Cream subway tiles are experiencing a major resurgence in popularity for kitchen backsplashes. The classic rectangular tiles offer a vintage-inspired look that suits both modern and traditional kitchen designs.
Subway tiles have been used in kitchens for over a century, but cream shades provide a fresh, lighter color palette compared to traditional white tiles. Their simple, clean lines and varied sizes and textures make cream subway tiles an adaptable backsplash option.
A Timeless, Vintage-Inspired Look
Cream subway backsplashes are reminiscent of early 20th century architecture. Their long rectangular shapes are modeled after tiles originally used in New York City subway stations in the 1920s.
While the subway tile shape remains unchanged, improved digital printing technology allows for stunning variations in color, finish, materials and sizes. Contemporary options range from matte creams to marbleized glass tiles.
Simple, Clean Lines Suit Modern and Traditional Kitchens
The narrow, brick-like proportions of subway tiles create clean horizontal lines that suit both modern and traditional design aesthetics. Their geometric simplicity provides an uncluttered backdrop to display other kitchen elements without visually overwhelming the space.
Cream subway tiles can serve as a neutral base that allows bolder cabinets, counters, appliances or accent walls to take center stage. For more understated kitchens, creamy tiles add subtle dimension and texture.
Variety of Sizes, Materials, Finishes
While subway tiles traditionally measure 3 by 6 inches, rectangular sizes now range from tiny mosaics to 12-inch by 24-inch styles. This allows designers to play with scale and orientation.
Natural stone, ceramic and glass in matte, polished, cracked and textured finishes offer unlimited design flexibility in cream palettes. Combining materials or finishes can add interest to basic subway tile layouts.
Most Popular Options for Cream Subway Backsplashes
Classic 3×6″ Matte Ceramic Tiles
Traditional matte ceramic subway tiles remain the most widely used backsplash option. Their modest size allows for quick installation and easy wiping clean.
Matte tiles scattered with tonal flecks or subtle color variation help avoid the flatness of uniform cream tiles. A lightly textured finish adds depth while still allowing light to bounce around the kitchen.
Glass Subway Tiles With Dimension and Shine
Glass subway tiles offer lightweight, low-maintenance durability. Their high-gloss finish contrasts beautifully against natural stone or wood countertops in earthy kitchens. For a more modern feel, pair reflective glass tiles with stainless steel appliances.
Iridescent glass tiles in pale cream colors add an ethereal Mother of Pearl sheen. Crackled glass finishes provide visual texture. Mixing some glass tiles amongst ceramic adds eye-catching dazzle.
Large-Format 4×12″ Rectified Porcelain Tiles
Overscaled contemporary subway tiles dramatize the elongated rectangular proportions. Their larger scale allows fewer grout lines so cream color becomes the dominant element.
Rectified porcelain tiles with sharp, precise edges have a sophisticated monolithic look. The unfinished tile edges create the illusion of thicker, more substantial tiles.
Mixing Tile Sizes and Orientation
To break up the linearity of subway layouts, designers often incorporate directional changes, combines various tile sizes or integrate mosaic accents.
Mixing wide and narrow tiles or stacking squares amongst rectangles adds subtle diversity. Contrasting orientation of tiles creates dimension and movement.
The Best Cream Subway Tile Colors
Subtle variations in cream shade and undertone dramatically impact the overall kitchen look. The trick is finding the perfect match with cabinetry and countertops.
Warm Creams With Peach Undertones
Cream tiles with faint orange or peach hues have a warm, cozy effect. They give cream tiles more personality and work with natural wood cabinetry or granite countertops with golden flecks. Warm cream tiles also offset stainless steel’s clinical look.
Cool Almond Shades With Grayish Tones
Cool-toned creams with subtle lavender-gray undertones look elegant against darker espresso cabinets or shiny black granite countertops. Their muted color neatens up eclectic kitchens with mixed metals and finishes.
Bright White for Contrast
A pure bright white subway tile backsplash creates a lively contrast against dark cabinetry or bold colored walls. The graphic pop of white against the background color energizes the whole kitchen.
Avoiding Yellow/Brown Cream Tones
Due to natural clay deposits, some cream ceramic tiles lean towards yellowish or brownish undertones. These muddy shades can clash with wall paints or countertops, so it’s best to vet tiles carefully before purchasing.
