the finish. And when it comes to selecting one for subway tiles, a question that definitely strikes the mind of many homeowners is: glossy or matte subway tile backsplash?
Matte or Glossy – How to Choose the Right Finish?
Perhaps due to the simplicity of the rectangle form and minimalistic design of the subway tiles, which will never go out of style, those have remained popular to this day. And deciding between a matte and glossy finish is an important decision that finalizes your design. Both glossy and matte subway tiles are beautiful and have their aesthetic and functional benefits but each of them has different impacts and offers a surprising depth of character beyond their simple form. In general, glossy subway tiles stand out with their reflecting quality while the matte ones foster a sleek and more subtle appeal. If you want to deliver timeless beauty with this classic pattern into your home but are confused about which is better for your design—the glossy or matte subway tile backsplash—this guide will help to explore different options.
ID# 189101 – Product BA1034 – Modern Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash for White Cabinets
Unfolding in shades of white, gray, and metallic accents, this visually bright and airy traditional kitchen delivers a sense of freshness. The white shaker cabinets draw a classic profile as a foundation while the white marble countertops seamlessly blend with the cabinets to create a continuous look. The gleaming finish on the marble subway tile backsplash gives the whole area an extremely bright look. It is the gray veining of this marble that provides another textural look to the backdrop. The very oversized range hood, stove, and chrome hardware complete the traditional look. Using a dark wood floor is one of the best ways to enhance a white-dominated kitchen and this kitchen is well executed this approach. Here, the wood floor creates a contrast and brings depth to the space.
Best Seller Mosaic Tiles
ID# 189102 – Product BA6202 – Space Blue Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Space Blue Subway Tile Backsplash with Modern White Cabinets
If you want to make your backsplash the star of your design, choose a bold shade and complement it with a glossy finish. In this contemporary kitchen, for example, the space blue subway tile backsplash makes a strong design statement and creates a striking focal point to the otherwise plain white color scheme. The plain appeal of the white modern cabinets and countertops provides a clean and fresh frame for the tiles and allows them to stand out even further. Even though these subway tiles have a dark blue shade, their glossy finish complements the bright and airy feel of the interior.
Should subway tile be shiny or matte?
Even though the finish of the tiles has a significant impact on the overall look, there is no certain rule that a glossy or matte subway tile backsplash is better! When it comes to deciding on the finish, you need to consider several factors. For example, glossy tiles give great reflective quality, which could easily make a space feel much larger. Thus, if you are working in a small space, then glossy subway tile will be more appropriate, especially in white. Matte subway tiles provide an understated and subtle elegance that can be just the thing for modernity in kitchens or bathrooms. Also, thanks to their non-slippery surface, matte tiles are better for flooring.
ID# 189103 – Product BA6330 – Multicolor Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with Off-white Cabinets
This modern farmhouse kitchen showcases that even keeping it simple gives the design enough personality! Here, the off-white kitchen cabinets, with their gray undertones, provide a sleek and modern appeal as a foundation. The black cabinet hardware punctuates them, enhancing their modern aesthetic. The multicolor subway tile backsplash brings a nice textural look with its gold and gray veining. The wood range hood and kitchen island complement the warm sense of these veining.
Glossy Mosaic Tiles
Glossy Subway Tile Backsplash
Known for their reflective quality, a glossy finish is the most common option for subway tiles, since it was the traditional design that was used for the New York City subway stations. Their reflective surface acts like a mirror and bounces the light around the room, making the space feel more spacious. While white is the most common and popular color option for glossy subway tiles, they go beyond white too. From subtle neutrals like gray, beige, or cream to vivid shades and jewelry tones, almost any color can be used for them. However, no matter the color of the tiles, the reflection from these surfaces can instantly make the place look ‘breathy’ and welcoming. This will be especially beneficial for small kitchens or those with limited natural light.
The beauty of the glossy subway tiles extends beyond aesthetics! Additionally, the smooth and non-porous surface of these tiles is also functional in use and easy to clean. The surface protects dirt and grime and lets the spills and splashes be easily wiped down with a clean cloth and soapy warm water. And this durable nature makes the tiles a great choice for high-traffic areas. However, if you want to use a different material like natural stone than the classic option of ceramic or porcelain, they might require different cleaning procedures, even if they consist of a glossy finish.
ID# 189104 – Product BA8001 – Sparkled White Glass Subway Backsplash Tile
Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash for Shaker Cabinets
All-white kitchens feel resilient, bright, and airy, and this transitional kitchen is no exception. And if you want to create a timeless elegance with your design, no better option than the combination of a glazed white subway tile backsplash and shaker cabinets. Here, all the elements seamlessly blend with each other, creating a harmonious whole. The white shaker-style cabinets draw a classic profile while the white subway tiles perfectly complete this elegance. When designing a kitchen in all white, perhaps it is better to add some texture to enliven the sterile look. In this case, the slight textures on the glass tiles and the quartz countertops add enough visual interest without overpowering.
