5 reasons to choose metro tiles
5 reasons to choose metro tiles
Easily one of the most instantly recognisable tiles and one which retains an endearing popularity amongst homeowners and interior designers alike, the metro tile may have grown from humble beginnings, but now enjoys iconic status.
Originally used to tile the underground travel systems when these were developed at the start of the 20th century, they proved ideal for covering large areas and worked well with the arched design of the subways. The smooth, clean lines of metro tiles ultimately gave a pleasing aesthetic, being easy on the eye and they didn’t overpower the spaces with their simple design. They were also easy to keep clean so, all in all, were an inspired choice.
These qualities also turned out to work exceptionally well in the home and once metro tiles were introduced to interiors, the rest was history. They soon became a staple of homes everywhere so, if you’re wondering what all the fuss is about – or are interested in adopting the metro tile trend for your own space – here are five reasons why you should give them a go …
The metro tile is extremely versatile. The Gallery Navy Shiny White Body Wall Tile blends a bold colour with a brick style.
- Timeless style: With their classic rectangular shape and iconic white gloss finish, metro tiles are effortlessly chic and won’t date, so are ideal if you want a look that won’t need to be updated further down the line. Available in a range of colours and finishes, the elegant aesthetic of these tiles makes them effortlessly stylish wherever you use them.
- Versatility: Suitable for tiling everything from kitchens and cloakrooms to bathrooms and living rooms, metro tiles are incredibly versatile – another reason why they are so beloved by homeowners. They also blend in well with a wide range of interior décor, so can be combined with all manner of styles and colour palettes without overpowering them.
- Easy to keep clean: The classic flat shape of metro tiles makes them very easy to maintain, which is why they’re particularly popular in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Flexible design and style: Metro tiles have moved on from the classic gloss white style and are now available in a range of colours and finishes. So, whether you’re more of a matt tile person or prefer the polished look of gloss, there’s a style to suit your tastes. They also come in the traditional flat design or can be bevelled, with a variety of different sizes on hand, for even more choice. Meanwhile, they can be laid in the original horizontal format, placed in a vertical block layout, or used in a herringbone design.
- Affordability: The popular metro tile is also an incredibly cost-effective choice when it comes to tiling, so it suits all budgets, making it easily accessible to all. You can therefore recreate the classic style of this tile in your own home without being out a pocket.
Making metro tile styles work for you
If you’re considering metro tiles for your home, there are therefore lots of options, depending on whether you prefer the classic white look or want to add more colour into the mix.
There’s also the design of the tiles to consider – bevelled or flat – as well as a matt or gloss finish and then how you wish to lay the tiles.
If you’re not quite sure which type is for you, we have some recommendations below which might help you decide.
Gloss vs matt finish
If you’re someone who enjoys a shiny, polished finish, then the gloss metro tile is probably for you, while the matt will appeal more to someone who likes a more natural, rustic style. The Blanco Mate White Matt Tile in white ceramic is a wall tile which embodies the classic white look of the metro tile with a contemporary matt finish and will add a stylish edge to any room.
The Blanco Mate White Matt Tile in white ceramic has a contemporary matt finish.
Add colour to your metro tiles for extra vibrancy, as with the tranquil Pool-green Brick-effect Wall Tile.
Meanwhile, the Pool Green Brick-effect Wall Tile has a traditional gloss finish combined with a tranquil pool-green tone which will instantly elevate your bathroom. The light-reflecting gloss design also helps to create a more spacious feel to the room, which is especially useful for smaller areas. If you’re not quite sure where you sit between matt and gloss, however, then don’t worry – there’s a solution for that as well and it lies in satin ...
If you’re not quite sure where you sit between matt and gloss, however, then don’t worry – there’s a solution for that as well and it lies in satin ...
The Norai Black Matt White Body Wall Tile is a great example of this, as its striking noir colour palette with subtle white veined background has a satin finish which puts it somewhere in between matt and gloss. Satin finishes carry a subtle sheen so, while they are not as shiny as full-on gloss, they still have a luminous quality to them. They’re also a little softer and smoother than fully matt tiles, so are a great compromise.
The black matt finish of the Norai Black Matt White Body Wall Tile creates a cool contemporary look.
Flat vs bevelled
For the original metro tile shape, the flat style is the one to go for here if you want to recreate that iconic look as it was from the beginning. The Flat Matt White Brick Tile in ceramic is ideal in this case, as it embodies both the classic white colour and flat design, while also delivering a modern look with the matt finish.
On the other hand, if you’d like to go for a more up-to-date take on the metro tile, then perhaps the bevelled design of the Adaggio Calcatta Gold Bevel Metro Tile would appeal. This glossy tile also has a pale gold tone scattered across the white background, adding that pop of colour and creating a depth to the design alongside the sloping bevelled edges.
These further bring character and texture to the tiles and, with the gloss finish, help in reflecting light.
The clean classic lines of the metro tile are embodied by the Flat Matt White Brick Tile.
The Adaggio Calcatta Gold Bevel Metro Tile.
The Metro Carrara Biselado Brillo Ceramic Tile.
Classic white vs coloured and patterned metro tiles
When it comes to choosing your colours, then you may well prefer the classic white metro tile, such as some of those featured above. However, if you’d like to experiment with tones, then there are some inspired options in both bolder and paler shades – as well as patterns.
Tile your room with a coloured metro tile, such as the Metro Verde Bottle Green Biselado Brillo Green Ceramic Tile for a vibrant look.
For example, the Metro Verde Bottle Green Biselado Brillo Green Ceramic Tile has a beautiful deep green tone which looks great in bathrooms and can also create a striking feature wall, of you don’t want to tile the entire space.
They also have the classic flat design and a gloss finish, so combine everything the metro tile is known for, but with that extra pop of vibrant colour.
If patterns are more your style, however, then consider the white marble effect of the Metro Carrara Biselado Brillo Ceramic Tile, which has subtle grey veining threaded throughout. They also have slightly bevelled edges which add extra depth and texture.
Another metro tile which creates a patterned look by alternating the depth of colour across the tiles, is the Cool Blue Brick-effect Wall Tile in Blue Porcelain, which has a deep pool-blue tone that evokes rippling water both in the gloss effect and the subtly contrasting hues of blue.
Patterns can be achieved through clever use of colour in the tiles, as with the Cool Blue Brick-effect Wall Tile in Blue Porcelain above.
No matter what combination you go for, using metro tiles in your home is a great choice if you want to achieve an iconic look for less. Whether you opt for the gloss white flat tiles or mix it up with a coloured palette and add in a matt or bevelled finish, the end result will always be one that exudes a timeless elegance which will elevate any room.
If you’d like to view our range of metro tiles or have any questions about using them in your home, just drop into our showroom. Alternatively, email us at info@bathshack.com or call (028) 9077 0188.
