When it comes to giving your home an update, it’s natural to want your decor changes to last longer than a passing interior design trend - which is why our range of brick effect and metro tiles offer a perfect solution for any room in the home, delivering a durable finish that will stay looking pristine for years.
Of course, longevity is a desirable quality in a tile - but there’s more to longevity than hard-wearing materials that can handle their fair share of wear and tear. At Tiles Direct, we’d say lasting beauty is just as important as durability - and sometimes, this means foregoing heavy patterns in favour of something timeless and evergreen. So, if you’re looking for tiles guaranteed to stand the test of time, we’ve got just the thing.
Our iconic range of metro tiles (otherwise known as subway tiles, underground tiles or brick effect tiles) offer an ideal way to revitalise tired interiors. From kitchens and bathrooms to living rooms and hallways, these versatile, era-bending tiles offer endless styling possibilities to bring your home’s interiors well and truly up-to-date.
With a rich history, you can find out more about the cultural roots and design potential of our metro brick tiles right here - giving you all the inspiration you need for bringing a fresh new look to kitchens, bathrooms and beyond.
In the early 1900s, the walls of London and New York’s Underground stations were famously adorned with plain, white, brick-shaped tiles - a powerful, timeless look that birthed the name ‘metro tiles’, which is still used to this day. Due to their simple, slick, minimalist look, these popular brick-look wall tiles are among the most versatile on the market - and thanks to their iconic origins, they’re also the epitome of contemporary chic.
While many tube stations in our nation’s capital have had a modern overhaul, you don’t have to go far to see stunning examples of original metro tile designs for yourself. Whether you spot the colourful station signs at Regent’s Park and Russell Square or walk the striking white corridors at Tottenham Court Road, the beauty and visual impact of subway tiles can still be witnessed today - offering interior design inspiration even in the most practical spaces.
Instantly recognisable by their slim brick shape - generally being twice or three times as wide as they are tall - brick-look metro tiles are highly sought-after in the world of interior design, especially as they’re available in a broad spectrum of shades and finishes. As a result, this means they can be effectively paired with all kinds of colour schemes and design themes.
One thing to note, though, is that classic metro tiles are almost exclusively sold in plain designs, using block colours. This is a quality which allows them to play a powerful supporting role in a room’s overall aesthetic - be that a retro-themed kitchen or a contemporary bathroom.
Of course, traditional designs are always evolving to cater for modern styles and changing customer demands. As a result, the humble underground tile is no longer limited to the quintessential colours and styles you see in tube stations. While the dimensions and design principles have largely remained the same, you can now find an even greater choice of metro-style tiles on offer - including crackled glaze tiles, natural stone options, oxidised tiles, chevron-shaped versions and rustic styles, to name but a few of the available options.
This means even greater potential for home interior updates, as you can have all the alluring charm and characteristics of a metro tile with the added scope for incorporating different textures and finishes. Whatever home design ideas you have in mind, we’re confident there’s a metro tile to match - but if you need a little inspiration, we’ve got you covered.
Whether you’re looking to brighten up your bathroom with a striking new feature wall in an eye-catching colour or refresh your kitchen with a perfectly practical splashback, metro tiles offer a multifunctional solution to all kinds of interior decorating dilemmas that extend beyond the obvious places.
Easy-clean kitchens: The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms of the house and, naturally, the most prone to stains, splashes and other spillages - making metro kitchen tiles an ideal basis for a fuss-free splashback. Offering a winning combination of uncomplicated good looks and an easy-to-clean surface, styles like the Retro Metro range eliminate the maintenance issues typically associated with paint or wallpaper in this kind of environment. But it’s not just practical advantages these metro tiles boast. On the contrary, with an array of stylish aesthetics to choose from, you can achieve an array of interior styles with brick metro tiles - from a cool, contemporary urban vibe to mirror city life to a classic, rustic charm to transform your kitchen into a country cottage, the possibilities are endless.
Brilliantly practical bathrooms: The same can also be said in the bathroom, where practicality reigns and simple, enduring beauty is generally the goal of any design overhaul. Enhance the area behind your bathroom sink with brick metro wall tiles in a complementary colour, or introduce an accent shade by treating your shower room to a tiled border embodying the bold beauty of the Underground. For a classic finish, V&A vintage decorative border tiles could add a nice sense of texture and colour to complement the overall finish of your bathroom.
