Subway Tile Reinvented: Modern Takes On A Timeless Classic

There are few tiles more iconic than the simple subway tile. Named for its generous application to New York City subway stations at the turn of the 20^th century, subway tile is prized for its versatility, durability, and low-maintenance appeal.

We offer modern alternatives to the classic design with bold hues, striking textures, modified sizing, and inventive materials to suit diverse architectural styles and homeowner preferences. MSI has reimagined this design staple with trendy styles and innovative details, transforming your living spaces.

Which collections and designs are best suited to your upcoming home remodel? Here are a few featured products to inspire your design vision.

Fresh Takes on Subway Tile for Design Inspiration

The recognizable rectangular shape of subway tile enjoys a modern upgrade with enlarged and elongated styles to define your personal spaces. Choose from refined neutrals and rich hues, textures that add dimension and interest, and finishes offering luxe shine or the casual vibes of a soft matte look.

Flamenco Racing Green

If a colorful subway tile backsplash is the first item on your agenda when planning a kitchen remodel, Flamenco Racing Green is a strong contender. This porcelain tile in elongated 2”x18” sizing saturates your kitchen in a rich green hue, enhanced by a glossy finish.

Skip the traditional running vine pattern in favor of a stacked horizontal layout that speaks to the linear sensibilities of modern design. Pair it with off-white countertops for contrast and lightly-grained, nude wood cabinets and shelving to increase visual texture. Matte black fixtures gently enhance the layered and intriguing feel of the space.

Village Tildes

Softer colors can offset an otherwise neutral design without dominating the scene. Village Tildes ceramic tile achieves this in oversized 4”x12” dimensions available in matte or glossy finishes. This mesmerizing, bluish-gray design establishes a tranquil presence when paired with bright neutrals.

A bathroom vanity featuring white shaker cabinets, a white countertop, and silver hardware gets a massive style upgrade from Tildes tile arranged in a herringbone pattern stretching to the ceiling. Woven reed accents a mirror surround, and decorative baskets add striking texture.

Arabescato Carrara

A white marble aesthetic creates instant luxury in any living space and brings a sense of serenity to your spa-like bath. Pairing this look with classic subway tile is easy, thanks to Arabescato Carrara tile, featuring cloudy gray veining over a cool white backdrop.

Enlarged 4”x12” tiles in honed or beveled finishes are the perfect choice for an impressive, floor-to-ceiling subway tile bathroom. The tile brings softness to the bold black and white soaker tub and vanity, as does a white, gray, and black patterned floor tile. Finally, a metallic, champagne gold artichoke chandelier and gold fixtures stand out beautifully.

Brickstone Charcoal

With the right subway tile used for a living room accent wall, this modern tile has a massive impact. Brickstone Charcoal brick-look porcelain tile offers striking appeal, with extended 2”x10” sizing and gradients of deep gray adding dimension to a floor-to-ceiling application.

Pale gray flooring offsets the wall tile, while sleek, midcentury furniture in a charcoal hue transitions between the room's contrasting upper and lower portions. Burnished gold accent pillows, throw blankets, and accessories are vibrant against the gray palette.

Ivory Amber

It’s not always easy to blend warm and cool tones, but the aesthetic is mastered in Ivory Amber beveled subway tile. This 8mm glass tile mimics the look of Italian marble with a cool white backdrop and gray and amber veining. The material and pattern both contribute stunning depth that takes your tile backsplash to another level.

It’s the ideal addition to a kitchen featuring black, flat-panel cabinets and a dynamic, granite-look countertop in beige sprinkled with white and black. Chrome accents add extra dimension and shine.

Montauk Black

High contrast creates exceptional visual interest, but a softer look can be easier to live with day-to-day. If you’re looking to add depth and personality to a living room featuring beige walls and carpeting, a fireplace surround in Montauk Black gauged subway tile is the way to go.

The soft black of natural stone slate tiles in 4”x12” sizing offers breathtaking appeal when arranged in a herringbone pattern around a large fireplace box. A cream couch, charcoal club chair, and midtone wood coffee table and accents flesh out a neutral gradient that exemplifies quiet luxury.

Zest Sand

A return to warmer palettes and traditional design elements doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an on-trend interior. Striking a balance between classic and contemporary vibes starts with a tile like Zest Sand that embodies both.

This ceramic tile in 2.5”x8” sizing features pale blonde coloration and a textured surface reminiscent of handmade, Moroccan zellige tile. Stacked horizontally from floor-to-ceiling, with a double row of vertical stacks running through the mid-point of the wall, it’s the ideal bathroom wall backdrop for a charming, neutral design.

A heavy-grained wood vanity with a white countertop and vessel sink adds subtle, statement style, as does an ornate, bronze mirror frame and fixtures.

Reimagine Your Living Spaces with Modern Subway Tile

Our updated subway tile collection features unique sizes, colors, and textures to help you reimagine your living spaces with classic appeal and trending twists. Innovative designs and unexpected features ensure the ideal addition to any home renovation project.

Want to know where to buy subway tile that matches your unique aesthetic? Chat with us now online to learn more about our versatile designs, visit an MSI showroom to see products in person, or find a dealer near you.