For over a hundred years, subways or metro tiles have remained one of the staples in interior design. The clean and simple look together with versatility has made them the ultimate choice for kitchens and bathrooms. The metro tiles add a touch of timeless elegance to the interior design and give it a modern twist in case you are renovating an old space or building a new one. Here are a number of reasons why metro tiles are so popular, and how you can use them in your home.
What is a Metro Tile?
Metro tiles are ceramic, rectangular tiles that first saw use in the subway system of New York City, hence the name “subway tile.” They measure the standard 3×6 inches, though other sizes exist. Their classic brilliant shine, clean lines, and neutral color palette-especially in white-have created a staple in modern and traditional interiors alike.
Why Choose Metro Tiles?
1. Timeless and Versatile Design
Advantages of using metro tiles: they are timeless in their charm. Though they were first used in the early 20th century, because of the simplicity and understated elegance they exude, they never go out of style. Metro tiles can be used from kitchens and bathrooms to living areas and hallways. If it’s a modern minimalist look you’re aiming for or something more ancient and vintage, metro tiles blend into any décor.
2. Wide Range of Colors and Finishes
While the traditional metro tile is white, today’s metro tiles are presented in an enormous array of colors, textures, and finishes-even to the metallic nature. One can choose from shiny, matte, all the way to the newest metallic finishes, depending on their design preference. They come in a range of shades: pure white, black, navy, grey-even bright emerald green or mustard yellow. Since this range allows playing with different color schemes and patterns-from bold statements to subtle backgrounds-anything is possible.
3. Easy to Maintain
Metro tiles are made from ceramic or porcelain; both materials are durable and easy to clean. Its smooth and glossy surface provides anti-dirt and stain resistance, which is very effective for high-traffic areas of kitchens and bathrooms. Typically, all what is needed to maintain your metro tiles in clean and new appearance is routine cleaning with a soft detergent in warm water. But the grout lines need regular cleaning to prevent building up the dirt.
4. Classic Look with Modern Flexibility
Metro tiles are sleek and minimalist in their look; however, this classic design lends itself to adaptation into modern trends. You can fiddle around with the arrangement of tiles to produce unique patterns and effects. The most common layout is the “brick-bond” pattern where tiles are set in a staggered formation, similar to a traditional brick wall. However, metro tiles can be set in vertical or herringbone patterns, which brings fresh newness to the classic design.
5. Affordable and Accessible
Another reason for their high popularity, metro tiles are actually pretty affordable. While natural stone or high-end tiles are pretty expensive, metro tiles fall on the more budget-friendly side; therefore, metro tiles will answer the needs of house owners looking to make their space more stylish and expensive at an affordable price. Due to their high popularity, it’s very easy to find metro tiles, and you can get them in a very big price range; hence, you can choose a product that meets your budget.
Where to Use Metro Tiles
1. Kitchens
The no-brainer association of metro tiles is with kitchen backsplashes. Its plainness makes it apt for being complemented with other elements of the kitchen, such as cabinets, countertops, and appliances. You can be ultra-minimalist with clean white or bold to make a statement-whichever you want in your kitchen.
2. Bathrooms
Metro tiles are perfect for bathroom walls, shower areas, and even the floors. Clean lines, neutral tones create a space both relaxing and spacious. They can be fitted together with different textures of wood accents or marble to give an extra touch of class. For smaller bathrooms, white metro tiles with light grout will make the bathroom look bigger.
3. Feature Walls
The metro tiles also could be used more creatively to make feature walls in the living room, dining, or hallways. In that sense, making statements with metro tiles will create some unique design element without overloading the space. For example, colored metro tiles with contrasting grout will bring in the modern and artistic touch to any room.
4. Commercial Spaces
Besides residential uses, metro tiles find their places in restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Strong, easy to clean, and sleek, they are just perfect for high-traffic areas. The metro tile is very versatile and can therefore be used in everything from the trendiest coffee shop to an up market restaurant.
How to Incorporate Metro Tiles into Your Design
When it comes to incorporating metro tiles into your home, here are some design tips:
Accent Colors: Team metro tiles up with vibrant, bold colors elsewhere in the room for contrast. For example, a white metro-tiled backsplash can look dramatic with colored cabinets or bright countertops.
Grout Choices: The shade of the grout can utterly transform the look of the tiles. Contrasting grout color gives a bold look whereas matching grout gives an unobtrusive, even looks.
Combine with Other Materials: Metro tiles will look great among the ensemble of other materials like woods, glasses, or stones. The results are a modern eclectic look by mingling them with other materials.
Metro tiles are one classic design option that promises timelessness with versatility and low maintenance. Be it a kitchen, bathroom, or feature wall, metro tiles offer endless possibilities to create a stylish yet highly functional area. Various colors, finishes, and layouts will make it quite easy to have metro tiles customized according to your very own taste and preference for design. Whether renovation in a current space or a complete transformation of a room, metro tiles are just one of those simple yet highly effective solutions which will never run out of fashion.