19+ Subway Tile Sizes
ID# 188807 – Product BA5507 – Blue Glass Herringbone Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Blue Herringbone Backsplash with a Glossy Finish
Want a more detailed look for your subway tile backsplash but still have the feeling of its timeless appeal? A herringbone pattern is an excellent way to go! Just like in this coastal kitchen, the blue herringbone backsplash creates a big WOW factor—a focal point—but still gives a timeless backdrop. The glossy finish of the glass tiles picks up the natural light and helps to make the space feel lighter. While white upper cabinets and countertops enhance the fresh feel, some navy blue cabinets were added to bring depth and dimensions into the interior. Finally, in-lays with wooden cabinet trims add the needed warmth.
ID# 188817 – Product BA6315 – Subway Rosewood And Gray Marble Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Smaller Subway Tile Sizes for Marble Material
If there’s anything more timeless in terms of elegance than a classic subway tile, it would have to be a marble subway tile. A classic staggered pattern is simply perfect for its luxurious sense of marble stone, providing the perfect backdrop for so many kitchen designs. If you are going to use a marble stone that has distinctive veins, like this one, you can balance this busy look with white cabinets and countertops.
Subway Tile Sizes
Subway tile has been a staple since the early ’20s when it was first used as a wall cladding in New York City subway stations, hence their name. Over the years, they become one of the most popular interior design elements. With their timeless elegance, subway tiles can be used in a variety of application areas, from shower walls to fireplace surrounds, laundry rooms, bathroom walls and of course, kitchen backsplashes. Subway tiles offer an endless range of possibilities thanks to the variety of sizes available. But what are the subway tile sizes and which one is the right for your design? Choosing the size of a subway tile goes beyond aesthetics; it depends on the size of the room, preferred grout lines and the chosen interior design concept!
Variety of Subway Tile Sizes for Different Kitchen Designs
In today’s market, not all subway tiles come in the same size. And this simple choice of subway tile size becomes a strategic decision since it has a significant impact on the overall aesthetic. That’s why when choosing the size of your subway tiles, you need to consider the overall style, the size of the space, and the practical aspects of installation and maintenance. From the traditional 3″ x 6″ tiles to larger formats like 4″ x 12″ and 6″ x 12″, each size brings its own unique aesthetic and functional advantages. To investigate their impact further, this article will walk you through the various subway tile sizes that will hit you to the core. So let’s just start!
ID# 188801 – Product BA6201 – Space Brown Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Classic Subway Tile Sizes for Contemporary Kitchens
This contemporary kitchen proves that even the classic subway tile design makes a strong design statement! Here, the glass subway tiles are adorned with a gorgeous metallic brown color. Even though the tiles give a classic feel with their staggered pattern and 3×6 dimensions, the color choice gives this mosaic a super modern look. Even more, gray flat panel cabinets and white quartz countertops set up a smart and clean canvas that furthers the impact of the backsplash tiles. Besides, the ceiling-height design of the tiles makes the space look fresher and more airy!
Best Seller Mosaic Tiles
What size subway tile is timeless?
Subway tiles were first used in New York subway stations, which is how these tiles got their name. To stand up to the dirt and grime of a bustling, designers used glossy white ceramic subway tiles to protect and decorate these subway stations. And their 3×6 dimensions and ease of cleaning made them a staple in both public and residential spaces since then. That’s why, the 3×6 subway tiles still are the most timeless options for a variety of application areas. This well-balanced size offers a versatile and classic appeal that can be a great pair for interior design projects.
ID# 188802 – Product BA8010 – Blue Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Small White Kitchenette with Blue Backsplash Tiles
When designing such small spaces, using a light color palette, especially white is the most effective way to enhance the white color scheme. Here, this small kitchenette is dominated by the clean and fresh appeal of the white color. The white shaker cabinets and quartz countertops seamlessly blend with each other to create a continuous look. Going further up, the blue subway tile backsplash provides color without majorly overpowering the lit interior. The color transitions on the subway tiles are visibly installed here, giving a very peaceful feeling for the sea and the sky. Delimiting the edge of the tiles perfectly, the white floating shelves allow room for storing kitchen essentials.
