82 Elegant Subway Tile Backsplashes For Your Kitchen

elegant subway tile backsplashes for your kitchen

If you are looking for the most timeless type of tile that never goes out of style, I’d offer subway tile. This is a win-win idea for most of kitchens and bathrooms done in modern and contemporary style, and it’s classics that is always on.

What Are Subway Tiles?

This is a style of white glazed ceramic tile, as used on the walls of the New York City subway stations in the early twentieth century. Today these timeless tiles may differ in color and size, too, and are used throughout the house everywhere you may need. I’d like to share some ideas on using them in your kitchen to create a backsplash or even cover the whole wall, let’s begin!

As I said above, subway tiles today are just a common type of tile, a rectangular with usually a glossy surface. It can feature any color and size, so you will easily find what you like to match the style of your kitchen. White subway tiles are classics but if they aren’t your thing, take a look at colored versions like blue, grey, emerald, pink and others, for example, marble ones.The size is also optional: smaller or larger scale subway tiles will look no worse than original ones of 3″ × 6″. Highlighting the tiles with contrasting grout or using something matching is also up to you: contrasting grout will make the backsplash stand out and add a pattern to the kitchen.

A bold black and white kitchen with glossy green subway tiles for a touch of color is very cool.

A bold black and white kitchen with glossy green subway tiles for a touch of color is very cool.

A cheerful turquoise and white kitchen with white subway tiles, colorful accessories and rugs for a fun feel.

A cheerful turquoise and white kitchen with white subway tiles, colorful accessories and rugs for a fun feel.

A chic contemporary kitchen with black lower cabinets and concrete countertops,a white subway tile backsplash and some decor.

A chic contemporary kitchen with black lower cabinets and concrete countertops,a white subway tile backsplash and some decor.

A classic white Scandinavian kitchen with black countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and black handles.

A classic white Scandinavian kitchen with black countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and black handles.

A classy black farmhouse kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash, butcherblock countertops and stained shelves plus brass handles is pure chic.

A classy black farmhouse kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash, butcherblock countertops and stained shelves plus brass handles is pure chic.

A contrasting kitchen with black cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops plus brass handles.

A contrasting kitchen with black cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops plus brass handles.

A contrasting kitchen with dark walls, a white subway tile backsplash, grey cabinets and open shelves plus lights.

A contrasting kitchen with dark walls, a white subway tile backsplash, grey cabinets and open shelves plus lights.

A cozy coastal kitchen in white, with bold blue subway tiles that add color and hint on the location.

A cozy coastal kitchen in white, with bold blue subway tiles that add color and hint on the location.

A cozy farmhouse kitchen done with white subway tiles with black grout and nautral wooden shelves.

A cozy farmhouse kitchen done with white subway tiles with black grout and nautral wooden shelves.

A creamy Scandinavian kitchen with butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and black fixtures.

A creamy Scandinavian kitchen with butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and black fixtures.

A contemporary country kitchen with classic shaker style cabinets and a crisp white subway tile backsplash. The wooden hood and floating shelves provide a rustic touch. This space is inviting and practical.

A contemporary country kitchen with classic shaker style cabinets and a crisp white subway tile backsplash. The wooden hood and floating shelves provide a rustic touch. This space is inviting and practical.

A contemporary country kitchen with white and light grey cabinets paired with butcherblock countertops. The shiny subway tile backsplash adds brightness, while the pendant lamp adds charm. A perfect blend of modern and rustic.

A contemporary country kitchen with white and light grey cabinets paired with butcherblock countertops. The shiny subway tile backsplash adds brightness, while the pendant lamp adds charm. A perfect blend of modern and rustic.

A modern country kitchen with white walls and white cabinetry, wooden beams on the ceiling, a hearth and a basket plus wooden shelves.

A modern country kitchen with white walls and white cabinetry, wooden beams on the ceiling, a hearth and a basket plus wooden shelves.

A modern kitchen with light-colored cabinets, stone countertops, a white subway tile wall, simpel dining furniture.

A modern kitchen with light-colored cabinets, stone countertops, a white subway tile wall, simpel dining furniture.

A modern white kitchen with a green subway tile backsplash, a grey stone countertop and silver fixtures.

A modern white kitchen with a green subway tile backsplash, a grey stone countertop and silver fixtures.

