Elegant Subway Tiles, Classic & Vintage Ceramic Designs
Our handcrafted subway tiles and tile borders will add classic charm and longevity to your house. First introduced in the New York City subway stations in 1904, subway tiles were designed to be bright, pleasant to look at, low-maintenance, and durable—qualities that have made them an enduring favorite in interior design.
These tiles provide classic appeal with a contemporary twist, making them ideal for bathrooms, kitchen backsplashes, and more. Subway tiles are available in a variety of materials, including ceramic, glass, porcelain, and natural stone, as well as finishes like glossy, matte, and textured—each choice impacting the style, texture, and durability of your space. The long-lasting and low-maintenance subway tiles by Balian give any area style and personality, and their ease of cleaning ensures they remain a timeless classic.
Highlighted Subway Tile Items
Red Wave Subway Tiles: Bright and bold, ideal for making a feature that stands out.
Floral Border Tile Series: This series adorns any wall with exquisite floral designs.
Hisham's Border Tile Series: Classic designs with a contemporary twist.
Chain Border Tile Series: Clean lines and geometric designs for a sleek look.
Grape Border Tile Series: A fresh, unique design for your space.
Water Wave Border Tile Series: Flowing patterns to add movement and charm.
Bird Subway Tile Border: Charming bird designs for a natural touch.
Wave border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Wave border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Wave border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Wave border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Floral border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Floral border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Floral border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Chain border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Chain border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Chain border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Hishams border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Hishams border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Hishams border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Vart border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Bird subway tile border
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Gazelle border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Grape border tile series
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
What Are Subway Tiles & Why They Endure
Subway tiles are typically rectangular, most commonly in a 3x6 inch size, though they are also available in sizes like 1x2, 2x8, and 4x8. The term 'subway tile' refers to these brick-like tiles, originally designed for subway stations, and traditionally set in a running bond pattern for timeless appeal. Subway tiles are a classic choice for backsplashes and come in a wide range of shades and colors—including white subway tile, grays, navy blue, sage green, and pink—allowing for both subtle and bold design statements. Different layout options, such as the classic running bond pattern, stacked, or herringbone, along with grout color choices, can create striking contrast or a seamless, cohesive look to enhance any kitchen or bathroom space.
Why Choose Subway Tiles?
Versatility: Perfect for bathroom walls and kitchen backsplashes, subway tiles can create an inviting atmosphere in both spaces.
Clean Lines: Adds a modern, fresh look. Matching grout creates a seamless surface, while contrasting grout highlights the brick pattern, adding visual interest and definition.
Timeless Appeal: Always stylish, from modern to traditional spaces. Subway tiles can be used to create contrast or a seamless appearance, depending on the layout and grout color.
Subway Ceramic Tiles for Bathroom Tile Ideas
Subway tiles are ideal for bathrooms, offering both style and practicality. Choose from:
Glazed: Smooth, shiny, and easy to clean.
Matte: Soft, natural, and modern.
Textured: Adds depth for accent walls and floors.
Subway tiles can be used on both walls and floors for a cohesive design. For a tranquil, contemporary feel, try pale sage green subway tiles in a vertical stacked layout—this soft color and arrangement bring earthiness and calm to a midcentury modern bathroom.
Subway Ceramic Tiles for Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas
Subway tiles are a classic choice for kitchen backsplashes, combining durability with timeless style. For a modern kitchen, consider installing a subway tile backsplash as a full wall from countertop to ceiling—this seamless look makes the space feel taller and more cohesive. Open shelving pairs beautifully with full-wall subway tile installations, enhancing the sense of space and contemporary style.
Coordinate your subway tile backsplash with different countertops, such as marble countertops or quartz, and pair with white cabinetry or other cabinets to achieve a range of design effects from classic to eclectic. For a high-contrast, crisp look that blends vintage and modern elements, use white subway tiles with black grout or dark grout. Gray grout offers a modern aesthetic and is practical for easier cleaning, while white grout creates a seamless, clean, and classic appearance.
To install a subway tile backsplash, start by preparing the wall, applying thin-set mortar, and laying the tiles in your chosen layout—such as a stacked layout for a contemporary feel or a running bond pattern for a traditional look—ensuring even spacing and alignment throughout.
Hand-Painted Artistry: Choose from floral and geometric designs that bring heritage to your kitchen.
