Subway Backsplash Ideas (The Ultimate Guide for Kitchen Perfection Using Stylish Subway Tile Backsplash)

Learn how to transform your kitchen into a masterpiece using subway tile backsplashes! Written by : Andre A & Roomdsign.com Editors | Last Updated : October 13th, 2023

When it comes to tile kitchen backsplash, subway is one of the most popular choice that never gets old. Not only this option is very affordable for homeowners who had a tight budget for their kitchen renovation project, but subway tile also gives a pretty interesting looks.

It’s beautiful pattern is a great upgrade compared to any simple tile pattern, while the high-reflective and high-glossiness effects of the tile can give any kitchen an open and spacious feels

However, although it’s quite simple, using subway tile backsplashes can also bring some challenge. For example, you should choose the right tile colors that will complement your current decor style and color palette. Furthermore, you should also carefully choosing the right elements around it or potentially ruin all of the beauty of your subway tile backsplash.

In this post, we will give you some awesome subway backsplash ideas along with some tips and tricks to let them shine and bring out all of their potential.

Best Subway Tile Materials

Ceramic

Ceramic subway tile backsplash
Ceramic subway tile backsplash

This is an excellent material choice for any backsplashes. With glazed surface, ceramic subway tiles had a great durability and resistant to stains, splatters, and moisture, ensuring easy maintenance and longevity.

From the visual perspective, the glossy finishes of ceramic tile reflects plenty of lights, help brighten up the entire space.

Porcelain

Porcelain subway tile backsplash
Porcelain subway tile backsplash

This is a great alternative to ceramic, with a denser and harder character, its had a bit more durability than the regular ceramic.

Porcelain also bring a more refined looks, making it a great choice for you who want to create a sleek yet stylish backsplash for your kitchen or bathroom.

Natural Stone

Natural stone subway tile backsplash
Natural stone subway tile backsplash

Give your backsplash a unique, natural character by using natural stone subway tiles. This material will create an exquisite kitchen backsplash that offers a bold, organic color and texture that adds warmth and sophistication to the kitchen.

Marble

Marble subway tile backsplash
Marble subway tile backsplash

Bring timeless elegance and luxury to your kitchen by using marble tile backsplash. With natural veining and striking patterns, the marble subway tile backsplash will be a sophisticated backdrop, elevating the kitchen aesthetic while allowing any other elements to shine.

The investment you made in marble subway tile backsplash can easily pays off in the form of a stunning design elements that taking your home to the next level.

Glass

Glass subway tile backsplash
Glass subway tile backsplash

Glass subway tile not only adding a modern and luminous touch to the space, but its reflective surface enhance the natural light and create a sense of openness, making any space feel larger and more open.

Comes with a wide range of colors, you can easily choose any glass subway tile that suit your design style.


Different Subway Tile Pattern

Standard/Offset Pattern

Subway tile backsplash with offset pattern
Subway tile backsplash with offset pattern

This is the most common pattern for subway tile, providing a timeless and versatile aesthetic that complementing a wide range of kitchen styles, from traditional to modern.

This pattern blend simplicity with a hint of artistic touch, offering a sense of balance and visual interest.

Vertical Offset Pattern

Subway tile backsplash with vertical offset pattern
Subway tile backsplash with vertical offset pattern

You can add a bit of twist on the classic subway tile layout by using the vertical offset pattern. This way, you can adds a sense of height to the kitchen, making the space appear higher.

And that’s why this is a great pattern if you are creating a large backsplash that goes up to the ceiling.

Herringbone Pattern

Subway tile backsplash with herringbone pattern
Subway tile backsplash with herringbone pattern

The distinctive V-shaped design of herringbone pattern will adds a dynamic and stylish element that breaks away the monotony of the typical subway-tile layout.

The herringbone pattern help make any small space appear larger, drawing the eye upward and creating an illusion of height.

Straight Herringbone

Subway tile backsplash with straight herringbone pattern
Subway tile backsplash with straight herringbone pattern

If you want to create a herringbone pattern while still keep a simple and clean appeal, then you can try this alternative.

The straight herringbone pattern comes with clean, linear lines that create a sense of order and symmetry, offering a perfect balance between the classic herringbone design and a modern aesthetic.

Stacked Pattern

Subway tile backsplash with stacked pattern
Subway tile backsplash with stacked pattern

Stacked pattern, or often called as a straight set or grid pattern, is a great choice for you who want to make simplicity as the main-theme for your backsplash.

The clean lines and uniform layout creating a sleek, minimalist look that is perfect for any modern contemporary design style. This pattern also work really well in a small spaces, help creating a clean, spacious, and more organized appeal.

Vertical Stacked

Subway tile backsplash with vertical stacked pattern
Subway tile backsplash with vertical stacked pattern

In this pattern, the tiles aligned vertically, creating an illusion of height and make the space feel more open and spacious.

And that’s the reason why this pattern will be very beneficial in any kitchen with lower ceiling. The simple stacked pattern offers a simple, minimalist look with a hint of modern twist.

Crosshatch Pattern

Subway tile backsplash with crosshatch pattern
Subway tile backsplash with crosshatch pattern

Crosshatch or basketweave pattern is an intriguing and visually engaging pattern for a subway tile backsplash, making it an interesting choice for you who want to make a backsplash that standout and make a big impact to the overall kitchen design.

The unique design of this pattern easily draws attention, especially when you are combining the artistic pattern with bold or vibrant colors.

Category : Kitchen