A modern white kitchen with an emerald subway tile backsplash and butcherblock countertops and open shelves.

A modern white kitchen with an emerald subway tile backsplash and butcherblock countertops and open shelves.

A navy modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a white subway tile wall and gold fixtures is very elegant.

A navy modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker style cabinets, a white subway tile wall and gold fixtures is very elegant.

A neutral contemporary kitchen with white countertops and hunter green subway tiles plus gold fixtures for a more elegant look.

A neutral contemporary kitchen with white countertops and hunter green subway tiles plus gold fixtures for a more elegant look.

A neutral farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, a blue subway tile backsplash and a metal hood, white stone countertops.

A neutral farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, a blue subway tile backsplash and a metal hood, white stone countertops.

A neutral kitchen with farmhouse touches, rich stained wooden countertops and a white subway tile backsplash.

A neutral kitchen with farmhouse touches, rich stained wooden countertops and a white subway tile backsplash.

What Are Subway Tiles Pros And Cons?

Pros: subway tiles are relatively inexpensive compared to other tiling options; they are easy to install; they can create a timeless look for any area; and they come in a variety of colors and styles that can easily match any décor. They are durable and long-lasting, there are versatile design options and a whole variety of colors and finishes is available. Subway tiles feature nonporous surface that resists mold, mildew, and dirt buildup, this is a cost-effective material for remodeling projects, it can add subtle texture to a room’s décor, which is a hot trend today, and it adds character to modern or traditional designs.
Cons: subway tiles can be difficult to clean due to their small size; if not properly sealed, they may become stained over time; and if not installed correctly, the grout lines may be uneven or crooked. They can be difficult to clean due to their small surface area and grout lines. They require more grout than other types of tiles, which can be expensive and time-consuming to install. The grout lines can easily become stained or discolored over time. Due to their glossy finish, they can create reflections that make a space seem smaller than it is. Subway tiles are limited in terms of design choices compared to other types of tiles.

A pretty sleek grey kitchen with white countertops, a white tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

A pretty sleek grey kitchen with white countertops, a white tile backsplash and stainless steel appliances.

A Scandinavian kitchen with grey walls, white lower cabinets, black countertops, soot shelves and white subway tiles.

A Scandinavian kitchen with grey walls, white lower cabinets, black countertops, soot shelves and white subway tiles.

A serene kitchen with grey walls, white cabinets, stained shelves, grey countertops and black touches.

A serene kitchen with grey walls, white cabinets, stained shelves, grey countertops and black touches.

A serene Scandinavian kitchen with only lower cabinets and dark butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and a shelf.

A serene Scandinavian kitchen with only lower cabinets and dark butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and a shelf.

A simple white Scandi kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcherblock countertops and a white subway tile backsplash.

A simple white Scandi kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcherblock countertops and a white subway tile backsplash.

A sophisticated kitchen with hardwood floors, black shaker cabinets, white subway tiles on the wall.

A sophisticated kitchen with hardwood floors, black shaker cabinets, white subway tiles on the wall.

A stylish black farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a whiet subway tile backsplash, open shelves and a large metal hood.

A stylish black farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a whiet subway tile backsplash, open shelves and a large metal hood.

A stylish modern farmhouse kitchen with green walls, white cabinetry and white countertops, a white subway tile backsplash.

A stylish modern farmhouse kitchen with green walls, white cabinetry and white countertops, a white subway tile backsplash.

A stylish white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, stone and butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile wall and shelves.

A stylish white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, stone and butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile wall and shelves.

A tan farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcherblock countertops, brass handles and white subway tiles over two walls.

A tan farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcherblock countertops, brass handles and white subway tiles over two walls.

A unique kitchen clad with light blue subway tiles all over the walls, dark cabinets and open shelves is a cool idea.

A unique kitchen clad with light blue subway tiles all over the walls, dark cabinets and open shelves is a cool idea.

A vintage farmhouse kittchen with white shaker cabinets, a white subway tile bacjsplash, a planked kitchen island and pendant lamps.

A vintage farmhouse kittchen with white shaker cabinets, a white subway tile bacjsplash, a planked kitchen island and pendant lamps.

A vintage-inspired navy kitchen with glossy navy subway tiles, white marble countertops and metallic touches.

A vintage-inspired navy kitchen with glossy navy subway tiles, white marble countertops and metallic touches.