Subway Mosaic Tiles
ID# 188803 – Product BA1045 – Modern Black Slate Subway Backsplash Tile
Black and White Kitchen with Wood Accents
Creating a timeless color palette with the juxtaposition of light and dark shades, this transitional kitchen feels dramatic with its contrasting color palette! The white shaker-style cabinets anchor the space and define the overall style as crisp and streamlined. The addition of the black surfaces creates a striking contrast against the white cabinets, enhancing visual interest. The black natural stone tiles are finished with a white grout which emphasizes the classic staggered pattern. The larger sizes of the subway tiles give the space a more modern feel. The under-cabinet lights heighten this dramatic effect that the black surfaces exude. The addition of the wood countertop to the two-tiered kitchen island brings warmth to the senses against the black-and-white color scheme.
What size subway tile makes a room look bigger?
Since larger tiles consist of fewer grout lines that give a more clean and more streamlined appeal, these tiles are perfect to give the space of inception bigger and more spacious. You can enhance this look by using the tiles in light colors and a glossy finish. This way they can reflect the light and make the room look even bigger.
ID# 188804 – Product BA6330 – Multicolor Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Multicolor Subway Tile Sizes for Off-white Cabinets
This modern farmhouse kitchen is well-appointed with off-white cabinets that fill the interior space with a wave of warmth. Even though these cabinets dominate a large portion of the space, the real star in this kitchen is the multicolor subway tile backsplash! Adorned with gold and gray veinings, these marble subway tiles make a strong design statement, adding a dose of opulence. Also, these veins perfectly complement the warm sense which is created by the creamy white cabinets and wood floor accents. For a final touch, the brass hardware perfectly complements every element and gives the space a more glamorous look.
How to Choose a Subway Tile Size for Kitchen Backsplash?
Even if it seems like a small detail, the size of the subway tile has a significant impact on the overall look of the kitchens. Since there are lots of different sizes to choose from, it’s important to find the subway tile size that best suits your space. Here’s a breakdown of key details that you need to consider:
Scale & Proportion:
The size of the kitchen is among the most important determining factors that will help decide the size of subway tile for your backsplash. Therefore, the size of the tiles can make it possible to recreate the space, emphasize some object, or just maintain the overall balance of the interior.
The large tiles are ideal to be used to give the spaces a larger look and feel. This is why, bigger tile sizes for instance 4” x 12”, or 6” x 12” are ideal for small kitchen areas or rooms with a poor source of natural light. You can also improve this appearance by using tiles of lighter colors or those that have been coated with a glossy sheen. On the other hand, larger kitchens should be able to accommodate both small and large subway tiles. While smaller tiles can add texture and detail, larger tiles can enhance a modern, minimalist design.
Overall Style:
Thanks to their simple rectangular shapes, subway tiles can seamlessly blend with various design styles from modern to traditional. And the size of the subway tile affects the overall aesthetic. If you want to achieve a classic and unassuming kitchen, the 3 & 6 subway tile shall give you a polished and sophisticated look. For the modern look, wider tiles such as 4×12 or even 4×16 will look perfect to add to the list. For those of you who are looking for unique features and a shot of individualistic artsiness, smaller subway mosaics will form beautiful detailed patterns regardless of their size.
Grout Lines:
Regardless of whether using white, gray, or black grout, the grout lines have also an important impact on the overall look and maintenance. You need to consider your cleaning routine and how much time you want to spend on cleaning. Small tiles naturally come with more grout lines per square foot. These grout lines offer more intricate patterns and a detailed look for kitchen backsplashes. While using small subway tile sizes can easily add visual interest, they require more cleaning. The use of larger tiles has reduced grout joints hence a more sleek and clean appearance. This means these types of tiles reduce the overall maintenance required and simplify the cleaning process.
Pattern and Layout:
Although the offset aka running bond is the predominant pattern used in installing subway tiles, these tiles can be installed in various patterns! Slightly bigger subway tiles can seamlessly fit the vertical or horizontal pattern and provide a modern-day household’s best look and feel. Due to their complexity, geometric patterns such as chevron or herringbone can work well when using small tiles.
