Who’d have thought it back in 1904 – when the architects Heins and La Farge chose a simple tile for the City Hall subway station in New York -that it would far outgrow its humble, utilitarian origins and remain a desirable style icon more than 120 years later.
Chosen for their durability, ease of cleaning and, above all, for light-reflecting, the soon-to-be-known as the Metro (or Subway) Tiles brightened up hitherto dark and dingy underground spaces.
They were quickly adopted by the Paris and London underground systems and soon after found favour in other spaces such as hospitals, kitchens and other food-preparation areas where hygiene, lighting and stain-resistance were essential attributes – not to mention, versatility.
Originally exclusively white, they are now available in a variety of colours but retain their ability to bring light and a sense of depth to any space – often enhanced by a bevel – particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
At Deluco, we believe the essence of the Metro Tile lies in its simplicity – beautiful itself but also serving as a blank canvas that can be incorporated into almost any interior style.
While the classic 75x150mm white gloss tile is a timeless choice for a crisp, hygienic look, the “New Metro” explores texture, material, and depth. Modern iterations allow you to further develop the sensory elements:
- Hand-Finished Aesthetics: Artisanal, “Zellige-style” edges scatter light randomly, providing a more rustic feel breaking up the clinical look of traditional tiling. In modern times, these hand-finished looks are frequently replicated to apply a rustic, sophisticated touch.
- The Matt Revolution: Soft, velvet-touch finishes bring a sophisticated, contemporary vibe to spa-like bathrooms, reducing glare and hiding water spots.
- Bevelled vs. Flat: A bevelled edge brings a 3D quality that creates shadows and depth, while a flat tile provides a sleek, minimalist surface perfect for some industrial or “Modern” applications.
Layouts Can Change Everything
The true versatility of the Metro Tile depends not only on the choice of tile but also on how it’s laid. You can completely alter the perceived dimensions of a room simply by changing the orientation:
- Vertical Stack: By laying the tiles upright, you draw the eye toward the ceiling, making small bathrooms or kitchens with low bulkheads feel significantly taller.
- Herringbone: This pattern adds a sense of movement, turning a simple backsplash into a sophisticated feature.
- Step Ladder: A modern twist that creates a diagonal flow, perfect for adding energy to a narrow hallway or shower alcove.
Something different?
Whilst not technically “metro” tiles, interior design has often trended towards hexagonal shapes to bring a twist on the classic. Used in the same spaces as the metro tiles, these can really bring something different to a space where a designer can make magic happen with a change in shape.
The Power of Grout
Never underestimate the impact of your grout choice. Using a high-contrast grout (like charcoal with a white tile) emphasizes the geometric pattern and gives a bold, “graphical” look. Conversely, a matching grout creates a seamless, monolithic texture that feels calm and expansive.
Whether you are looking for deep tones like emerald and navy or the earthy warmth of a tumbled stone finish, the Metro Tile remains one of the most adaptable tools in our design arsenal and we look forward to working with you to find the ideal tile for your project.
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