Customization & Borders: Add a personal touch with unique tile borders like Wave, Floral, or Chain.
Color Palette: Go beyond white with rich colors like wave red, light blue, brown wave, and dark blue.
Handcrafted subway tiles from Balian Studio offer superior quality and endless customization for a standout kitchen backsplash.
Hishams series tile pattern
15x5cm
Hishams series tile pattern
15x5cm
Hishams series tile pattern
15x5cm
Chain series border pattern
15x5cm
Chain series tile pattern
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Chain series border pattern
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Water Wave border tile pattern
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Water Wave border tile pattern
15×7.5 or 20×10CM
Water Wave border tile pattern
15x5cm
Water Wave border tile pattern
15x5cm
Floral border tile pattern
15x5cm
Floral border tile pattern
15x5cm
Floral border tile pattern
15x5cm
Gape border tile pattern
15x5cm
Square Dance border tile pattern
15x5cm
Can't Find What You're Looking For? Let Us Create It for You
Don't see exactly what you're after in our collection? That's what our custom subway tile service is all about. Whether you have a specific pattern in mind, a photo you've saved from a magazine, or a tile design you spotted on your travels—we can make it happen. Simply send us an image of the subway tile pattern you love, and we will duplicate it for you. Our artisans will study every detail, from the texture and material to the finish and layout, to craft tiles that match your vision as closely as possible.
 Custom subway tiles are perfect for spaces where hygiene and moisture resistance matter most—kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, and more. Porcelain options, for instance, are especially resistant to moisture, stains, and bacteria, making them a smart and durable choice for high-use areas. And when properly maintained, quality subway tiles can last 20 to 30 years, so your investment stands the test of time. For extra durability, we also recommend using epoxy grout, which reduces staining and keeps your installation looking fresh for years to come.
 Maybe you've seen a glossy subway tile pattern that reflects light beautifully, making a small bathroom feel open and airy. Or perhaps you've admired a farmhouse-style kitchen with a traditional herringbone layout, or a contemporary industrial space with bold stacked tiles and dark grout. Whatever the style — whether it's timeless classic, sleek modern, or rustic farmhouse — our team of designers can recreate it using handcrafted ceramic or porcelain tiles. We love the challenge of bringing your unique vision to life.
Custom subway tiles also work beautifully in unexpected places. Imagine installing a full-height custom backsplash from the countertop to the ceiling in your kitchen — that seamless surface makes the entire space feel taller and more cohesive. Or lining your fireplace surround with heat-resistant ceramic tiles that carry your favourite pattern all the way around, creating a classic, clean look that becomes the centrepiece of the room. The subway tile format has been a staple since its early 1900s debut, and for good reason — it's endlessly versatile.
 Getting started is easy. Take a photo or screenshot of the subway tile design you like — it could be from a Pinterest board, an interior design blog, a showroom, or even a friend's home renovation. Send it to us along with a few details about your space: the dimensions, the surface you're tiling, and any color or finish preferences. Our team will get back to you with a quote and a sample so you can see the quality before you commit.
 We work with a wide range of materials — glazed ceramic, matte porcelain, glossy ceramics, and porcelain— and can produce subway tiles in standard sizes like 3x6 inches or in modern formats like 2x6 or 4x8 to match the look you're going for. The layout, the grout color, the finish — all of it can be tailored. Custom does not have to mean complicated. With Balian, it just means yours.
 Think of our custom service as your personal tile shop — one where nothing is off the shelf. You tell us what you want, and we build it from scratch. Prefer a subtle contrast between the tile and grout? We can match that. Want a dark gray matte finish for a more industrial feel? No problem. Love the look of white subway tiles but need a non-standard size for an awkward wall? Done. Our artisans are used to working with designers, architects, and homeowners who want something a little different.
Ready to Transform Your Space?
Contact us to explore our stunning collection of hand-painted subway tiles.
Discover Our Other Collection of Hand-Painted Tiles
Waterline Pool Tiles: Sun-safe and elegant, perfect for pools and fountains.
Modular Decorative Tiles: Mix and match patterns for walls or floors.
Accent Tiles: Small touches that brighten any space.
Fireplace Tiles: Heat-resistant and made to stand out.
Black & White Tiles: Timeless, simple, and stylish.
Chain border backsplash tile