Heavenly hallways: The hallway is often the last area for consideration when it comes to interior updates, but, as the gateway to your home, it really does deserve a little TLC - and the metro brick tile is primed and ready for the challenge. In busy households, metro wall tiles in hallways provide the perfect remedy for mucky handprints, scuffs and general wear and tear. But, beyond the practicalities, they also give drab hallways some much-needed personality. Whether you opt for classic monochrome white brick tiles or the sorts of bold colours found in our English Victorian collection, subway tiles are guaranteed to make a lasting impression.
Lavish living rooms: While subway-style wall tiles in the living room may not seem like an obvious choice, they can be a fantastic way to add a lavish and striking feature that boasts practical benefits, too. Protecting walls from scuffs and marks from furniture, metro tiles in all shades, finishes and sizes bring a strong style statement to these social living areas. Nail the shabby-chic look with our gorgeous grey Harbour tiles; bring texture and depth with natural stone Split Face tiles available in a variety of designs; or coin a vintage-inspired look with our colourful Antic Pastels collection - offering stunning hues to complement any design theme.
Blissful bedrooms: Opting for calming and serene palettes in bedrooms is the ideal technique for achieving a great night’s sleep - but this option doesn’t have to be bland. Curate a blissful space that oozes elegance with a feature wall that uses metro wall tiles to great effect. Why not try our Crackle Glaze tiles, which come in a vibrant range of colours, for an antique vibe or achieve an attention-grabbing wall with Chevron tiles in pale tones?
To enjoy the full impact of brick effect tiles, it’s important to get your colour choice spot on. With tile colour options galore up for grabs here, you really can have your pick of the entire colour spectrum.
If cool and classic is your must-have interior, our monochrome favourites that include white, cream, grey and black will see you through to perfection. This could be something as simple as a glossy white brick effect tile or something with added luxury, like our metal brick effect tile options. Whatever classic colour scheme and finish you have in mind, we’re confident you’ll find it here.
If you want to bring some colour into your home using brick effect tiles, then these bevelled beauties are also available in an array of vibrant shades. For a funky, kitsch and playful look, embrace bold and loud colours like red, blue, lime green and yellow that are guaranteed to make an impact.
Alternatively, use the raised profile of the bevelled edges on brick effect tiles in muted hues to do the talking. From pale pink and sky blue to taupe and sage green, a more subtle colour choice doesn’t mean your interiors still can’t make a statement as they use depth and angles to give it added impact.
If you prefer a flat finish to your walls, you’ll still find plenty of colour inspiration to pull off your dream interior updates. You could go for bold and moody interiors with the rich colour spectrum of our Stromboli tiles range, or adopt a more rustic feel with Antique tiles that instantly add colour whichever shade you choose.
Beyond our extensive colour wheel you’ll also find a selection of metro wall tiles with natural stone finishes and glass, giving you even more scope to update your home. From shiny mirrored metro tiles that bring a glamorous vibe to marble-effect brick tiles that give a modern take on this classic material, we have so many alternative options you’ll be spoilt for choice.
As if that’s not enough, we even have a selection of brick effect tiles designed to look like real brick work, so if you have your heart set on a rugged, industrial theme there’s no need to strip your walls back to bare bricks. Simply use brick effect tiles to get the look with minimal fuss.
Whether you’re tackling a minor kitchen update, a full bathroom renovation or any other room, our metro brick effect tiles deliver versatility, colour and flair making sure whatever look you have mapped out your metro tiles will fall right into place.
At Tiles Direct, we want to give you as much variety as possible when it comes to choosing your metro brick tiles, which is why you'll find an array of materials and finish options on offer.
Ceramic: in line with the traditional manufacturing materials and process, many of our metro brick tiles are made from ceramic. Strong, durable and water resistant, our versatile ceramic metro tiles are an ideal solution for splashbacks in kitchens, bathrooms and beyond. Featuring a sturdy top glaze, they're designed to repel water, resist stain absorption and scratches giving you a hard surface that will stay in mint condition for years.
