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.