Standard Subway Tile Sizes (3×6 inches)
Originating in the New York City subway system, 3×6 subway tiles were a staple in public transit systems, hence their names. And there is a reason why 3×6 inches of subway tiles are also the staple of the kitchen backsplashes. Being the most iconic and widely recognized size, these tiles stand out with their subtle and balanced look that suits a wide range of styles. The biggest advantage of the traditional subway tiles is their adaptability. Regardless of whether the aim is to create a modern, contemporary, traditional, farmhouse, or industrial, can easily create a clean canvas and a reliable foundation with a timeless elegance.
While the classic offset is the most common pattern for the 3×6 subway tile sizes to add a subtle yet sophisticated texture, these balanced dimensions can be suitable for various patterns and layouts, from herringbone to chevron, basketweave, stacked, or diagonal. Also, this uniform size makes the subway tiles relatively easy to install. Besides the classic glazed white appearance, 3×6 subway tiles also come in an endless variety of colors, materials, and textures which allow homeowners to choose the best fit for their designs. Also, varying grout colors can have different impacts on the appearance of the entire design. For example, a white subway tile with a white grout will create a subtle and clean backdrop. On the other hand if you want to emphasize the pattern, you can opt for contrasting grout colors!
ID# 188805 – Product BA8001 – Sparkled White Glass Subway Backsplash Tile
Best Subway Tile Sizes for All-white Kitchens
If you want a timeless kitchen with a light, airy feel, an all-white color palette just adds so much class. And nothing pairs better with this timelessness of elegance than classic white subway tile for a backsplash. For this all-white kitchen, for instance, stark white is spread across the space through cabinets, countertops, and backsplash tiles. The white shaker cabinets, quartz countertops, and glass subway tiles flawlessly blend with each other, creating a harmonious whole. And the 3×6 subway tile sizes are the perfect choice to complete the classic feel. When using an all-white color scheme, you might need to incorporate some accents to avoid a flat and sterile feel. Here, the slight textures on the subway tiles and countertops and the brass cabinet hardware make this job perfect and give the space enough interest.
ID# 188806 – Product BA8002 – Blue & Brown Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Two-tone Kitchen Cabinets with Glass Subway Tiles
This contemporary kitchen prides itself on its glass subway tile backsplash that brings a subtle hint of color to the interior. The glass subway tiles have blue and beige color transitions, which work just like a piece of art. They create a very nice-looking backdrop. White wall cabinets and white Silestone quartz countertops work well to provide a clean frame for the tiles, making them even more catchy. Wood cabinets, on the other hand, warm up the beach vibe of the tiles and provide a cozy feel.
ID# 188808 – Product BA6202 – Space Blue Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Black and White Kitchen Cabinets with Blue Backsplash Tiles
If you want to go with classic 3×6 subway tile sizes but give your space a more modern look, try laying the tiles vertically! This way you can give your backsplash a more sleek appeal that makes a modern twist on a classic pattern. In this transitional kitchen, the vertical subway tile backsplash directly draws attention, creating an eye-catching backdrop. Also, the vertical placement of the tiles creates an illusion of a higher ceiling. For the rest, the black and white kitchen cabinets and white countertops provide a sleek and timeless appeal that balances the bold and dramatic look of the space blue backsplash tiles.
ID# 188809 – Product BA8005 – Blue & Gray Metallic Glass Subway Backsplash Tile
Contemporary White Kitchen with Multicolor Backsplash
If you want your subway backsplash to be the star of your design, choose a statement-maker color and keep the rest simple. As you can see in this contemporary kitchen, the glass subway tiles add a striking focal point between the white surfaces. These tiles also give a metallic effect that is complemented by the stainless steel appliances. While the plain appeal of the modern cabinets and countertops allows the backsplash tiles to stand out even further, the handle door style enhances the modern aesthetic.
ID# 188810 – Product BA8009 – Modern Gray & Beige Glass Subway Backsplash Tile
Modern Kitchen with a Gray and White Color Scheme
When it comes to creating a timeless kitchen, you can not go wrong with a gray-and-white color scheme. And this kitchen enhances the visual interest by using a multicolored subway tile backsplash that layers the kitchen with warmth and texture. The shades of gray color on the 3×6 subway tiles give this otherwise plain kitchen a real style statement-maker. The rest is done with white and gray cabinets that provide a slender profile, while the black countertops enhance the contrast.
