The Many Looks Of Subway Tiles

January 01, 2020

modern subway wall tileOver 115 years ago, the white subway tile made its debut in the New York subway system. For generations, subway tiles have been chosen to line the walls of commercial and residential properties alike. Fortunately, traditional tiles have been given a facelift to update their style sensibility for today’s market. 

If you are looking for a tile backsplash that reflects your personal style and long for an update on the classic subway tile, we’ve got you covered! Today, MSI offers hundreds of options in all sizes, colors, textures, materials, and even some with 3D characteristics to add eye-catching dimension to your backsplashes, showers, and accent walls. Cast your pre-conceived notion aside that subway tiles are dull and explore with us some of our newest and favorite additions to our collection. 



stunning subway backsplash tile
Beveled Gray Glossy

Kitchen design is evolving today, and more and more kitchens have specific task areas for your morning coffee or evening cocktails. To highlight these task-specific areas, many designers elect to choose a dynamic backsplash like our beautiful Beveled Gray Glossy subway tiles. In this space, the glossy gray tiles look fantastic set against the ebony cabinetry, highlighting the elegant bevels that capture and reflect light. Of course, you could use this tile in more than just a task area – it would look fantastic as the backsplash throughout any transitional, contemporary, or modern design. 

almond colored subway tile
Bevel Almond Glossy 

One of today’s hottest trends is handcrafted backsplash designs. Our Inverted Bevel Almond Glossy subway tiles have that handcrafted feel but are more budget-friendly than other options. The bevel partnered with the creamy off-white hue, and the darker cream grout gives this kitchen tile backsplash a timeless and elegant appeal that complements both the almond cabinetry and the dark granite countertops quite perfectly. 

gorgeous subway tiled kitchen
Ombre Grigia 

Ceramic, porcelain, marble, granite, and glass are used to create beautiful backsplashes. In this inspired and chic kitchen, our Ombre Grigia subway tile was chosen to be the show-stopping element. Ombre Grigia’s grays, smoky blues, whites, and charcoal tones lend sophistication to this chef-inspired kitchen design. Up close, you can see the watercolor-like effect of the colors and how the tiles have their unique characteristics, much like natural stone. 

subway tile in bathroom
3D Warm Concrete

Polished concrete floors and concrete-look countertops are on-trend because of their unique beauty and their ability to transcend design styles. Our 3D Warm Concrete subway tiles from the Urbano Collection feature mixed textures and patterns that add character and interest to any design. And, these exquisite tiles are offered in the coveted 4x12 dimensions to allow for creative installations like the herringbone backsplash above. Highlighting the contemporary feel of this tile, the designer chose to mount the faucet on the wall and to utilize a vessel sink with clean lines. The overall look creates that spa-inspired bathroom we all dream of. 

We invite you to explore our entire collection of subway tiles and backsplash tiles to find the right one to complete your vision. Use our Virtual Kitchen Designer and our Bathroom Visualizer to “try on” a variety of backsplash tiles before you go shopping. Experiment with colors, shapes, and textures that take you a bit out of your comfort zone to find the on-trend modern tile look you crave.