Timeless Subway Tiles - Part 2: Color

Whether you choose the classic white 3x6" subway tile or opt for a large multi-color arrangement, subway tiles are a timeless choice for your kitchen, bathroom, or fireplace surround.

The Classic: 3x6 White Glossy Offset Subway Tile

Bathroom with white pedestal sink, white octagon-and-dot mosaic tile floor, 3x6" white subway tile wainscoting topped with a white ceramic chair rail. The walls are painted with a yellow faux finish.

These mass-produced little ceramic tiles are what started lining the New York subway in the early 1900s, hence the name "subway tile".

The most traditional version of subway tile is:

3x6"
White
Glossy
Set in a 50% offset brick pattern
No variation/texture

This is usually the least expensive version of ceramic subway tile, running appx. $3/sqft.

Low-maintenance, bright and clean-looking, these have been a standard of kitchen and bath design for the past century.

However, numerous variations on style, color, finish, size, and layout are now available to give you a multitude of ceramic tile options. Peruse our 5-part look book to find your perfect subway style!

Consider Color

Clean and Bright White

Bathroom wall is covered in white textured subway tiles, set vertically. The countertop is matte black with a white vessel sink, chrome faucet, and a white vase full of greenery. There is an oval mirror with a white frame above the sink.

It's a classic for a reason. White matches everything, and reflects a lot of light.

Consider dressing up your white tile with a non-white grout color, such as light gray, for contrast. Medium-tone grout colors will hide dirt, while really light or really dark grouts will show dirt.

Use caution when designing with white-on-white, as your whites may not match! Your subway tile may have more of a warm white, while your bathtub may be a cool white with a slight blue undertone. Your white paint might have a faint rosy tint that you only see next to your crisp white subway tile. Look at samples of your white tile with other white design elements in your lighting before making final decisions.