Larger Subway Tile Sizes
While the 3×6 subway tiles are the staple of kitchen backsplashes, larger tiles become more and more popular in contemporary designs. The elongated shape of the larger subway tile sizes offers a fresh take on the classic subway tile look and provides sleeker and more streamlined appearances. The larger surface area of each tile means fewer grout lines and the fewer grout lines will help to reduce visual clutter and make the walls appear more expansive. From glossy to matte, ceramic to marble, smooth to textured, they are available in a wide variety.
Aside from their aesthetic benefits, larger subway tiles also stand out with their ease of maintenance. Since these tiles have fewer grout lines, less surface area for dirt and grime to accumulate. Larger tile sizes such as 4″ x 8″, 4″ x 12″, and 6″ x 12″ can be used for both large and small kitchen spaces. While they can make dramatic visual impacts in larger kitchens, they can also make the space feel larger in smaller spaces. However, these types of tiles do require very precise installation, especially around fixtures, outlets and corners. That is why it is always recommended to seek professionals if you don’t have any experience with tile installation for flawless finishes.
ID# 188811 – Product BA2007 – Modern Warm Gray Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Modern Farmhouse Kitchen with Two-tone Cabinets
Farmhouse kitchens are known for their warm and cozy environments and this one blends this style with modern lines! Here, the two-tone cabinets provide a well-balanced foundation for the space. While the white upper ones provide a bright and spacious atmosphere, the wood cabinets inject a warm sense of natural textures. Between them, the warm gray marble subway tile backsplash creates a harmonious look with the cabinets. The larger size of these subway tiles gives the backsplash a more modern look!
What is the best pattern for subway tile?
While there are lots of different subway tile patterns to choose from, the ‘best’ one depends on what type of appearance to want and the conditions of your space. In general, offset aka running bond is the traditional pattern for the subway tiles. Originating in subway stations, these tiles offer a subtle and timeless appeal that can be a great pair for a variety of design styles. Besides this classic option, herringbone, chevron, basketweave, diagonal, and stacked patterns are the other popular options. Each of these patterns has its own distinct character that gives the spaces different impacts.
ID# 188812 – Product BA1038 – Modern Long Gray Limestone Backsplash Tile
Larger Subway Tile Sizes for Modern Kitchens
One of the best things that makes a kitchen backsplash stylish is the use of large subway tiles. Here, this modern industrial kitchen goes with a large porcelain tile backsplash in a matte finish to make the design look more natural. The darker gray cabinets and countertops support this look flawlessly. In this all-gray color scheme, the rose cold circular range hoods stand out as space-enhancing elements. This metallic look gives the space a more visual interest.
ID# 188813 – Product BA8023 – Shimmery White Shell Glass Kitchen Backsplash Tile
All-white Kitchen with White Shell Backsplash
Even if you go with white tile backsplashes, you can always make them pop by choosing more expressive materials. This all-white kitchen, for example, goes with a white shell backsplash that adds a dazzling look to the space. The iridescent sheen of these cabinets adds extra charm to them, while the wood floating shelf brings a sense of contrast against the white color scheme. Also, the long and slim shape of these rectangular tiles gives the space a sleek and modern appeal.
How do you make subway tile look classic?
If you want to create a classic appeal that will never go out of style, you can not go wrong with a 3×6 subway tile in a horizontal brick pattern. And accentuate this classic look with white or off-white shades, which provide a clean and bright backdrop. If you want to give your backsplash a more detailed look, you can also opt for a herringbone pattern that is as timeless as the offset. The other option is to use beveled tiles. The beveled subway tiles can add depth and dimension that will enhance the classic look.
