tiles
We’re going with the Arctic White DAL subway tiles in the master bathroom. We’re starting here so that we can get the troublesome porcelain tub in place as soon as possible. That and a look at the stripping of the fireplace in the tv room today on the Renovation blog.
Subway Tiles and Mantels [Renovation Blog]


What's Your Take? Leave a Comment

  1. I have been a fan of subway tiles for a long time. I am re-doing my kitchen and would like a bit of advice on grout colors that are typically used with these tiles. The counter top is (Santa Cecilia) granite, the cabinets are honey oak, the walls are ‘latte,’ and I am using white subway tiles w/a beveled edge for the back splash. Shall I go with matching white grout or an off white or light brown grout? I loved your photos, Brownstoner! Thanks for sharing and for your experienced advice.

  2. Ha ha, I had to laugh reading this!! Some people just don’t have any style.

    clichéd? Hardly!!

    Subway tiles are a classic. If you want a timeless stylish, pared down, minimalist clean look, which won’t date, there is no substitute. Exquisite simplicity no less!

    Unfortunately some people can’t get beyond the public convenience image of these tiles. Personally I love them.

  3. I have to agree with gabi – they may be cliche – but hardly boring – match them up with a solders row and a brick pattern – a racing stripe and shelf moulding – i don’t think you will call it boring – maybe understated pure classic!

  4. I just had to join this site to comment on the looong conversation re: subway tiles. Warmed the cockles of my heart! I’m redoing my own bathroom in – excuse me for being boring – subway tile with black bull nose and black narrow ridged trim with small black and white tiles on the floor (all from lowes). I’m trying for an art deco look so anything sleek, bright and contemporary/modern should work. For those who think subway solutions too Port Authoriy, and perhaps a passe way to handle challenging bathroom redesign – you should see what the people around me are doing. If I see another piece of slate, marble and/or gold drama …..

  5. I’m going to have to back up brownstoner on this one – “exotic” bathroom tiles are generally cheesy, even if they seem cool at the time. I can understand the attraction to them – who hasn’t ogled at anne sacks, but i’ve worked with clients who thought the tile looked cool and freaked when it was installed and looked, you guessed it…cliched and trendy. (luckily said clients could afford to change…) subway tiles have been around long enough not to be a cliche. AND, as mentioned below, they can handle modern and traditional “stars” (fixtures, etc) beautiful tub, by the way. I’m impressed by how much you got it for, even including the hoisting charge – I’ve used that style for clients and could only find the waterworks model for (gasp) $8000! great job!

  6. We’ve got subway tiles in the very recently renovated bathroom of our Clinton Hill brownstone. They are the chameleons of tile, fitting in perfectly with both the new fixtures and period details. Excellent choice that won’t blow your budget.

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