A white coastal kitchen with shaker cabinets, a turquoise subway tile backsplash, a stained table and blue stools.

A white coastal kitchen with shaker cabinets, a turquoise subway tile backsplash, a stained table and blue stools.

A white farmhouse kitchen with butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, butcherblock countertops.

A white farmhouse kitchen with butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, butcherblock countertops.

A white farmhouse kitchen with grey subway tiles all over the kitchen wall and white stone countertops is a chic space.

A white farmhouse kitchen with grey subway tiles all over the kitchen wall and white stone countertops is a chic space.

A white farmhouse kitchen with light grey subway tile backsplash and stainless steel to finish off the look.

A white farmhouse kitchen with light grey subway tile backsplash and stainless steel to finish off the look.

A white farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, a grey subway tile backsplash and gold fixtures.

A white farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, a grey subway tile backsplash and gold fixtures.

A white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelves, a stained kitchen island.

A white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelves, a stained kitchen island.

A white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, pendant lamps and decor.

A white farmhouse kitchen with white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, pendant lamps and decor.

A white kitchen with a navy subway tile backsplash, a metal hood, a white stone countertop is super chic.

A white kitchen with a navy subway tile backsplash, a metal hood, a white stone countertop is super chic.

Subway tiles are pretty universal to match them with various materials you may use: wood, marble, concrete and others. They will easily bring color to your monochromatic space or keep the color scheme up if you use a matching shade. You’re probably picturing subway tile laid in the usual horizontal “brick” pattern. But did you know you can lay subway tile vertically—or even in a herringbone or geometric L-shaped pattern? There are so many possibilities! Give your kitchen a timelessly elegant look with a chic subway tile backsplash and enjoy!

A white kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash and white countertops plus gold fixtures is a lovely space.

A white kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash and white countertops plus gold fixtures is a lovely space.

A white modern country kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white stone countertops, wooden floating shelves and a wooden hood.

A white modern country kitchen with shaker style cabinets, white stone countertops, wooden floating shelves and a wooden hood.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with a light green subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with a light green subway tile backsplash and white stone countertops.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with butcherblock countertops, white subway tiles, black touches for creating a contrast.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with butcherblock countertops, white subway tiles, black touches for creating a contrast.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinetry, white stone countertops and a white subway tile backsplash plus stained wood.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinetry, white stone countertops and a white subway tile backsplash plus stained wood.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, open shelves and grey subway tile on the whole wall.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, open shelves and grey subway tile on the whole wall.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with stained corner shelves and white subway tiles all over the walls.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with stained corner shelves and white subway tiles all over the walls.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops and a black matte subway tile backsplash for a contrast.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops and a black matte subway tile backsplash for a contrast.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, stained shelves and a kitchen island, gold handles.

A white modern farmhouse kitchen with white countertops, stained shelves and a kitchen island, gold handles.

A white Nordic kitchen with shaker cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelves and a black hood.

A white Nordic kitchen with shaker cabinets, a white subway tile backsplash, open shelves and a black hood.

A white Nordic kitchen with white countertops and a white subway tile backsplash and simple dining furniture.

A white Nordic kitchen with white countertops and a white subway tile backsplash and simple dining furniture.

A white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, a bold blu subway tile backsplash and white countertops.

A white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, a bold blu subway tile backsplash and white countertops.

A white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and open shelves.

A white Scandinavian kitchen with shaker cabinets, butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash and open shelves.

A white Scandinavian kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, a hood that matches the wall.

A white Scandinavian kitchen with sleek cabinets, butcherblock countertops, a white subway tile backsplash, a hood that matches the wall.

an elegant dove grey kitchen with white marble countertops and a white subway tile backsplash for an airy feel
An elegant kitchen with white and dark green cabinets, white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash.

An elegant kitchen with white and dark green cabinets, white stone countertops, a white subway tile backsplash.

An elegant neutral kitchen with creamy cabinets, a grey subway tile backsplash and grey countertops.

An elegant neutral kitchen with creamy cabinets, a grey subway tile backsplash and grey countertops.

An ethereal white kitchen with shaker cabinets, white countertops, an open shelf and black fixtures.

An ethereal white kitchen with shaker cabinets, white countertops, an open shelf and black fixtures.

