30 Twists on a Subway Tile Backsplash

Stylish and classic, the gorgeous subway tile backsplash trend is here to stay. But we have just the thing to set your kitchen apart.

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By: Keri Sanders

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Extended Design

Upon first glance, this subway tile backsplash may not seem extraordinary, but by continuing the tile all the way to the ceiling, the room feels larger, the walls are easy to clean and the kitchen boasts more texture and interest.

Blue Butler's Pantry With Subway Tile

Glossy blue subway tiles catch the light in a wonderful way in this butler's pantry. Cabinets are a matching blue gray. White marble countertops bring a luxe, brighter note.

From: Zoe Feldman Design

Mirrored Metallic

Dazzling metallic subway tiles are a versatile alternative to traditional white tiles, as they can lend a glamorous or industrial style depending on the design of the kitchen. This stainless steel design from Brother vs. Brother is a stylish, easy-to-clean option that cost roughly $600 to install.

Black Oversized Tile

This contemporary kitchen mixes it up with a black subway tiled backsplash for a juxtaposition with the white cupboards.

Creative Layout

One of the easiest ways to mix up your kitchen’s subway tile backsplash design is by laying tile in a fun, unexpected pattern, such as this herringbone design featured in HGTV Magazine. By pairing the design with simple shelves and black-and-white art, the charming tilework remains the star of the space.

From: HGTV Magazine

All About Color

An obvious way to add a personal touch to a subway tile backsplash is by ditching basic white and opting for a favorite color instead. In this Craftsman kitchen, the vibrant green backsplash contributes a cheery accent to the Shaker-style cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

From: Kari McIntosh Dawdy

Back to Blues

But why stick to just one color when you can give your kitchen a totally unexpected look simply by mixing variant hues of the same color? In this transitional kitchen, blue tiles with different levels of saturation are tied together by white upper cabinets and solid blue lower cabinets.

From: Jeff Troyer Associates

Modern Accents

A single, metallic stripe sets this kitchen backsplash apart while creating a streamlined look. Horizontal drawer pulls and a sleek range hood complete the modern design in this kitchen designed by HGTV’s Property Brothers.

Sweet Stripes

Multiple stripes in a complementary color give this sweet kitchen backsplash a one-of-a-kind look with charming appeal. By keeping the floor and upper cabinets light, the lightly colored backsplash makes a bold statement in the space.

Sleek and Stainless Steel

Stainless steel inserts combine with white glass subway tiles for an almost futuristic vibe in this ultra-modern kitchen. Smart lighting and sleek appliances further the room’s high-tech design.

From: Principle Design and Construction

White Transitional Kitchen With Gray Backsplash

In this friendly kitchen, weathered floors and rustic barstools are a fun pairing with the polished feel of the gray subway tiles and white cabinetry.

From: Ashley Moore

Bold Blue Kitchen Details

A detailed view of classic white canisters and pale blue-gray subway tile backsplash in this vibrant kitchen with bold blue with cabinets.

From: Kristina Crestin

Bevel May Care

To liven up a basic backsplash, consider a beveled tile. "Having the tile done this way added a lot of dimension to the walls,” explains designer Tobi Farley. “It adds texture to the neutral kitchen, and the varying shades of bisque and sand complement the Roman shade perfectly. I love working with tile in new and different ways – it can really add to a design!"

From: Tobi Fairley

Throw In a New Pattern

Add a little depth and interest to your subway tile design with an insert of a unique tile for contrast like this delicate tile pattern framing out the cooktop.

From: Amy Leferink

Casual and Friendly Kitchen with Dark Blue Cabinets

Rustic elements like open wood shelving and blue subway tile make this kitchen feel casual and friendly.

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

Blue Subway Tile with Open Wood Shelves

Open wood shelving is an attractive storage solution in this fun kitchen. Blue subway tile on the backsplash blends neatly with the white marble countertops, keeping the space airy and bright.

From: Jenn Feldman Designs

A New Look for a White Subway Tile Backsplash

A backsplash wall made with long, stacked subway tiles adds to this kitchen's modern feel.

From: Jackson Design and Remodeling

Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink

A stainless steel farmhouse sink complements the dark gray subway tile backsplash.

Subtle Gray

No farmhouse kitchen is complete without an apron-front sink. This white one flows seamlessly with the white cabinetry and light gray countertops and subway tile backsplash.

From: Christopher Grubb

Textured White Backsplash Tile

This stacked backsplash tile is made up of various white tones that add a textural element when viewed from afar.

From: Greenwood King Properties and Luxury Portfolio International®

The Dark Side

A dark brown backsplash keeps this kitchen from looking too stuffy or boring. It not only blends beautifully with the countertops and flooring, but the contrast with the stark white cabinetry adds a gorgeous balance that keeps the space interesting and warm.

About That Grout

In keeping with the classic white subway tile backsplash, one way to add a bit of interest is by adding contrast with a dark grout, such as the deep gray featured here. Another bonus? A darker grout is excellent for hiding dirt!

Tiles With Sheen

The slight sheen on these subway tiles adds to the glam, tropical vibe of this kitchen.

From: James Farmer

Gleaming Copper Subway Tiles

A dramatic choice in this kitchen: black cabinets brightened up with copper-colored subway tiles.

From: Tiffany Brooks

A Closer Look

Framed modern art adds interest to this dramatic backsplash.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Gray Marble Backsplash

A gray marble backsplash helps tie the overall look of this kitchen together, a tasteful midpoint between all the crisp black and white.

From: Kelly Finley

Luxe Subway Tile

Far from its associations with underground public transportation, this gray marble subway backsplash is all high-end luxury.

From: Kelly Finley

Subway Tile Goes Rustic

Rustic elements and reclaimed wood throughout add variation and warmth to this space, and the light subway tile backsplash and darker grout is definitely complemented by those rustic, darker wood selections.

From: Martha O'Hara Interiors

Chevron Pattern Subway Tile

A contemporary kitchen uses subway tile in a fresh way, in a chevron pattern.

Multicolored Chevron

In a room that is predominantly a single color, mixing materials is a wonderful way to add visual interest. This gray kitchen has glazed cabinets, stainless steel appliances and a chevron pattern subway-tiled backsplash in slightly differing shades.

From: Swati Goorha