10 Gorgeous Subway Tile Backsplash Designs for Kitchens

Subway tiles have been a popular and versatile choice for kitchen backsplashes for over a century. Since their origin in the New York City subway system in the early 1900s, these classic rectangular tiles have made their way into countless kitchens. While the traditional white 3" x 6" subway tile endures, today's subway tiles come in a huge range of materials, sizes, colors and creative new designs.

If you're looking to upgrade your kitchen with a subway tile backsplash, the possibilities are virtually endless. From patterns and textures to mixing colors and materials, subway tiles can be customized to match any kitchen aesthetic. Let's explore ten gorgeous and inspiring subway tile backsplash ideas to help you create your dream kitchen.

All-White Subway Tile

The classic all-white subway tile backsplash is clean, crisp and timeless. White reflects light beautifully to brighten up any kitchen. An expanse of white subway tiles keeps the look minimalist and pairs well with any color cabinetry or countertops.

Choosing white grout versus gray grout makes a noticeable difference in the overall look. White grout has a more seamless, streamlined effect. Light gray grout adds subtle contrast and definition to each individual tile.

Traditional subway tiles laid in the classic "running bond" brick pattern continue to be popular. But diagonal patterns, herringbones, and stacked designs add interest. Mixing glossy and matte white tiles also livens up an all-white backsplash.

All-White Subway Tile Backsplash Pros:

• Clean, minimalist look
• Matches any kitchen style
• Brightens up the space

Black and White Geometric

For a bold, high-contrast backsplash, black and white is always a winning combo. From retro diner-style checkerboard floors to contemporary graphic black and white patterns, this classic color scheme makes a dramatic statement.

Black and white subway tiles laid in geometric patterns like herringbone or chevron immediately catch the eye. Mixing glossy and matte tiles in varying sizes adds further interest. To make it pop even more, add an accent color like red or yellow in occasional tiles or the grout lines.

Whether your kitchen leans traditional or modern, black and white backsplashes with graphic appeal look sharp in any style of cooking space.

Black & White Geometric Pattern Options:

• Herringbone
• Chevron
• Stacked
• Hexagon

Soft Color Subway Tile

While black and white backsplashes make the boldest statements, soft subtle colors have an elegant appeal. Sage greens, powder blues, and warm grays blend beautifully with both light and dark cabinet colors.

Handcrafted ceramic subway tiles in muted hues have an artisanal, Old World look. For a more modern vibe, glossy colored glass or ceramic tiles keep things sleek. Combining subway tiles in two coordinating soft colors adds depth.

Whether you want to evoke a coastal feel or rustic farmhouse style, soft colored subway tiles can help set the aesthetic. Contrast them with crisp white grout for a clean finish.

Popular Soft Color Options:

• Light blue
• Sage green
• Warm grays

Bold Color Statement

While all-white backsplashes play it safe, bold and colorful subway tiles are a great choice when you want to make a style statement. Primary colors, deep hues like navy blue, or metallics like brass make the backsplash the focal point.

Glass subway tiles in vibrant colors have a sleek, modern feeling. Or handmade artisanal tiles in bold patterns nod to retro sensibilities. Use mosaic sheets of colored tiles to create patterns like honeycomb hexagons or circular designs.

If the rest of the kitchen is kept neutral, a punchy backsplash color or pattern really stands out. Contrasting grout lines also help the colors pop.

Bold Color Subway Tile Ideas:

• Primary colors
• Deep hues like navy
• Metallic like bold brass

Mix and Match Subway Tiles

One of the easiest ways to add interest to a basic subway tile backsplash is by mixing and matching tiles. Combining different sizes, colors, finishes, and materials creates contrast and adds visual texture.

In a horizontal stack pattern, slightly varied tile heights create a subtle striped effect. Or turn them vertically for zigzag stripes. Using color blocking, like a row of blue tiles next to a row of green, makes a vibrant statement.

Mixing materials can also add depth. Combine glossy ceramic with matte marble, or blend metal and glass tiles. The options are endless!