Methods for Selecting the Perfect Cream Tile
Lighting Conditions Matter
View potential cream subway tiles in both natural daylight and installed kitchen lighting to gauge how color is impacted. Cool white LED lights can emphasize different undertones than incandescent bulbs or sunlight.
Sample Boards Against Cabinetry
Compare tiles directly next to existing cabinet and counter samples rather than against white paper. Seeing creams alongside wood cabinetry or granite exposes undertones missed in isolation.
Simplicity of Monochromatic Cream Palette
Limiting backsplash tile to a single creamy white shade keeps the focus on a thoughtfully curated texture and simple color variability within the same tone family.
Contrasting Grout Colors to Highlight Tiles
A darker grout color delineates individual tiles, making their dimensional shape and variegated cream colors more apparent. But too much contrast looks dated, so a middle ground works best.
Complementary Design Choices
Cream subway tiles serve as a subtle background for bolder kitchen elements like shelving, appliances or feature lighting. But some judiciously chosen accents can make neutral tiles stand out.
Countertop and Accent Materials
Pair cool gray and white veined marble counters with warm cream tiles to create lively interplay. Rough wood shelving and stainless appliances also complement subway tiles’ smooth matte finish.
Backsplash Shape – Square, Herringbone, Hexagonal Patterns
Take cream subway tiles beyond basic bricks into diagonal, mosaic or polygon layouts. Shifting alignments make tiles more dynamic. Integrate specialty shape tiles like carved circles or teardrop accents.
Decorative Elements Like Shelving and Lighting
Wrought iron shelves, pendant lights or floating glass holders display collectibles against a creamy tile backdrop. Decorative elements introduce shape, color and materials contrast.
Tying Together Cabinets, Hardware, Appliances
Bridge disparate cabinetry and appliances with unifying cream tiles. Vintage glass knobs pop against subway tiles. Stainless appliances seem warmer alongside cream tiles than white.
Installation Tips and Money-Saving Hacks
Smart planning and careful execution help ensure subway tile backsplashes meet design goals and budgets.
Properly Prep the Walls
Fix any holes or cracks in drywall and smooth over bumps for the flattest surface. This allows precise tile alignment and prevents cracking grout seams if underlying issues push tiles outward.
Use Tile Spacers Consistently
Plastic spacers between tiles ensure even grout line spacing. Measure carefully as spacer size impacts final dimensions and layout.
Plan Tile Layout Strategy in Advance
Map out your design before starting, calculating optimal tile cuts to size and quantity needed. Planning reduces waste and frustration when pieces don’t align as expected.
DIY Installation vs Hiring Professionals
For beginners, small subway tile projects like a kitchen backsplash provide good tiling practice before tackling larger spaces. Watch online tutorials. Professionals ensure proper moisture proofing and lasting results.
Caring for Cream Subway Tile Backsplashes
The easy-wipe durability of ceramic and porcelain tiles accommodates busy kitchens. But a careful cleaning regimen maintains their unblemished beauty.
Day-to-Day Cleaning and Maintenance
Use damp microfiber cloths to wipe surface dirt without abrasive scrubbing. For grease removal, spray a gentle soap and water solution. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners around food surfaces.
Preventing Stains, Etching, Discoloration
Re-seal grout lines annually to limit staining. Immediately wipe up food spills and splatters to prevent permanent discoloration. Install backsplashes high enough to catch cooking mess.
Re-Grouting Over Time
When grout inevitably shows dirt or shrinkage gaps, refresh with new grout matching the original color. Avoid moisture damage by re-sealing tiles every few years.
Keeping Grout Clean
Grout is porous, so residual grease and grime leads to embedded staining over time. Use a soft brush and baking soda paste to gently lift dirt from grout lines.
The Timelessness of Subway Tile Backsplashes
After over a century dominating kitchen design, the versatile subway tile shows no sign of falling out of favor.
Still Dominating Kitchen Trends After 100 Years
Subway tiles remain ubiquitous from Victorian era homes to sleek contemporary spaces. Their visual staying power owes to subtle styling tweaks in color, material and finish.
Cream Subway Tiles Suit Any Design Era
Applied thoughtfully, cream subway tiles feel nostalgically retro yet utterly fresh and current. Their versatility flatters farmhouse rustic or art deco glam aesthetics.
Contemporary alternatives like overscaled dimensions, metallic geometric prints and signature textured finishes keep subway tiles exciting. New muted cream palettes distance historical associations.
