16 subway tile splashback ideas – why we’ll never tire of this kitchen classic
Lara loves writing about every aspect of the home – from the latest colour trends to emerging designs. She has a lot of experience writing about home trends and interior advice for leading titles such as The Telegraph, Metro, and Homes & Gardens.
Protecting kitchen walls from splashes, stains and greasy marks is crucial. And to do the job well, you can’t go wrong with subway tile splashback ideas.
In fact, tiled splashbacks – or backsplashes – are one of the best ways to create a waterproof and easy-to-clean surface behind the hob or sink. In particular, classic rectangular subway tiles (also called Metro tiles) have been a favourite kitchen makeover feature for a while now – and it’s easy to see why.
They are incredibly versatile and suit the most contemporary cook space as well as rustic, country-style kitchens.
Subway tiles are also available in a huge range of colours, not to mention size and finish. You can play around with subway tile backsplash patterns too for a unique look. Then there are different grout colours for an extra design accent.
All of that and subway tiles don’t have to cost the earth. So, they’re perfect if you’re on the hunt for cheap splashback ideas for your kitchen.
Once you’ve perused our subway tile backsplash ideas, read our useful guide to learn how to tile a splashback. Or, why not make life easy for yourself and use our handy search function to find a local tiler your neighbours would recommend?
Subway tile backsplash ideas
Get ready to create a stylish and practical statement with these subway tile splashback kitchen ideas.
1. Go for classic style
You can’t go wrong with classic white subway tile splashback kitchen ideas. Laid in a running bond, brickwork fashion, Metro tiles can add serious upmarket flair to your splashback zone for very little outlay.
In fact, it’s one of our favourite budget ideas to overhaul a kitchen – particularly when laid from the worktop up to the ceiling for a simple yet striking statement.
Choose larger individual subway tiles if you plan to cover an entire wall (smaller versions might look a tad too fussy). And go for a contrasting grout colour such as black or dark charcoal to make the tiles stand out.
2. Dare to go bold with red subway tiles
Switch things up in a neutral kitchen with cream cabinets by adding bold red Metro tile backsplash ideas.
Red will infuse every kitchen with a spirited warmth which is a perfect colour choice for the heart of your home. Stick to flat subway tiles rather than a bevelled edge which offer a more traditional look. And choose a glossy finish offset with pure white grout.
Who knew it was this easy to add a pop of personality to an existing classic kitchen? We’re in love.
Be inspired by more red kitchen ideas.
3. Play around with colour and subtle pattern
Design opportunities for a subway tile splashback really are endless.
Discover so many different shades and hues for starters. This serene teal shade in a sophisticated green/blue blend won’t fail to make a statement, especially in a white kitchen.
And why not introduce delicate patterns into the splashback too? Seek out tiles in the same colour palette but with a subtle texture to ramp up the interest. Visit tile showrooms and talk to a local tiler who can talk through your queries.
4. Tile an entire wall for a modern subway tile splashback
Show off your kitchen shelfie ideas with a crisp backdrop of white subway tiles.
Not only will this Metro tile splashback protect the busy cooking and cleaning kitchen zones, but it also makes an incredible style statement.
To get the look, simply extend your splashback up to the ceiling and fit chunky wood shelving. Then, display collections of cookware, glassware and foliage.
5. Create a subway tile splashback with accent
Don’t be afraid to mix and match kitchen wall tiles for a splashback. It’s an effective way to create an extra design feature and visually zone specific areas.
In this kitchen, for example, the industrial range cooker is framed by a panel of mini, charcoal subway tiles laid in a herringbone layout.
Black and white tiles will never go out of fashion – they are a classic pairing. Not only that, but the darker tiles will show up fewer stains and splashes in the messy cooking area.
6. Stone effect subway tile splashback ideas
Creating a stylish backsplash doesn’t need to cost a fortune. So if you adore the high-end luxe look (but not the high-end luxe price tag!), seek out creative tiling solutions. Step forward subway tiles in a marble look-a-like.
In hardwearing porcelain or ceramic, these tiles will be easier to maintain than real marble. Secondly, the random veining of the marble pattern will create a super bespoke look in the splashback area.
Stick with neutral-coloured grout – otherwise the overall look might be a bit jarring on the eye. Finally, pair with a brass tap and warm gold fittings to harness the quiet luxury design trend.
