Subway tile backsplashes are timeless, but perhaps you’re not a fan of basic white tile. If you want the longevity of subway tile with a modern flair, there are plenty of variations to explore. Check out these contemporary subway tile alternatives for your kitchen design.
Glass Subway Tile Backsplashes
Glass tile comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. Typically it consists of a background layer with a color on it that’s topped with a layer of thick, durable glass. The transparency of the glass creates dimension on the backsplash, but the smooth glass surface is easy to clean.
Glass subway tile can show streaks or fingerprints easily, so you may need extra care when it comes to cleaning. The color of your grout may change the way the glass looks after installation, so plan that out before you get started. We’ve installed tons of gorgeous glass backsplashes for our clients, but we know this isn’t the right material for everyone.
Subway Tiles with Irregular Edges
Irregular edges have become trendy over the last decade because they offer an organic touch to kitchen design. If you like clean and crisp lines, this is not going to be a good option for you. If you want a bit of texture and ‘imperfect perfection,’ consider a subway backsplash made with uneven tile edges.
Beveled Subway Tiles
Beveled tiles offer a feeling of glam and bling. The center of the tile juts out a bit from the edges, and there are slopes on the sides to highlight the dimension. Beveled tile backsplashes can be tricky to grout because of the way the edges slope down. This material is not DIY friendly, but a well-trained professional can install it with ease.
Most beveled tiles have a glossy texture, and that can show splashes like glass. If you want a low-maintenance backsplash, you may opt for a flatter material with a matte finish.
Vertical Subway Tile Layouts
Instead of changing the tile itself, you might change the layout. Subway tile is typically laid in a brick pattern, where the first tile in each row starts in the center of the tile below it. You could switch from a horizontal brick pattern to a vertical one to make your kitchen look taller. You could even use a diagonal orientation if it fit the vibe of your kitchen. These are great ways to make affordable kitchen tiles look a little more unique.
Large or Long Subway Tiles
You could use the concept of a subway tile backsplash with different tile sizes. Elongated tiles look great in a staggered pattern, but square tiles can also look good in this layout. Any variation of square or rectangular tile has the potential to look great as a subway backsplash. Play around with creative structures until you find the perfect backsplash for your kitchen update.
Contact us at 443-285-0558 to schedule your kitchen design consultation.