Mix and Match Pattern Ideas:

• Horizontal stacks
• Vertical stacks
• Color blocking

Natural Stone Subway Tile

For an elegant, upscale look, natural stone subway tiles lend a sense of luxury. Marble, with its distinctive veining, has a timeless Old World appeal. Travertine has an ancient, archaeological vibe. Slate and textured granite also bring beautiful natural pattern and color.

Stone tiles require more maintenance than ceramic or porcelain. Sealing is essential to prevent staining and discoloration. Plus the stone itself brings color variation and imperfection that adds to the charm.

Laying rectangular stone tiles vertically creates a modern look. Neutral toned grout that matches the stone prevents distracting harsh lines. Make sure to coordinate with cabinetry finishes so that undertones complement each other.

Natural Stone Subway Tile Options:

• Marble
• Travertine
• Slate
• Granite

Wood-Look Subway Tile

Wood-look porcelain and ceramic tiles realistically mimic the beauty of natural wood without the maintenance. Laying wood-look plank tiles horizontally results in a reclaimed wood style. Arranged in herringbone, chevron, or hexagon patterns, they create stylish geometric interest.

Since the wood tones are fired into the porcelain or ceramic, they won't fade or discolor over time. Match the realistic grain patterns to similar stained cabinets for a cohesive look. Contrasting dark grout mimics the appearance of gaps in the wood.

Bringing warmth and texture reminiscent of natural wood to the backsplash remains on trend. Durable wood-look subway tiles are the perfect way to achieve the aesthetic without upkeep.

Subway Tile Accents

Using subway tiles to create accents, borders, or geometric insets personalizes a backsplash design. Trim pieces along the edges of the backsplash or around windows make a stylish frame. Inlay a row of decorative tiles or mosaic sheets in a focal area.

Turn a blank wall behind a stovetop into a statement spot by adding an accent tile splashback in a contrasting color or finish. Add even more personality by spelling out words or names in contrasting tiles.

Subway tile accents break up all-over tile patterns. Using contrasting grout colors to outline accent areas helps them stand out.

Subway Tile Accent Ideas:

• Borders
• Decorative insets
• Contrasting stovetop splashback
• Personalized designs or initials

Creative Shape Subway Tiles

Subway tiles no longer need to have classic rectangular shapes. From hexagons to fish scale shapes to curved formats, creatively shaped tiles add modern flair.

Interlocking hexagon tiles create a honeycomb effect when installed in a straight or diagonal lattice pattern. Octagonal subway tiles have a similar effect. For a more retro vibe, curved and scalloped tiles lend visual movement.

Mixing creatively shaped tiles with classic rectangular subway tiles adds even more interest to the backsplash design. Shape and color choices customize these contemporary tiles to any style.

Unique Shaped Subway Tile Options:

• Hexagon
• Fish scale
• Octagon
• Curved

Vertical vs. Horizontal

Subway tiles traditionally follow classic brickwork patterns installed horizontally. Yet laying subway tile vertically has become a popular contemporary trend. A vertical layout makes the tiles look like sleek columns, especially when paired with slim grout lines.

Installing subway tiles vertically can help make a small kitchen appear larger and more open. The elongated lines draw the eye upward, which also creates the illusion of higher ceilings. However, opt for smaller grout lines since wide vertical grout lines can have the opposite effect.

For a dynamic look, mixing vertical and horizontal tile direction also livens up the backsplash. Sections of horizontal tiles contrast with vertical stripes for a modern, tailored style.

Benefits of Vertical Subway Tile Layouts:

• Contemporary look
• Makes room feel taller

When planning your dream kitchen, a subway tile backsplash offers almost unlimited possibilities for creativity. Any combination of colors, patterns, shapes, and materials can be customized to your personal taste.

Keep the vibe relaxed with neutral soft colors or go bold with high contrast black and white or vivid primaries. Mixing natural materials like wood and stone makes a statement. Creative textures and shapes provide visual punch.

Subway tiles remain a versatile, affordable and easy-to-install backsplash option. Take them in a classic or contemporary direction for a gorgeous, enduring kitchen focal point you'll love.