7. Seek out picket-style subway tiles
Love the look of Metro tile splashback ideas but fancy switching things up? Picket tiles are an excellent choice.
With a high-end look, the picket tile is a more modern take on the classic subway tile. It features six sides with a thin, stretched-out middle, giving it the silhouette of a picket fence post.
It demonstrates how a cream kitchen wrapped head to toe in neutrals can be just as luxurious and eye-catching, simply by choosing the right splashback.
8. Consider dark subway tile splashback ideas
Many homeowners might opt for light and bright neutrals when it comes to subway tile backsplash kitchen ideas.
But do what you love in your own kitchen and dare to go dramatic with black tiles laid in a chevron pattern.
In fact, a black and white kitchen palette is a timeless combination that will never let you down. Warm up the look with accents of wood and marble and a gorgeous layered lighting scheme.
9. Temper a pastel kitchen with white subway tiles
We have so much love for baby pink kitchens right now. But to stop the design from looking overly sickly-sweet, why not temper the pretty pastels with white subway tile splashback kitchen ideas?
Cover the splashback zone with a bank of simple white Metro tiles and use black grout for an edgy mood.
Voila! Your blush pink units look elevated and high-end without denting too much of your kitchen budget.
10. Reverse the black-and-white kitchen trend
Be inspired by this homeowner’s kitchen where black subway tiles offer a characterful yet thoroughly modern backdrop against the white units. It’s a bold and refreshing change to a white-tiled splashback.
There are so many other ways to create dark and dramatic kitchens. Head to our blog for masses of gorgeous ideas for your new kitchen project.
Glass subway tile kitchen splashback ideas are another way to switch up the look.
11. Embrace a bevelled edge
Minimalist kitchens look amazing with flat subway tiles. The crisp edges are fuss-free and unavoidably modern in any colour and size.
However, there’s always a place for subway tiles with a traditional bevelled edge. This simple subway tile splashback has a tactile, 3D look thanks to the sloping bevelled edges.
The slightly textured surface creates subtle shadow patterns across the backsplash for an extra layer of interest. It’s an easy way to add personality and style to new build kitchens.
12. Swap paint for wall-to-wall tiling
Max out the practical plus points of a hardwearing Metro tile splashback by using the same tiles across every kitchen wall. Indeed, busy family kitchens might prefer to install wall-to-wall subway tiles rather than using paint.
You’ll end up with walls that are easy to keep clean and tough on fingerprints, stains and greasy marks. Big ticks all round.
Subway tile splashback patterns
Discover different ways to lay your subway tiles for a personality-packed kitchen.
Classic offset
Also known as the ‘running bond,’ this is the classic and popular Metro tile layout which has its roots in New York subway stations. Each tile is offset and centred in the middle of adjoining tiles to create a staggered, brick-like effect. The result is crisp, uniform and clutter-free for busy kitchen zones.
Herringbone
An eye-catching herringbone layout will certainly elevate white subway tile splashback kitchen ideas. It has a distinctive zig-zag pattern, reminiscent of fish scales. This cool layout draws the eye up, so it’s perfect for adding impact to a splashback feature wall, perhaps tiling up to the ceiling.
Horizontal stacked bond
Subway tiles are aligned horizontally and vertically to create a grid-like design. Spot on if you want a minimalist look. It’s also one of the easiest tile patterns to install if you fancy having a go at your own tiled splashback.
Vertical stack
Vertical stack tiles are installed vertically to visually heighten a room. As well as being great for lower ceilings, they offer a modern alternative to traditional horizontal layouts. Use them to give a large splashback wall a fresh new look but steer clear if you simply want a narrow tiled splashback zone.
FAQs
Is subway tile a good choice for a kitchen backsplash?
Subway or Metro tiles will protect your walls and are excellent for the kitchen splashback zone. With classic good looks, they are waterproof, hygienic and really simple to keep clean. If you have white or pale grout, keep your tiles looking fresh by learning how to clean grout in our handy blog.
How do you make subway tile look expensive?
One simple way to luxe up a subway tile is to use a contrasting grout. Black and deep charcoal is a popular choice, but we also love the latest trend for using coloured grouts such as rose, blush or powder blue. Secondly, try a marble-effect porcelain or ceramic subway tile for a high-end look. And don’t forget to experiment with different splashback tile patterns to create a more bespoke, expensive aesthetic.
Ready to turn your subway tile splashback ideas into a reality? Find a quality tiler near you to kick off your project.
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