With so many options—colorful, classic white, matte, peel-and-stick—installing subway tile in a kitchen renovation has possibilities for every sensibility and skill level. Here are some of the many ways to use subway tile.

Keep It Classic

White subway tile is a classic for a reason. It was originally designed by George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge for the opening of New York's first subway station in 1904. The shiny, easy-to-clean tiles reflected light and were a hit among civilians, who began to install the 3-by-6-inch rectangles in their bathrooms and kitchens.

Shop the Look

this family home in Sydney by Australian architects Bennett and Trimble enjoys morning light from two east-facing windows: one on the first level, and the other positioned up high near the roof’s northeastern corner. A KWC Eve faucet, Franke sink, and Miele appliances complement the elegant subway tile backsplash." layout="" credit="Add credit" photoUserId=""/>

With a client wish list including ample natural light, high ceilings, outdoor connection, and peak energy efficiency, Mowery Marsh Architects check off all the boxes and more. In the kitchen, oak floors, inset walnut cabinets, Fireclay subway tile, and Caesarstone countertops read more classic vibes, while the furnishings are modern counterpoints. The refrigerator and freezer columns are Thermador, and the wall sconces are by Cedar & Moss." layout="" credit="Photo by Haris Kenjar" photoUserId=""/>

Shop the Look

Designed by local firm Hogg & Lamb, a Queensland cottage known as B&B Residence has been thoughtfully extended with a crisp, new facade to better connect to its subtropical setting. The owners' minimalist sensibilities informed the aesthetics, which have been guided by an elegant, bleached palette and stripped-back surfaces." layout="wide" credit="Courtesy of Christopher Frederick Jones" photoUserId=""/>

Opt for Dark Tiles

Black subway tiles add a dramatic, sophisticated edge to any kitchen.

The owners of this updated Tudor-style abode in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Eagle Rock, Amanda and William Hunter, are the design duo behind the William Hunter Collective, which rehabs homes. They reconfigured the 2,000-square-foot home to maximize space before tapping HGTV host and bestselling author Emily Henderson for the interior design. The resulting home blends traditional and modern design elements to create a "timeless and unique space." Handmade tile, soapstone counters, walnut wood, and steel make up the artfully styled kitchen." layout="wide" credit="Photo by Alex Zarour of Virtually Here Studios" photoUserId=""/>

Shop the Look

The "Baller Jawn" is one of two two-bedroom bi-level apartments available in the six-room Fishtown Lokal. All of the lodgings embrace a clean, minimalist Scandinavian modern vibe. The kitchen cabinets were designed by True Hand Society and fabricated by Summus with leather cabinet pulls from Peg & Awl for an earthy feel." layout="wide" credit="Photo by Heidi's Bridge" photoUserId="6379791331982118912"/>

Switch It Up and Go Vertical

This unconventional direction imitates the sparkling clean look of bathroom tile.

Frederick Tang Architecture renovated this Brooklyn brownstone with entertaining in mind. The new kitchen features a mix of IKEA and custom walnut shelving. The gray subway tile is from Nemo Tile." layout="" credit="Courtesy of David A. Land/OTTO" photoUserId=""/>

Shop the Look

When tapped to redesign a darling cottage in Brisbane's Little Italy, the team at Cavill Architects was inspired by "architecture with veneration for the past." As a result, the newly remodeled dwelling now pays homage to the Italian migrant workers' housing that was a crucial part of the Australian city's post-war settlement. The open kitchen has a warm Mediterranean-like feel and overlooks the central garden." layout="" credit="Photo by David Chatfield" photoUserId=""/>

Bring In Some Color

Blue subway tile seems to be a popular choice for the kitchen, but we wouldn't mind having any color of the rainbow in our space.

his circa-1969 Claude Oakland-designed Eichler has walnut-paneled cabinetry, quartz countertops, a turquoise tile backsplash, and a large center island with seating." layout="wide" credit="Photo by Open Homes Photography" photoUserId=""/>

Shop the Look

Shop the Look

Mix It Up With Metals

Take a break from ceramic tiles with these metallic substitutes that are sure to make your kitchen renovation shine.

Take Tile Up the Wall—and Around the Room

Promote your subway tile from backsplash to wall covering by expanding to the ceiling or into the dining room.

Gardiner Architecture ensured that flexibility, practicality, comfort, and spaciousness were all present in Elm Street House, as well as natural connections to the oft-used backyard and the surrounding neighborhood. The kitchen units are composed of blackbutt veneer and have a matte finish; the counters are Caesarstone. A pass-through window at the sink connects to the yard and makes for easy entertaining." layout="" credit="Photo by Rory Gardiner" photoUserId=""/>

Shop the Look

Related Reading:

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Kitchens

Three Interior Designers Discuss the Dynamics of Choosing a Kitchen Backsplash

50 Brilliant Backsplash Ideas for Your Kitchen Renovation

Top 6 Backsplash Materials to Consider for Your Kitchen Renovation

Also Appears In

A Space-Age Eichler in Walnut Creek Just Listed For $1.6M