ID# 189105 – Product BA6201 – Space Brown Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Two-tone Kitchen Cabinets with Full-height Backsplash
This modern kitchen creates an elegant, timeless look, capturing some elements from the traditional kitchen but drenching them in a modern context. For example, the white and wood raised-panel cabinets are paired with black hardware to give them a more modern appeal. Secondly, the classic subway pattern is merged with a space brown color and laid in a ceiling-height layout which is associated with more contemporary designs. In addition to them, the white quartz countertops are used to enhance the openness.
What is the best finish for kitchen backsplash?
As we mentioned before, the definition of the ‘best’ finish depends on your personal preferences. In terms of functionality, a glossy finish provides ease of maintenance. The smooth and reflective surface of the glossy tiles can easily be wiped down. Matte tiles, on the other hand, are perfect for hiding water spots and fingerprints. Also, if you need to give your kitchen a light and airy feel, a glossy finished tile will do the trick.
Besides the classic glossy and matte finish, there are also satin and textured finish options as well. Satin or semi-gloss finishes are somewhere between the matte and glossy. They have a slight sheen, in that they reflect some of the light but not nearly as much as a high-gloss finish would, really helping to cut glare while brightening up the space. Textured tiles, in a matte or glossy finish, provide some visual and literal depth to the backsplash. This might enliven the kitchen by making it more dynamic and engaging.
ID# 189106 – Product BA8005 – Blue & Gray Metallic Glass Subway Backsplash Tile
Multicolor Subway Tiles with High Gloss White Cabinets
In this contemporary kitchen, subway tiles are the protagonist of the design. Adorned with blue and gray color transitions, these glass subway tiles give a metallic effect that enhances the otherwise white kitchen. The striking appeal of the backsplash is further enhanced by white grout lines which highlight the classic horizontal brick pattern. For the rest, the high gloss white cabinets and countertops provide a clean frame for the tiles and allow them to stand out even more. And the stainless steel stove makes a cohesive final touch with a dose of sparkle.
ID# 189107 – Product BA8024 – Modern Gray & Black Textured Glass Backsplash Tile
Ceiling-height Backsplash with Natural Wood Cabinets
To show off your subway tile backsplash even further, one of the best ways is to take it up to the ceiling- as showcased by this kitchen. This way, the rectangular tiles have more space to make a statement! Here, the gray and black subway tiles are laid in a vertically stacked pattern, creating a chessboard-like look. And the glossy finish gives the tiles a more bright and airy feel. Below, the gray granite countertops add a dose of opulence while the natural wood cabinets provide a warm base without breaking the neutral color scheme.
ID# 189108 – Product BA5507 – Blue Glass Herringbone Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Coastal Kitchen with Blue and White Cabinets
While the running bond aka offset is the most classic pattern for rectangular subway tiles, you can try different layouts to give your backsplash a more dynamic look. As seen here, blue subway tiles are arranged in a herringbone pattern—comprising a very interesting background. The gorgeous color transitions and the glossy finish of these tiles enhance the coastal vibes that are created by the blue and white kitchen cabinets. For the rest, the metallic accents bring a dazzling look while the wooden trims of the cabinets inject a dose of warmth.
Matte Subway Tile Backsplash
A matte finish definitely gives a certain level of intimacy and warmth to the classic appeal of subway tiles. Other than being known in terms of their light-absorbing features, the unglazed surface of these tiles gives a soft, almost powdery texture—a note of coziness. What’s gorgeous about matte subway tiles, though, is how much they really show the color of the tile. Unlike their glossy counterparts, they don’t rely on light reflection to let their vibrancy come out. Thus, they become perfect in bold and vivid color palettes, allowing the richness of the hue to be at its very best. Their sophistication gives an ideal sleek look, especially for those people who are hunting for a more trendy and stylish interior design for their homes.
Apart from aesthetic values, matte subway tiles are perfect for hiding water spots or fingerprints. Although these matte surfaces can be a bit more of a pain to clean than their glossy brethren, how difficult it really is depends on several factors at play: the type of material used for the backsplash, what kind of stain, and the type of cleaning products one uses. For example, even when the finish of a glass is matte, cleaning the material is much easier because the material does not have a porous surface.
On the other hand, porous materials such as natural stones demand a little extra care when they are to be finished, both shiny and matte. As a recap, no matter whether to establish the boldest statement or the simplest of backgrounds, the matte-finished subway tile backsplash may just be the correct one whenever it comes to redefining the appearance of the kitchen.
ID# 189110 – Product BA1070 – Modern Black Slate Subway Backsplash Tile
White Cabinets with Black Subway Tiles and Gray Countertops
This L-shaped kitchen is mainly characterized by a black-and-white color scheme that delivers elegance. Playing with natural light, this kitchen employs white shaker cabinets that further enhance the spacious feel. Between them, the black subway tile backsplash creates a striking focal point by giving contrast. The matte finish of the tiles gives a sleeker, more modern appeal to the space while the white grout lines put more emphasis on the classic offset pattern. The transition between black and white surfaces is smoothed out by the gray granite countertops that add a dose of opulence.
What is the difference between matte finish and glossy tiles?
