Infloormation

The classic subway tile is a two by three inch tile, usually white, done in a running bond or brick pattern. It’s a classic because it is a timeless combination of shape and pattern.  While subway tiles are so named because of their use on the walls, the same pattern can be used on floors. This kitchen is a great example of over-scale subway tiles on the floor laid out in a running bond pattern.

Subway tiles can be found in every style of home from Victorian to Contemporary.  Their rectangular shape can be set in a running bond or brick pattern or for a more contemporary look, a straight bond pattern where the tiles are set in a grid.  For walls, the tiles can be laid out vertically in either a straight or running bond pattern for a new twist on an old pattern.

For floors, larger tiles like the ones in this kitchen make the most sense. Traditional sized subway tiles would create far too many grout lines, which would be a cleaning nightmare on the floor. In a bathroom, a larger subway tile on the floor can play off of the traditional size on the wall and shower. The pattern can be laid out in either vertical or horizontal rows on the floor.  Horizontal rows will make the room feel wider; vertical rows will make the room feel longer.

Subway inspired tiles can give a whole new look depending on where you use them, the size of the tile and the pattern you chose to install them.