Metro tiles date back to the early 20th century, originally created for underground stations in major cities such as London, New York, and Paris. What began as a practical wall surface for public spaces has now become an iconic style for homes, seen in kitchens and bathrooms alike. This small format subway tile is now widely available in different colours and styles. In this post, we’re sharing metro tile ideas for 2026 to elevate any space - whether used as a kitchen splashback or bathroom wall tiles.
Neutral Metro Tiles
For a timeless scheme, neutral metro tiles are a natural choice. Soft greys, warm beiges, and crisp whites introduce a sense of light and calm, creating a backdrop that feels both elegant and enduring. Whether laid in a traditional brick bond, stacked or herringbone pattern, they provide a wall tile that’s endlessly adaptable. In kitchens, the Hockley Antiqued White Metro works wonderfully when paired with natural stone flooring. For bathrooms, the Pottery Chalk Metro brings a rustic charm and texture to the simplest of spaces.
Striped Metro Tiles
Striped metro tiles are a fun and creative way to introduce colour and design; striped tiles continue to be a popular choice to add interest and visual movement to walls. By alternating colours, finishes or tones, you can create striking horizontal or vertical stripes that instantly transform a kitchen splashback or bathroom. The versatility of our Luella range lets you play with bold contrasting colours for an impactful statement or opt for calming hues of green for a more subtle, sophisticated look with our Pastello range. With endless design possibilities, they are particularly effective in smaller bathrooms to help create the appearance of elongated walls and a spacious bathroom. Photographed Luella Claret Red and Pastello Pistachio.
Marble Metro Tiles
Marble metro tiles bring a touch of luxury to the classic subway look. As a dense and hardwearing natural stone, marble brings a refined sense of elegance to interiors, with each tile showcasing natural veining and tonal variation. Available in a variety of colours, marble lend themselves beautifully within a traditional scheme or a more modern setting, creating a calm interior. Whether it is a bold and striking statement like the Viola Dusk Honed Metro or the warm sophistication of the Carrara Oro Honed Marble Metro, marble metro tiles are sure to elevate any space.
Rustic Textured Metro Tiles
With a move in interiors to embrace tactile surfaces and finishes, the latest advances in 3D tile technology bring a range of textures and unique surfaces to metro tiles. The Pottery Clay Decor offer terracotta effect metro tiles that emulate the traditional craftsmanship of terracotta. With soft tonal variation and a gently weathered surface, they capture the texture of hand-formed clay with the durability of porcelain. For another textured tile option, the Potters Clay Metro is an earthy beige tile with an unique textured surface adding depth and warmth to any interior.
Elongated Metro Tiles
Elongated metro tiles are the latest trend of tiling, alternative to the classic metro tiles. They are admired for their slimmer format, creating sleek lines that make them perfect for wall features or splash backs. The Luella Powder Blue Metro is a popular option, with its soft variation and subtle blue tone offering a look that is both understated and on trend. For a richer hue, the Patina Moss Gloss Metro is a beautiful green with an artisanal handmade feel, an ideal option for contemporary bathrooms, bringing character and charm to any space
Green Metro Tiles
Green metro tiles are a perfect way to bring character and depth into any room. From soft, muted sage to rich, deep green, these tiles create a space that feels both moody and inviting. The Hockley Antiqued Green Metro has an artisanal, handmade charm in a classic metro format. For a subtler, rustic look, the Hockley Antiqued Sage Metro brings industrial-inspired warmth with its muted green tone and works beautifully laid in herringbone for added interest.
Pink Metro Tiles
Pink metro tiles have the ability to inject fun and colour into any room. We have seen many homeowners embracing pink, whether pink tiles, pink walls, or a pink statement vanity – adding an instant pop of colour that is bright and fun without being too dominating or imposing. Create a pretty in pink bathroom scheme with the Primrose Blush gloss metro, with its beautiful glaze and soft pastel pink shade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 1/3 rule for tile?
The 1/3 rule is a simple guideline for creating a more balanced and visually appealing tile layout. By offsetting each row by one-third of a tile’s length, you achieve a natural effect that works particularly well with elongated metro tiles. This technique prevents a rigid, overly structured look and adds a subtle sense of movement to walls or splashbacks.
How to make subway tile more interesting?
Subway tiles can be elevated with colour, contrasting grout, textured finishes, or unique tile shapes such as elongated or terracotta-effect metros. Combining finishes or adding subtle patterns can also create depth and visual interest without overwhelming a space.
Is subway tile still in style in 2026?
Absolutely. Subway, or metro tiles continue to be a favourite due to their timeless appeal and versatility. Loved for their versatility and ability to suit both classic and contemporary interiors. They can be styled in a variety of colours, finishes, and textures, ensuring they continue to look timeless.
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We hope this exploration of metro tile ideas has been a helpful companion in choosing wall tiles for your next project. If you would like to read more about metro tiles, then please see our post here on metro tiles laying patterns. As ever, do please contact us for additional help and advice, and visit our UK showrooms to view our range of metro tiles on display.