Basically, the difference between matte and glossy tiles lies in the appearance, texture, and measures of maintenance. Glossy tiles have a bright reflective look, easy to clean, yet they tend to show smudges. Matte tiles give off a softer, more natural appearance that tends to hide imperfections but may be a bit more difficult to clean.
ID# 189111 – Product BA2007 – Modern Warm Gray Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash for Farmhouse Kitchens
This soft modern farmhouse kitchen design embraces natural textures of oak with white shaker cabinets, ensuring a timeless look. At the rear, the white and wood cabinets provide a balanced foundation with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. While the white countertops complement the bright appeal of the wall cabinets, the marble subway tile backsplash provides a subtle backdrop. The larger sizes of the subway tiles make the space more modern. There is a dark gray kitchen island with a white countertop topping it, which gives a contrasting look that enhances visual interest at the center.
ID# 189112 – Product BA1045 – Modern Black Slate Subway Backsplash Tile
Black and White Kitchen with Metallic Accents
Led through under cabinet lights lit by LED strip lighting, this super-contemporary kitchen is refined and sophisticated! It welcomes its users with a striking contrast of black and white. The white flat-panel cabinets and white marble countertops provide a bright and spacious atmosphere for the interior. These black matte subway tiles are pretty striking against the white surfaces. Under-cabinet lights further highlight this dramatic effect of matte tiles.
Is it OK to mix matte and glossy tiles?
Since both glossy and matte finishes are beautiful options for subway tiles, why not use them together? The combination of glossy and matte finishes offers a balanced look that can easily add a dynamic and engaging backdrop.
ID# 189114 – Product BA1038 – Modern Long Gray Limestone Backsplash Tile
Modern Kitchen with a Soft Neutral Color Scheme
To create a fully-fledged kitchen design, you don’t always need vibrant pops of colors. Sometimes subtle neutrals are more than enough and even assertive when combined with a sophisticated mixture of materials. In this modern kitchen, for example, the white and wood cabinets create a well-balanced foundation for the space. Between them, the modern limestone backsplash laid in a horizontally stacked pattern brings a nice textural look. A gray kitchen island positioned at the center of the kitchen also acts as the centerpiece of the design. With its waterfall countertops, it further enhances the modern aesthetic.
Matte Mosaic tiles
ID# 189115 – Product BA6306 – Modern Pure White Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Glossy of Matte Subway Tile Backsplash for Wood Cabinets
Needless to say, white subway tiles are classic for kitchen backsplashes. And if you want to jazz up this classic look a little bit, use a darker grout color. As seen in this kitchen, the staggered pattern of the pure white subway tiles is enhanced with charcoal grout. This approach gives the backdrop a more detailed look without overwhelming the interior. To give this stark white look a warmer feel, natural wood cabinets are perfect options.
Is glossy or matte kitchen backsplash tile easier to clean?
It is possible to recognize glossy tiles as the easier to clean materials in comparison with the others such as matte tiles. Regardless of the type of the tiles, whether it is ceramic, porcelain or glass, a glossy tile backsplash can be cleaned with ease through the following cleaning tips. This routine can be made by wiping down the surfaces with a clean cloth and soapy warm water. While matte tiles offer a stylish, subtle look, they can take that little bit more maintenance to keep clean, especially in busy kitchens.
ID# 189116 – Product BA9901 – Modern Custom Engraved Black Stone Tile Backsplash
Unique Backsplash Design with White Cabinets
To make a kitchen backsplash pop, you can either use a contrasting grout color or a statement material. Well, this contemporary kitchen does both! These black engraved stone backsplash tiles are definitely statement-maker materials, offering a one-of-a-kind look. While the matte black finish provides a sleek and sophisticated foundation, the white organic patterns make this mosaic a space-enhancing element. And the white grout lines further enhance this already strong appeal. For the rest, white flat-panel cabinets and countertops are a perfect choice to make the backsplash the star of the show.
Modern Mosaic Tiles
ID# 189117 – Product BA1078 – Modern Long Marble Pure White Backsplash Mosaic Tile
All-white Kitchen with Marble Backsplash
This crisp white kitchen proposes a relaxed and clean cooking space with its pristine white surfaces. To keep itself in line with more modern looks, the shaker cabinets are given an update with black cabinet hardware. The modern marble backsplash tiles, with their long and slim shapes, add further interest to the wall while sticking to the pure white scheme. The white quartz countertops seamlessly blend with the cabinets and tiles while the glass-fronted wall cabinets give the space an airier and lighter feel.
ID# 189118 – Product BA6305 – White Square Marble Backsplash Mosaic Tile
Glossy or Matte Subway Tile Backsplash for Marble Countertops
While 3×6 inches is the most popular size for subway tiles, you can create more intricate patterns with smaller subway tiles. And to give your backsplash a more distinctive look, finish the subway tiles with a contrasting grout color. Here, for example, the tiny white subway mosaic tiles are paired with charcoal grout, creating an eye-catching pattern without overwhelming the interior. The white marble countertops are equally a great choice if a person wants to give their space a timeless look with a touch of luxury.
