Subway tiles have enjoyed massive popularity since time immemorial. They were initially to be placed on subways, as the name suggests. If one of your walls is covered with beautiful 3″ x 6″ subway tiles, then you have a real piece of history in your home.
George C. Heins and Christopher Grant La Farge were the designers of the subway tiles. These were used in construction for the first New York station, then the brand-new subway in 1904.
The Victorians valued hygiene. This tile had a significant advantage in that it did not stain and the Victorians were in love with it. The tile was also a good reflector of light especially that underground transportation had since gained popularity in the USA. It became the darling of constructors due to its brightening effect of the subterranean stations. Ironically, most people nowadays think that the tile is “dirty” due to its association with subways.
After the use of tile in the construction of subways, it became the most popular item in most households. Most interior designs, especially in bathrooms, butcher shops and kitchens, borrowed this subway influence. Any place that was required clean (or easy to clean) was glazed with subway tiles.
Just as it all began with a thud in the USA, subway tiles are back even with a bigger thud!. These tiles are cheap, and they create an impression of the olden days within the new generation. They are also elegant and versatile.
New Ways to Arrange Subways for Your Bathroom
There are various patterns that you can arrange your tile for a stylish backsplash of your choice that reflects your personality and preference.
Classic Running Bond
This pattern is one of the most straightforward layouts and requires fewer complicated tile cuts as opposed to the other designs. Tile joints are countervailed by the models such that they are centered in the middle of all adjoining joints. The symmetrical layout presents a cohesive look that sets a tranquil stage for busy workspaces.
Vertical Stacked Bond
In this case, you turn the tiles vertically to construct an irregular composition. Smaller rectangular tiles combined in organized rows align in a vertically stacked bond pattern to attractively fill the wall space between expansive kitchen windows and countertops.
Stacked Running Bond
There is a mixture of colors in the tiles to create a beautiful effect and having a heightening impact, making the room appear taller. This pattern uses white and colored tiles of similar sizes. Some of the vertical tiles will have to be cut to align with the adjacent horizontal ones.
Horizontal Stacked Bond
This is one of the most comfortable subway tile patterns to install. It involves putting together evenly stacked rows of same-size tiles. This pattern gives workplaces clean looks that suit modern designs.
90-Degree Herringbone Pattern
This pattern has the unfussy stair-stepped appearance. Traditional the models are perfect for highlighting vintage silhouettes and framing inset murals. Subway tiles are usually set perpendicular to each other to create 90-degree angles.
45-Degree Herringbone Pattern
Subway tiles are arranged on 45-degree angles with their joints counteracting, hitting the centers of adjoining tiles, they generate a herringbone (or chevron) pattern that arouses the fish scales pattern and hence the name.
Double Basket Weave
This pattern is originally from the white subway tile forgo. This pattern is easy to plan and install. The smooth action is because it employs a readily available tile shape and size. The design is a cost-effective way to fashion high-impact walls. Narrow spaces between these tiles are usually filled with white grout to define the dimensional model on the walls clearly.
The above are just eight of the new ways to arrange subway tiles in your bathroom. Are there other ways of organizing subways you know? Feel free to let us know in the comments section below. Thanks!