ID# 188814 – Product BA4502 – Modern Light Gray Porcelain Backsplash Tile
Modern Kitchen with White and Wood Cabinets
Neutral color schemes, functionality, and simplicity are the key defining features of modern kitchens. And this one perfectly executes this approach! In this modern kitchen, white and wood cabinets come together nicely and their flat-panel door styles curate a great and clean look as a foundation. This already-presentable look is taken to the next level with a light gray horizontally stacked porcelain subway tiles that introduce a sense of order to the backdrop. By contrast, the dark gray concrete floor enhances a contemporary voice to the overall design.
White Mosaic Tiles
Smaller Subway Tile Sizes
Smaller subway tiles, such as 2″ x 4″, 1″ x 2″, and 3″ x 6″, open a doorway to creating intricate patterns and give the space a more detailed and personalized look. These tiny mosaics are known for their ability to create unique patterns and their suitability for smaller or more detailed areas. These tiles are also ideal for creating complex patterns that can enhance the tactile quality of the backsplash. However, since these intricate patterns might overwhelm the space, it might be risky to use them in small kitchens!
One of the biggest advantages of the smaller subway tile sizes is that they offer design flexibility. Regardless of whether you want to create a sleek modern kitchen or a more traditional one, these tiles can give the desired effect. You can use the mix and match method to combine various subway tile materials, colors and finishes and highlight specific areas.
ID# 188815 – Product BA1034 – Modern Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Best Subway Tile Sizes for Traditional Kitchens
Even though classic 3×6 subway tiles might look more appropriate for the traditional kitchen design, you can make a modern twist by using smaller subway tile sizes. As you can see in this traditional kitchen, the marble subway tiles in smaller sizes create an intricate pattern for the backsplash area. The horizontal brick pattern gives it some timelessness, and the marble stone injects a dose of opulence. White shaker cabinets with white marble countertops give a classic style to this space. Stainless steel appliances and chrome cabinet hardware finish everything off.
ID# 188816 – Product BA5503 – Marble Look White Glass Herringbone Mosaic Tile
Gray Kitchen Cabinets with White Backsplash and Countertops
Here we are faced with another great example of how herringbone pattern can create an eye-catching and timeless backdrop for the kitchens. In this transitional kitchen, the white herringbone backsplash creates a nice textural look while the white countertops seamlessly blend with the tiles. The choice of smaller subway tile sizes gives this mosaic a more intricate pattern. But thanks to the white grout lines, the backsplash maintains its bright and fresh look. The gray shaker-style cabinets provide a sleek and sophisticated frame for the tiles.
Glass Mosaic Tiles
ID# 188818 – Product BA8011 – Blue and White Glass Subway Mosaic Backsplash Tile
Blue and White Kitchen with Glossy Backsplash Tiles
Needless to say, subway tiles are a timeless classic. But can they look stylish too? And if they can, how? This contemporary kitchen makes them pop in blue and white shades and a glossy finish. These glass subway tiles laid in a running bond style make a strong visual statement, looking like a piece of jewelry that gives the space a luxurious sense. While the blue and white cabinets complement the tiles in terms of color, the sleek and plain design of the cabinetry balances the busy look of the tiles to provide a well-balanced overall look.
What is the best spacing for subway tile?
Generally, the best spacing depends on the size of subway tiles, the type of grout, and the overall look you are going for. Most subway tile installations need a grout joint 1/16″ to 1/8″. With the smaller tile sizes, the most often preferred is a narrower grout line, 1/16″ in width, to keep the look streamlined. Larger tiles can afford to go up to 1/8″ grout lines or even a bit wider without detracting from the appearance. As far as the type of grout itself goes, the rule of thumb is to use sanded grout for grout lines larger than 1/8″. Unsanded grout is usually used for 1/8″ or smaller grout lines to create much smoother finishes.
ID# 188819 – Product BA6306 – Modern Pure White Marble Subway Backsplash Tile
Pure White Marble Subway Tiles with Wood Cabinets
White subway tiles are always classic for kitchen designs. But what about using them in smaller sizes instead of traditional 3×6 dimensions? In this contemporary kitchen, for example, the smaller subway tile sizes give this mosaic a more detailed look with an intricate pattern. The charcoal gray grout lines emphasize the impact of the tiles even further. When using a detailed look, white countertops will be a great pair to downplay the busy look. Below, the wood cabinets provide a warm foundation to the stark white surfaces.
