How a Basic Tile Became the Go-To for Walls

You know those shiny little rectangular tiles you always see in kitchens and bathrooms? The ones that are usually white and stacked in straight rows? Yeah, those are called subway tiles. And even though they’re pretty simple, they’re everywhere.

What’s kind of cool is that they’ve been around for more than 100 years, and people still use them all the time. So, how did something that basic end up being one of the most popular wall styles ever? Let’s talk about it.

They Started in Subway Stations

So, the name “subway tile” isn’t just random. These tiles actually got their name because they were first used in subway stations. The very first ones showed up in New York City back in 1904, when the city’s subway system opened.

They were used for a reason. The tiles were glossy, easy to clean, and made the stations look brighter. Imagine being underground with no windows—that little bit of shine actually helped. Plus, they didn’t hold onto grime the way other materials did, which made them perfect for places with lots of people.

After that, people realized, “Hey, these would work great in bathrooms and kitchens too.” And just like that, subway tiles made their way from public transit to people’s homes.

Why Everyone Still Uses Them

Even though so many new tile styles have come out since then, subway tiles are still super popular. The main reason? They’re simple—and that’s a good thing.

They don’t have wild patterns or weird shapes, so they fit with almost any style. Whether someone’s going for a classic look or something more modern, subway tiles work. People use them in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms—you name it. You can even find tons of choices online for tiles subway, where there are all kinds of colors and layouts.

Another reason people like them is because they’re not hard to install. You don’t have to be a pro to figure them out. That’s great for people who want to DIY a kitchen backsplash or redo a bathroom wall without getting overwhelmed.

They’re Super Easy to Keep Clean

Let’s be honest: no one wants to spend hours scrubbing kitchen walls or bathroom tiles. That’s one of the best things about subway tiles. They’re flat, smooth, and glazed, which means stuff doesn’t stick to them very easily.

If something splashes on them—like sauce, toothpaste, or shampoo—you can just wipe it off. You don’t need any special cleaner. Just a little soap and water usually does the trick. That’s a big reason why they’re so common in kitchens and bathrooms, where things get messy fast.

People Are Getting Creative with Them

Even though the basic subway tile is a white rectangle, there are a lot of ways to change it up. You can use different colors, like navy blue, black, or even pale green. You can also mix up how they’re stacked. Instead of laying them in straight rows, some people flip them vertical or go for a zigzag look called herringbone.

There are also different finishes. Some are super glossy, others are more matte. And some even have a bit of texture to them. So even if everyone’s using the same type of tile, it doesn’t mean every wall looks the same.

Designers like using subway tiles because they’re kind of like a blank canvas. They can match almost anything. If someone wants to change the paint color or replace the sink or cabinets, the tiles will still look good with whatever’s new.

They’re Not Just for Homes

Subway tiles aren’t just something people use at home. You’ll see them in restaurants, coffee shops, and even stores. That’s because they’re clean-looking, easy to care for, and never really go out of style.

Businesses love them because they’re not trendy in a way that gets old fast. Some designs look awesome for a year or two and then suddenly feel outdated. Subway tiles don’t do that. They just kind of work all the time, which is rare with anything design-related.

Simple Doesn’t Mean Boring

Some people might think subway tiles are boring because they’re so basic. But honestly, that’s what makes them great. They don’t take over a space or make it feel too busy. They add just enough texture and shine to make a wall look finished without being too loud.

And since they’ve been around for so long, you know they’ll still look good years from now. If you put them in a kitchen today, you probably won’t feel like redoing the whole thing next year. That’s something a lot of people appreciate when they’re spending money on home updates.

So, Why Do People Keep Picking Them?

Here’s the thing: when something works, it sticks around. Subway tiles have lasted this long because they make sense. They’re easy to install, easy to clean, and easy to style with whatever else is going on in the room.

They don’t try too hard to stand out, and that’s exactly why they do. Whether it’s a white-tiled kitchen backsplash or a bathroom wall with dark grout and bold color, subway tiles just get the job done.

And that’s why a tile made for a subway station over a hundred years ago is still showing up in homes today.