A Brief History of Subway Tile
New York Subway, Kidfly182, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
These unassuming ceramic rectangles did have their beginnings in the subway. New York City’s first subway line opened in 1904. While it wasn’t the first subway built in America (the first practical subway line was constructed in Boston between 1895 and 1897), it is one of the world’s oldest public transit systems.
Built by the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) almost 36 years after the opening of the first elevated line in New York City and designed by architects George C. Heins and Christopher Grant LaFarge, New York’s first underground transit system opened in 1904.
Ceramic tile surfacing had already become popular amongst the germaphobic Victorians, and it was already in public buildings and private residential kitchens and baths. The tiles were durable and easy to clean, and the subway’s architects knew they could stand up to the dirt and grime of a bustling, growing city. To beautify the gloomy underground tunnels, the designers specified a glossy, white tile that was light-reflective and read as “clean.”
The sleek appearance of the glossy-white rectangular tiles was appealing, and the subway tile soon became a symbol of modernity. And the fact these tiles not only looked clean but were indeed easy to clean made them attractive to designers and homeowners alike. Over the years, while other design trends came and went, subway tile stood the test of time and remains the tile of choice for those looking to achieve a clean, timeless, and sophisticated look in their space.
The Evolution of Subway Tile
Classic 3′ x 6″ tiles from our Handwritten wall tile collection get an update with a herringbone pattern.
Subway tile is a rare combination of both classic and trendy. Classics really don’t ever go out of style, which means the iconic white 3 x 6 tiles are still relevant today. But as with many classics, it’s subway tile’s design evolution that’s kept the iconic tile so on-trend in recent years. How have designers taken something so ordinary and made it extraordinary? Let us count the ways!
As tile designers continue to put new twists on the “expected,” subway tile not only endures but remains at the forefront of tile design. The latest on-trend colors, unique finishes, unconventional installation patterns, and dimensional designs are some of the modern iterations that are keeping this classic so current.
Vibrant turquoise tiles in a sleek 4″ x 12″ plus a cool beveled edge in a modern vertical stacked pattern place this subway from our Color Perspectives collection firmly in the 21st Century.
While the traditional 3” x 6” size is still very popular and is quite versatile when it comes to patterns, subway tiles are available in many sizes now. Thinner, elongated subway tiles and jumbo subways are popular size evolutions that create a very modern vibe. Textured surfaces, beveled edges, and three-dimensional tiles take the simple subway to new heights. Colors abound these days, and no rule says you have to use just one. One trend is to sprinkle tiles of a different color into subway tile designs in a random fashion, giving designs a one-of-a-kind look. Subway tiles are no longer always glossy. Matte subways are very much on trend, and mixing matte and gloss finishes produces a unique, beautiful aesthetic that is dynamic and unexpected. Different glaze techniques result in subway tiles that have fluidity of color or a watercolor effect, mimicking hand-glazed tiles of the past. The possibilities for subway tiles today are nearly endless!
Snippet Subway Tile
Our Snippet wall tile collection is offered in just five colors, two faces, and one size, but the line is a powerful package that delivers an almost endless array of patterns to help designers express their unique visions. To bring your designs to life, we offer a digital Snippet pattern builder showcasing 25 of tile designer Michael R Golden’s favorite designs and the ability to create your own.
Color Perspectives Subway Tile
Color Perspectives subway tiles‘ elongated profile makes an even greater impact when installed vertically in an offset brick pattern. Available in 9 stunning hues, Color Perspectives’ large 4″x 12″ size makes a bold statement, and the upscale bevel highlights the grandiose shape, adding dimension to any room.
Handwritten Wall Tile
Our Handwritten wall tile captures the nuanced look of artisanal tile in a range of shapes and sizes in a robust color palette. The colorful tile line includes a classic 3″ x 6″ subway tile and a sleek 3″ x 12″ that can be installed in myriad patterns for design versatility.
Swatches Subway Tile
Subway tiles aren’t just for residential interiors. Our versatile Swatches wall tile makes for a durable, easy-to-maintain, and sanitary wall covering, shown here in random vertical layout cladding a healthcare facility elevator bank.
Color By Numbers Subway Tile
Our updated Color By Numbers subway tile collection was created to work in tandem with other design elements. The saturated hues coordinate with bestselling selections from our popular Color Blox porcelain floor tile collection for effortless color expressions from floor to ceiling.
Cursive Wall Tile
Bring signature style to your interior designs with Cursive’s unique tile shapes in nine trending hues. Mix and match Cursive’s 3″ x 6″ and 3″ x 12″ subway tiles with different shapes to create one-of-a-kind wall tile designs. Try your hand at Cursive and build your own pattern with our Cursive pattern builder.
Love what you see? Great design starts with a sample!
You can quickly and easily order a sample of any Crossville tile through Crossville’s Sample Express. To quickly order free tile samples, just set up an account here to get started. Once you have an account, ordering a tile sample is as simple as clicking a button — and samples are always free.
In additon to subway tiles, Crossville offers a complete assortment of wall tile options that complement both commercial and residential spaces. See all our wall tile collections here.
