If you want to feel the flair of the big city within your four walls, it is best to use the so-called metro tiles. Whether in the bathroom or kitchen, for the wall or floor, it doesn't matter. Their special charm creates a mix of retro, modern and comfort and enhances any interior area. You can find out exactly what the metro tiles represent, as well as some great ideas for designing with them, in the following lines. Design your rooms in a particularly charming way!
What are Metro Tiles?
As the name suggests, Metro tiles, also known as Subway tiles, are the classic wall and floor tiles that were once used to design subway stations. Since these are no longer used for this purpose today, they can even be described as retro tiles. In addition to a touch of the big city, the interior also creates the feeling of turning back time.
It is a rectangular oneMold for tiles, which is reminiscent of tiles and has a beveled edge. The tiles are laid staggered like brick, although designs with tiles lying on top of each other are often seen, and are made of ceramic. The Metro tiles in white look particularly authentic. White subway tiles are also best combined with dark grout. Then it's best to imitate the train station look. This also has the advantage that no discoloration occurs over time and cleaning is particularly easy.
There are now a wide variety of options when it comes to color. In addition to white tiles, you can also find metro tiles in yellow, green, gray and other colors and use them to design walls and floors. The white models can be combined very well with gray floor tiles, which can also have a modern style. An interesting contrast is created, thanks to which both colors highlight each other perfectly. Those tooPatchwork tile modelsshould be mentioned here as a combination. We would like to show you some color ideas for subway tiles below.
White subway tiles
The neutral color is particularly versatile. The result is a very classic, simple and stylish look. Once you have added the dark joints, a wide variety of color combinations can be implemented. For example, only half of the wall in the bathroom can be tiled, while the upper area can be used for any color such as green, red, blue or similar. Even the combination with dark gray or even black looks very attractive and no less authentic. The metro tiles are also wonderfully suitable as wall tiles for the kitchen.
Alternatively, you can just set accents in the bathroom and combine them with other types of tiles. For example, use Metro tiles in the shower or to cover the bathtub or as a tile backsplash in the area of the sink or toilet if you would like to design a bathroom with them. In the kitchen they can only do oneDesign tile mirrorsand highlight the kitchen cabinets in a particularly interesting way.
In black and gray
Black subway tiles are also very attractive, although the dark color is preferred only for accent walls. Otherwise the room will simply be too dark. Subway tiles can be used in the bathroom to highlight a tub. If it is also a retro bathtub, the effect is even better. Black models also look very nice as tile mirrors.
You also have the choice between matt and glossy surfaces. It is best to use matt metro tiles for dry areas or those that will not be splashed with water. Limescale stains and other dirt are particularly visible on them and are a little more difficult to clean. And although Metro tiles in smooth make water splashes visible just as quickly, which applies to all dark tile colors, they are more suitable for damp areas or those where splashes occur, as they are easier to clean due to the smooth surface.
If black is too dark for you, you can simply choose gray models as an alternative. Metro tiles in dark gray or light gray look no less stylish and also radiate a certain modernity. In addition, this is also a neutral color, so you can combine gray tiles with any other color for cabinets, bathroom rugs, curtains or decorations.
Blue tiled wall
Blue tiles are very popular. So it's no wonder that Subway tiles are now also offered in this color. The selection of nuances is very large and ranges from dark blue to light blue to more exotic variants such as turquoise tiles. This not only enables a diverse selection to suit every taste, but also interesting combinations of different nuances like in this kitchen with a tiled backsplash.
But monochrome designs in the kitchen and bathroom also look no less attractive and can be combined with different furniture colors. White ones in particular come into their own and give the vintage tiles a certain maritime flair, which can be further enhanced with suitable decorations. All in all, the shape creates a classic look that is timeless.
Wall and floor in green
Whether Metro tiles in light green or a darker version - if the neutral colors are too bland for you, you are guaranteed to fall in love with the green versions. Dark green in particular reinforces the retro effect of the wall tiles. And while we mention the retro flair: What do you think of the combination with the classic checkerboard pattern for the floor in black and white? Simply unique, isn't it?
Of course, other shades are also suitable, with lighter models appearing a little more modern than the darker ones. So it really depends on what kind of result you are aiming for and what style you want to achieve.
Yellow and red metro tiles for bathroom or kitchen
You can also get bright colors with red or yellow. These are also best used as accents for any wall, the shower, the kitchen back wall or similar. Would you like to turn onesmall guest toiletWith this type of tile, you can also dare to add a little more color. Depending on whether there is a window, you can choose a lighter or darker color.
A very nice color combination is also created from both colors. No matter whether you alternate individual tiles with each other or create a red and a yellow wall, the atmosphere is guaranteed to be unique. Use a neutral furniture color or those made of metal or wood to match.
Combine with wood or metal
If you are laying Metro tiles, you should know that wood is a great material and combination. So if you want to create some rustic feel, you can do it this way. Ideas with metal are no less impressive. In addition to black steel for the industrial style, copper also goes well with the urban tile look, so that the metro tiles can be used for different interior design styles.