An eye-catchy kitchen with sleek cabinets, a bold blue subway tile backsplash, a large kitchen island and dark stools.

An eye-catchy kitchen with sleek cabinets, a bold blue subway tile backsplash, a large kitchen island and dark stools.

An eye-catchy white farmhouse kitchen with stone and butcherblock countertops, a bold green subway tile backsplash.

An eye-catchy white farmhouse kitchen with stone and butcherblock countertops, a bold green subway tile backsplash.

Dark chocolate subway tiles with white grout make up a contrasting and bold kitchen backsplash.

Dark chocolate subway tiles with white grout make up a contrasting and bold kitchen backsplash.

A bold black kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash accented with black grout and touches of gold and brass.

A bold black kitchen with a white subway tile backsplash accented with black grout and touches of gold and brass.

A bold blue kitchen with a black subway tile backsplash, white marble countertops and lots of gold for a shiny feel.

A bold blue kitchen with a black subway tile backsplash, white marble countertops and lots of gold for a shiny feel.

A chic neutral kitchen with a pink subway tile backsplash and touches of gold for a glam and cute look.

A chic neutral kitchen with a pink subway tile backsplash and touches of gold for a glam and cute look.

A chic slate grey farmhouse kitchen with a grey subway tile backsplash and a mosaic tile floor is elegant.

A chic slate grey farmhouse kitchen with a grey subway tile backsplash and a mosaic tile floor is elegant.

A chic white farmhouse kitchen with terrazzo countertops and a grey subway tile backsplash is very elegant.

A chic white farmhouse kitchen with terrazzo countertops and a grey subway tile backsplash is very elegant.

A cozy coastal kitchen in white, with bold blue subway tiles that add color and hint on the location.

A cozy coastal kitchen in white, with bold blue subway tiles that add color and hint on the location.

A cozy white kitchen with emerald subway tiles and wooden shelves is very bright and very stylish.

A cozy white kitchen with emerald subway tiles and wooden shelves is very bright and very stylish.

A cute white kitchen with aqua subway tiles, a wooden kitchen island and shelves and white furniture is very cool.

A cute white kitchen with aqua subway tiles, a wooden kitchen island and shelves and white furniture is very cool.

A graphite grey kitchen with black glossy subway tiles and glossy black countertops is classy and dramatic.

A graphite grey kitchen with black glossy subway tiles and glossy black countertops is classy and dramatic.

A matte navy kitchen with navy subway tiles and gold touches for a bold and dramatic kitchen in dark shades.

A matte navy kitchen with navy subway tiles and gold touches for a bold and dramatic kitchen in dark shades.

A minimalist grey kitchen with white countertops and white subway tiles plus a wooden dining set is very welcoming.

A minimalist grey kitchen with white countertops and white subway tiles plus a wooden dining set is very welcoming.

A refined moody kitchen in black, with grey marble countertops and a black subway tile backsplash is ultimately chic.

A refined moody kitchen in black, with grey marble countertops and a black subway tile backsplash is ultimately chic.

A tiny minimalist kitchen in white, with wooden coutnertops and a shelf plus a white subway tile backsplash and pendant bulbs.

A tiny minimalist kitchen in white, with wooden coutnertops and a shelf plus a white subway tile backsplash and pendant bulbs.

A two toned farmhouse kitchen in white and grey, with a marble subway tile backsplash and touches of various metals.

A two toned farmhouse kitchen in white and grey, with a marble subway tile backsplash and touches of various metals.

A vintage light green kitchen with large scale subway tiles, wooden countertops and a traditional dining set with benches for a countryside feel.

A vintage light green kitchen with large scale subway tiles, wooden countertops and a traditional dining set with benches for a countryside feel.

A welcoming neutral kitchen with blue subway tiles, wooden beams and shelving and a hearth next to it.

A welcoming neutral kitchen with blue subway tiles, wooden beams and shelving and a hearth next to it.

A white kitchen finished off with dove grey subway tiles and touches of greenery looks fresh and ethereal.

A white kitchen finished off with dove grey subway tiles and touches of greenery looks fresh and ethereal.

An airy white kitchen with a light blue subway tile backsplash and neutral metallics is very welcoming.

An airy white kitchen with a light blue subway tile backsplash and neutral metallics is very welcoming.

an elegant dove grey kitchen with white marble countertops and a white subway tile backsplash for an airy feel