Tag: Subway tile

April 20, 2021

GIO Looks at Modern Subway Tile Styles

When we first wrote about subway tile on our blog (seven years ago!), GIO offered two tile collections that fit in this category. Then, four years ago, we revisited the topic, as we had added some really cool new takes on the look to our subway lineup. In subsequent years, we began to hear rumblings about the fate of subway tile. Some designers were beginning to suggest subway tile might be going out of style, that its days were numbered, etc. But the truth is, that never happened, and today, the subway tile trend is as hot as ever.

Subway tile is a rare combination of both classic and trendy. Classics really don’t ever go out of style. This means the iconic white 3 x 6 tiles (the size and color originally used in actual subways) are still relevant in many applications today, both residential and commercial. But as with many classics, its subway tile’s design evolution that’s kept the iconic tile so on-trend in recent years. Tile designers continue to put new twists on the “expected,” allowing subway tile to not only endure but to remain at the forefront of tile design. The latest on-trend colors, unique finishes, unconventional installation patterns, and dimensional designs are some of the modern iterations that are keeping this classic so current.

Now in 2021, GIO now offers a baker’s dozen unique subway tile lines, each with an array of sizes, colors, and finishes to choose from. Here’s a look at them.

Our newest subway to join the lineup is PASTEL, and this one isn’t just for walls. The shiny, saturated palette of this versatile subway tile is comprised of ten fabulous hues. The glossy finished tiles are a long, narrow size, 2 x 10 inches.

PASTEL by GIO in Aqua Glossy

ARGILLE offers the look of hand-hewn clay glazed to peak sophistication. The big, glossy 5 x10 tiles are offered in an eight-color palette of stunning neutrals.

ARGILLE by GIO in Anthracite

Chic meets antique in our HANDMADE. These artisan-inspired subway tiles converge old-world style with fashion-forward finishes (bright, crackle, and metallic) and are available in 3 x 6, 3 x 12, plus a 7-inch hex.

HANDMADE by GIO in Silver Metallic

LUSTRO is a richly shaded, hand-molded subway tile with nuanced hues, elongated dimensions, and just the right amount of luster. The 3 x 12 tiles are available in four on-trend hues.

LUSTRO by GIO in Taupe & Light Grey

PIGMENT blends “handmade” and “modern age” with six modern hues and a long, lean 2 x 14 format.

PIGMENT by GIO in Navy

Named simply “SUBWAY,” this classic line is offered in a range of sizes from the traditional 3 x 6 up to a stylish 8 x 24 and is offered in both bright and matte finishes in six popular hues.

SUBWAY by GIO in Grey Bright

This unique wall tile collection offers a tactile spin on the classic subway. RIVEL comes in a glossy finish and two shapes in four fresh hues.

RIVEL by GIO in Bianco

BRICK_MOOD is a trendy porcelain subway line featuring a handmade effect and stacked with options: 2×10 tiles, five must-use hues, and a duo of finishes: a glazed-look glossy and a matte.

Brick Mood by GIO in Black Matte & Glossy

MODA has been around for a while, but this wall tile eye candy in a range of vibrant colors is a perennial favorite. The oversized 5 x 13 tiles glossy-finished and are also available in dimensional decorative pieces.

MODA by GIO in Red, Orange, Pink, & White, Bright and Decoria finishes

MODA by GIO in Dark Blue & White Decoria

One of our first Subway tile collections, FREESTYLE wall tile is still going strong. The 5 x7 tiles are available in ten fashion-forward hues and 22 decorative patterns in bright and matte finishes.

FREESTYLE by GIO in Violet Bright & Decoria

Another one of our original subway collections, RETRO is available in a range of modular sizes ideal for creating custom patterns. The line comes in three color groupings, thirteen hues, from versatile neutrals to eye-catching, vibrant colors.

RETRO by GIO in 4” x 16″ Bone Matte

ARTÉ dimensional subway tiles are a daring and dramatic twist on the classic rectangle. These innovative 3D tiles will easily transform walls into works of art. The 5 x 12 tiles can be arranged in a variety of patterns, making this line versatile and fun to work with.

ARTÉ by GIO in Cream

Thanks to creative innovations in tile design and the ingenuity of interior designers to seek new and interesting ways to take subway tile installations to new levels, there is no doubt that subway tiles are here to stay!

