Subway tile became an instant classic when it was introduced in nyc subway stations in the early 1900s.
Dimensions of a subway tile.
The smaller size opens up a wider range of material options including of course glass but also stainless steel as well.
Square subway tile in the designer is in.
For the maximum long but narrow ceramic tile consider using listellos.
A century later these simple cheap durable easy to clean tiles are a go to option for kitchens bathrooms laundry rooms and mud rooms that work in a variety of interior design styles from industrial lofts to contemporary or period homes.
It s very popular size for kitchen backsplashes.
However sizes for subway tile have expanded to include many other sizes.
In showers especially with a contrasting grout color this smaller size can look a bit busy.
It s a bit tough to define especially if you connote subway tile with a specific rectangular shape.
Subway tiles are a perennial favorite in bathrooms as these too have a 1 2 size ratio.
While technically anything smaller than 3 x 6 could be considered mini subway tile the most common size is 1 x 2 subway tile.
The classic 1 2 ratio is pleasing to the eye.
What exactly is subway tile.
These decorative tiles are often used to delineate two sections of wall tile.
Sometimes tiles that are not 1 2 but still have a smaller rectangular shape are considered subway tile as well like a 4.
2 x 4 4 x 8 6 x 12.
An optimist at home in notting hill.
The general rule is any wall tile with a 1 to 2 size can be styled as a subway tile.
A typical backsplash is 18 tall giving you an even 6 rows of tile.
Photograph by chris tubbs.