Decorating a home can be a considerable investment, and quite understandably you are looking for bang for your buck. The best way to ensure that you won't be doing this all over again in a decade or so is to stick to the classics, and avoid the to-the-minute trends you will find while traversing the oh-so-tempting paths of Pinterest. But sometimes it is hard to gauge.
Subway tiles, for example, made a monumental comeback and are currently all the rage. Available in a sweeping array of sizes, colors, and finishes, they are quite easy to implement into almost any style home. But does their ubiquitousness indicate the beginnings of a tiring trend? Or are these gleaming 3x6s an evergreen classic that are here for the long haul?
Some Subway Tile History
As the name suggests, it all began with the NY subway system in 1904. The subway designers chose to cover the walls in a rather humble 3x6 ceramic tile lauded for its low maintenance and durability. The result was clean and tailored, stunning in its simplicity, and was quickly adapted by homeowners and introduced into bathrooms and kitchens around the country. It's been over a century now, and although they have waxed and waned in popularity, subway tiles were always around, seemingly untouched by time.
What is there to Love?
Versatility - Because of the subway tile's inherent simplicity, it works well in almost any setting. At home in both the traditional and modern kitchen, they blend in more than they stand out, serving as a complement to the rest of the décor. By playing around with the finish, grout, and glaze, they can be worked into any home and suit any taste.
Function - While tiles can be an important design element in a room's décor, they also serve the practical function of protecting the drywall underneath. Low maintenance and hardworking, subway tiles are up for the job. Ceramic is impervious to moisture, heat, and cold, and is a snap to clean, making it an obvious go-to tile for both the kitchen and the bathroom.
Price - As was already mentioned, tiles play a big role in the home, both in terms of function and aesthetics, and can get quite pricey. With popular tiles running at $30.00 a sheet, subway tiles for $1.50 are an exciting prospect. Whether paired with a more expensive accent tile or solo, we are talking serious value, so you get more tile for your money.
The Verdict
Predicting the future is a messy business, especially when it comes to the ever changing field of fashion. That said, we are going to go out on a limb and suggest that subway tiles are going to be around for a while. Because of their adaptability, they do not scream any one specific era, and are neutral enough to avoid becoming passé. They are also a joy to work with, not terribly complicated to install for a daring DIYer. But most importantly, subway tiles offer high fashion at a low price, a winning combo that never stops trending. We see the subway tile as a solid choice, one that will be welcome in the home for a long time.