GIO is your gateway to beautifully designed, strategically selected collections of floor and wall tile sure to fit your demanding specification requirements and unique style. We look forward to working with you!

June 30, 2017

There’s Subway Tile, and then there’s SUBWAY TILE!

There’s no denying that subway tile is a classic. The shiny white 3″ x 6″ ceramic tiles were the surfacing material of choice for the New York subway system that opened in 1904. It didn’t take long for these rectangular tiles to make their way into our bathrooms and kitchens across the country, where they have remained a staple of interior design for decades.

With over 100 years of popularity, it’s pretty safe to say that subway tiles are timeless. But as with many classics, it’s often a new twist given to the “expected” that makes the designs endure. And subway tile is no exception: on-trend colors, unconventional installation patterns, contrasting grout colors, and dimensional design are some of the modern alterations that are keeping this classic current.

Here’s a look at some fun and exciting takes on subway tile.

These oversized (4′ x 16″) subway tiles laid in a horizontal stack pattern transcend the ordinary to visually expand the small space.

RETRO by GIO in 4×16 Arctic White, available in bright or matte finish

There is so much going here that takes this subway tile to a whole different level. First, the tiles are laid in a herringbone pattern, but there’s a twist on the twist: the Vs of the herringbone are turned so that the side is parallel to the floor. The off-beat pattern in a three color combo is anything but conventional and creates a fun, geometric look. And finally, dimensional tiles add a decorative element to the party.

FREESTYLE by GIO in 5 x 7 Bright with Decoria

The popularity of handmade materials can not be overlooked. These artisan inspired subway tiles converge old world style with fashion forward finishes for a look that can be timeless or trendy.

HANDMADE by GIO in Bronze, 3 x 12

Traditional white subway tiles are forever classic, but we’re now seeing these tiles in every color imaginable. Give them a jumbo format, throw in some dimensional decorated pieces, and you’ve got wall tile eye candy!

MODA by GIO wall tile, 5 x 13D

Dimensional subway tiles are a daring and dramatic twist on the classic rectangle. These innovative 3D tiles will easily transform walls into works of art.

ARTÉ by GIO in 5 x 12 Bianco

A twist on subway tile plus a twist on chevron – what more could you ask for to create a vibrant, dramatic look?

RETRO CHEVRON by GIO in 2 x 9

There’s no denying that subway tile is a classic, and there’s no doubt that subway tile is here to stay, thanks to creative innovations in tile design and the ingenuity of interior designers to seek new and interesting ways to take subway tile installations to new levels.

September 11, 2014

Bigger Is (Sometimes) Better: The Forever Classic Subway Tile Has A New Look

A Brief History of Subway Tile

Long recognized for its durability and ease of care, ceramic tile was a natural choice for the walls of the New York Subway system which opened in 1904. The shiny white tile was selected for its durability and stain resistance, and the light color and high gloss made it a good choice to brighten the dark, subterranean spaces. This underground transit system can be credited with helping to popularize the use of these tiles in subways around the world. The material’s clean lines, enduring nature, and low maintenance requirements allowed it to emerge from the underground tunnels into our bathrooms and kitchens, where it has remained a popular surfacing choice for over a hundred years.

The Subway Tile Resurgence

A fresh take on subway tile: Freestyle Bright and Decoria by GIO in 5″ x 7″

Though subway tiles have been a staple of kitchen and bath design for decades, with the traditional brick-patterned 3″ x 6″ white rectangles being a perennial go-to, the tiles have seen a huge resurgence in popularity in the first decade of the 21st century. But as with many classics, it’s often the twist we place on “expected” materials that gives the designs longevity. We now see subway tiles in every color imaginable, often with contrasting grout, and we’re no longer obligated to arrange them in a traditional brick (offset) pattern–herringbone, crosshatch and even straight-set are just a few of the ways designers have been adding interest and dimension to subway tile installations.

The Latest Spin: Big Is In!

Big is in: Retro subway tile by GIO in 4″ x 16″

The latest spin that’s keeping subway tile on-trend is the larger format. These oversized tiles, as large as 4″ x 16″, transcend the ordinary and add subtle drama to any space. Long and linear subway tiles can visually expand the size of a room and as an added bonus, fewer grout joints mean less maintenance. If you’re looking to add an interesting twist to any design, go BIG!