Designing Interiors with Subway Tiles for a Modern, Classic Look

Last Updated on January 15, 2025 by Tanya Janse van Rensburg

Classic rectangular tiles have been a staple in interior design for decades, offering a sleek and timeless aesthetic.

These slabs have since gained popularity in kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.

Their simple design complements modern and classic styles, making them ideal for almost any space.

This guide tells how to design these versatile blocks for a modern, classic look.

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Choosing the Right Subway Tile Finish

The finish of subway tiles can dramatically impact the style and mood of a room.

While traditional ones feature a glossy white finish, today’s market offers a variety of options that suit different tastes and styles.

Here they are:

  • Textured Finish: Textured panels bring depth and character to a room. These can include handcrafted or bevelled designs that add a subtle three-dimensional effect, enhancing the visual interest of a simple layout.

  • Matte Finish: Matte slabs add sophistication without the shine for a more understated look. Matte options suit contemporary and rustic interiors, offering a soft, muted feel that contrasts nicely with glossy surfaces.

  • Glossy Finish: Glossy pavers reflect light beautifully, making spaces appear larger and brighter. They are especially popular in kitchens and bathrooms because of their clean, reflective quality, which adds a touch of elegance.
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Playing with Colour and Contrast

Although rectangular tiles are traditionally white, incorporating color can breathe new life into a space.

A few of them that make it easy to create a statement wall or accent area are:

  • White planks are timeless and pair well with nearly any color scheme. They create a clean, neutral base ideal for small and large spaces.

  • Shades like beige, grey, and soft pastels subtly contrast while maintaining a neutral palette. These colors add warmth and character without overwhelming the space.

  • Vibrant shades like navy, emerald, or even black can transform an ordinary wall into a focal point. Darker colors offer a sophisticated look and pair beautifully with metal fixtures and natural wood accents.
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Exploring Different Tile Layouts

The classic horizontal layout is standard for these tiles.

Yet, experimenting with other patterns can add a unique twist, which are:

  • Vertical Stacking: Aligning panels vertically creates a modern and clean look. It is perfect for smaller spaces as it draws the eye upward, adding height.

  • Traditional Brick Pattern: This classic layout offsets each row by half a block width, further creating a familiar and visually pleasing, staggered look.

  • Chevron: Chevron layouts involve placing tiles at a 45-degree angle to create a continuous zigzag. This bold and dynamic pattern adds a fresh look to traditional spaces.

  • Herringbone Pattern: This V-shaped layout brings movement and texture to the wall. Herringbone patterns are eye-catching and work well in bathrooms, backsplashes, and accent walls.
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Enhancing with Grout Colours and Lines

The right grout can either blend with or contrast against the tiles.

Below are the following:

  • Colored Grout: For a playful twist, colored grout can add a unique pop of personality. Soft greys or pastel shades complement colored planks, while bold hues can enhance neutral blocks.

  • Contrasting Grout: Contrasting grout, such as black grout with white slabs, highlights its shape and adds definition to the layout. This bold choice can make a simple brick layout look more striking and modern.

  • Matching Grout: Using grout that matches the panel color creates a seamless look, allowing it to shine without interruption. This style works well with white or light-colored pavers in minimalist or classic designs.
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Using Rectangular Tiles in Different Spaces

The versatility of these tiles makes them ideal for multiple areas in the home.

From kitchens and bathrooms to unexpected locations, they elevate the design of any space while adding practicality.

  • Fireplace Surrounds: Rectangular sheets add style and durability to fireplace surrounds. They withstand heat and are easy to clean, making them a practical yet beautiful option for this focal point.

  • Feature Walls in Living Areas: These planks can be used on an accent wall in a living room or entryway to make a bold statement. Darker blocks or unique layouts create a focal point, giving the room a modern, classic vibe.

  • Bathroom Walls and Showers: These are moisture-resistant, making them a perfect choice for bathrooms. Their clean lines and timeless design add a spa-like feel, transforming an ordinary bathroom into a relaxing retreat.

  • Kitchen Backsplash: Rectangular slabs make for a functional and attractive backsplash, providing easy-to-clean surfaces that protect walls from spills and splashes. Pairing them with under-cabinet lighting highlights their texture and color, adding brightness to the kitchen.
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Conclusion

Subway tiles remain a popular choice in interior design for good reason.

They offer a balance of classic and contemporary styles with color, finish, and layout options.

Whether used in kitchens, bathrooms, or living spaces, these sheets bring durability and elegance to any room.

For those looking to transform your home, designing with these blocks offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity that enhances any interior space.

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