Simple, unpretentious, and cost-effective, white ceramic tile is the white T-shirt of the kitchen. It’s often called subway tile, because it was developed for New York City subway stations back in the early 1900s and can still be seen there. Durable and adaptable, it works equally well in traditional and modern settings. But what we really like about subway tile is the way it allows for design creativity: You can achieve a multitude of patterns and textures with just one low-cost material. Here are some variations on the theme to consider for your next tiling project.
The Classic Subway Tile
Subway tiles can be square, but the most familiar size and shape is the three-by-six-inch rectangle.
![classic white subway tile in an inset backsplash from steal this look: min 17](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/botley-house-hampshire-remodelista-2_1.jpg)
![in this kitchen, subway tiles are laid horizontally in an offset brick pattern, 18](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Kitchen-Remodel-Barbara Bestor-Remodelista-tile-detail-2.jpg)
![Remodeling 101 White Tile Pattern Glossary portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Los-Feliz-Kitchen-by-Veneer-Designs-Remodelista-9.jpg)
![white subway tile in a laundry room from kitchen of the week: the ultimate staf 20](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Food52-kitchen-designed-by-Brad-Sherman-Remodelista-10.jpg)
Alternate Subway Tile Patterns
![subway tiles take on a fresh look when they’re laid in a herringbone pat 21](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Herringbone-subway-tile-Remodelista-01.jpg)
![Remodeling 101 White Tile Pattern Glossary portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/nicole-franzen-chevron-backsplash-remodelista_0.jpg)
![Remodeling 101 White Tile Pattern Glossary portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Perpendicular-Herringbone-Subway-Tile-Remodelista-01.jpg)
![Remodeling 101 White Tile Pattern Glossary portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Chevron-subway-tile-Remodelista.jpg)
Square Tile
![in a london kitchen, designer charles mellersh laid square tiles with 25](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/charles-mellersh-kitchen-large.jpg)
![white square tiles in a swedish kitchen from kitchen of the week: an indus 26](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/tant-johanna-kitchen-3.jpg)
Mixing Patterns
![Remodeling 101 White Tile Pattern Glossary portrait 6](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/Vertical-Running-Bond-Subway-Tile-Remodelista-01.jpg)
![a backsplash with alternating rows of horizontal and vertical tiles from k 28](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/simo-design-kitchen-venice-california.jpg)
![in matt kitchen island](https://media.remodelista.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/fields/in-matt-kitchen-island.jpg)
Can’t decide which white paint to use? If you’re in the throes of remodeling—or thinking about it—browse our Remodeling 101 series.
N.B.: This post is an update; the original story ran on May 5, 2014.
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