Sunday, June 16, 2013

The Best Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas

A traditional subway tile is rectangular and has a size of 3 x 6 inches. These days, subway tiles are being produced in other sizes such as 2 x 6 inches and 2 x 4 inches. These new subway tile designs allow you to use them on your kitchen backsplash and create innovative tile patterns and styles. The offset pattern is the most popular pattern for traditional subway tiles, but you can now create other patterns because of the new subway tile sizes available. Here you will find some of the best subway tile backsplash ideas from home improvement professionals and home design enthusiasts.

Parquet Patterns
The best patterns for 3 x 6 subway tiles are parquet patterns. The parquet pattern is one of the best subway tile backsplash ideas for kitchen backsplashes. To do the parquet pattern, lay 2 subway tiles next to each other on their ends. Beside those 2 tiles, lay another 2 tiles lengthwise with one tile on above the other. Next, reverse the pattern and continue to build on top until the entire space is covered. You can use this pattern cover the entire kitchen backsplash. Parquet patterns work well if using a combination of matte and glossy tiles for additional depth.

Herringbone Pattern
Rectangular tiles or subway tiles can also be laid out to form a herringbone pattern. The herringbone pattern can be used everywhere along the backsplash or just behind the cooktop. To create the herringbone pattern, lay a subway tile at an angle of 45 degrees to the counter. Next, get a second tile and lay its short end against the long, bottom end of the first tile. The rest of the tiles are then placed off of the first two tiles in a pattern of offset V shapes that are moving across the backlash to add a detailed and subtle design.

Subway Tile Backsplash Ideas for Modern or Contemporary Kitchens
For modern or contemporary kitchens, use subway tiles that are 4 x 12 inches instead of traditional subway tiles. You can install the subway tiles by stacking them directly on top of each other. You can also create a random pattern so that the grout joints don’t line up. Either way, you will be able to create a modern look for your kitchen which is different from the usual subway design.


There are many other subway tile backsplash ideas out there. You can learn more by reading online guides and tutorial videos on the internet.