Backsplash Tile Ideas: Subway Alternatives
The countdown is on! We will have our new house early next week! I’ve been in full planning mode around here and am really looking forward to making the home our own. I’ve created a binder full of home design plans to brighten up the place. Our new home is a little wooded and cozy, so I’m hoping that by removing a few walls and adding white details will bring some much-needed light. Now, along with other light and bright kitchen details, I’m on the hunt for white backsplash tile. And although I love a good subway, I found some other backsplash tile ideas that are making it hard to decide!
Backsplash Tile Options
If you’ve ever stepped foot in a tile store, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. From penny tile to hexagon and rhombus, there are just so many options. Of course, there are the basic rectangle tiles, but if you’re looking for subway alternatives, there are many more too choose from! Here’s I’ll go over some fun, yet still classic options to for a kitchen backsplash.
I’m focusing on white backsplash tile as that’s most popular but these shapes would apply for any color tile project. In fact, I’d love to see a good matte black chevron backsplash!
Backsplash Tile Sources
- Geometric Rhombus Tile – very modern take, would look good in more minimal spaces
- Picket Fence Style Tile – great if you’d like a twist on subway
- Chevron Back Splash Tile
- Scallop Backsplash – also called Fish Scale Tile
- White Herringbone Tile Backsplash
- Hexagon Tile – a fun, more geometric take on penny tile
- Square Mosaic Tile
- Long Scale Tile – lovely soft take on longer, almost subway like tiles
- Arabesque Backsplash – also referred to lantern style, more of a classic design
Honorable Mention: Penny Tile – one of my all time favorites!
Kitchen Shelves on Backsplash – Free Guide
Wondering if you can install shelves on tile backsplash? Yes, you can! I’ve done it a few times and outlined some tips in my guide. Simply grab my guide and plan your project.
Backsplash Tile FAQs
Subway tile is considered one of the most classic tile backsplash ideas. It’s simple, clean, and fairly easy to install. Hexagon tiles, Chevron, and Herringbone design are all very classic backsplash options as well!
While subway tiles are still a popular choice, we’re seeing wider subway tiles or arranged in different configurations. Also, we’re seeing slight variations on the subway like Picket Fence and Long Scallop Tile backsplash options for a softer touch.
Larger tiles and elongated shapes like picket or chevron can visually expand a small space by creating longer sightlines and reducing grout lines.
Modern: Hexagon, picket, or chevron shapes work well for contemporary spaces
Traditional: Subway or arabesque tiles are considered timeless
Coastal or cottage: Fan/scallop and penny round tiles create soft, organic movement.
Subway and square tiles are typically the easiest to install because of their uniform size and simple grid layout, making alignment and grout lines straightforward.
Final Thoughts on Backsplash Tile Ideas
Choosing backsplash can be tricky, but I hope this guide with backsplash tile ideas is helpful. If you’re looking for other subway alternatives tiles, there are lots of styles to consider. From hexagon tiles to picket fence shapes, there are a lot of options to create different looks.
For more project planning, check out my 3 Tips for Choosing Kitchen Backsplash Tile to help see what’s right for your kitchen. And, if you’re looking for simple DIY projects, check out my 9 Easy Home Updates Under $200.