Porcelain: made from more refined clay than ceramic, porcelain brick tiles deliver a superior density which makes them slightly stronger and less porous. As a result, they can be the ideal choice for wetroom walls or shower areas that will be exposed to a lot of water. Produced in a wide range of finishes, you can install porcelain metro tiles with brick or stone effects as well as traditional glazed tiles.
Brick or stone: for a rustic, rugged look, brick or stone-look tiles could be the way to go. Acting as a rough façade, you can instantly conjure up that raw, industrial look in kitchens, living rooms and more.
Glass: strong, smooth and sleek, glass metro tiles are ultra-hygienic, easy to clean and scratch resistance making them perfect for use in kitchens and bathrooms where hygiene is a top priority. From colourful glass designs to chic mirrored options, you can add depth and light into any space with glass brick tiles.
Metal: embrace the beauty of metallic tones on your walls. Not only are metallic subway tiles incredibly stylish, they're also extremely practical and durable too - providing a robust, water and scratch resistant covering for walls throughout the home. Whether you opt for brushed metal or shiny, you can delight in how these tiles create different visual effects.
Polished: tiles with a shiny, glossy finish are right at home in modern interior design, creating a sleek and fresh finish, but the benefits don't end there. Glossy brick tiles also work to bounce extra light around the room and expand the depth of spaces, especially with bevelled edge tiles - this makes them ideal for use in compact or dimly lit areas as they'll help them feel brighter and bigger.
Matt: with a slightly duller, often rougher finish, matt tiles instantly add texture to your interior design. When contrasted against shinier materials, you can use matt tiles to soften the aesthetic and lend a more tactile feel. Most matt tiles will still feature a glaze though so you don't need to worry about them being more prone to staining or absorbing liquids - they can be quickly wiped down just like other materials in no time.
When you’re designing and decorating a room from scratch, finding a range of truly complementary design elements - from furniture and flooring to wall art and accessories - is no easy feat. Thankfully, the simple and adaptable aesthetic of metro tiles means they’re able to bring out the best in any room - so you won’t need to start by finding tiles you love before planning everything else around them.
The customisation options don’t stop at colour, though. When it comes to shape and size, you can also base the tiles you buy on what works best for your home. Whether you go for classic bevelled brick effect tiles, inverted InMetro designs or a rectified edge, each shape and finish is designed to deliver a fresh and funky interior.
For instance, bevelled brick effect tiles laid in grid patterns are perfect for bouncing light around the room and making smaller spaces feel larger and more contemporary while a classic brick lay pattern delivers a more traditional aesthetic.
Similarly, the size of tile makes a difference, helping to create different perspectives within any given space. With metro tiles you will inevitably have more grout lines, but you can use this to your advantage.
Daintier room designs are best matched with mini metro tiles - while larger alternatives, in pale colours like cream or light grey, are ideal if you’re looking to create the illusion of additional space in your modestly sized property.
Don’t be afraid to play around with tile patterns before you fix them to the wall either, allowing you to ensure your metro tiles deliver optimal visual impact. This could be laying larger format metro tiles in uniform vertical rows or a staggered waterfall effect to expand the height of a particular area. Or perhaps, opt for herringbone patterns to break up large expanses of tiled walls.
You’ll also find a fantastic array of different finishes available, too - giving you all the versatility you need for your desired look. The right tile finish can also have a direct effect on the overall look and feel of your space, so be sure to browse all the options available to find the perfect option for your home.
From smooth, glossy brick tiles that deliver a clean and sleek finish to oxidised metallic mosaics, glass, crackled glaze options and even natural stone, we’ve handpicked a diverse selection of metro brick effect tiles to pull off almost any aesthetic. All this means there’s an abundance of variety, guaranteeing you find just the right tiling solution for the job.
With effortless style guaranteed, metro-style tiles need very little in terms of added detail to make them a stand-out feature - but there are some ways you can enhance their look even further if you want to. With this in mind, we’re sharing some of our insider tips to help you along your way.
As a rule, we would always recommend using larger format tiles in small spaces, as fewer grout lines are an effective way to create the illusion of extra space. However, if you have your heart set on metro brick tiles, don’t let this get in your way.
A safe bet is to opt for lighter shades and glossy tiles to help bounce light around the room. For a classic look that works wonders in brightening up a cosy kitchen or bathroom, simple yet stylish white tiles can be all that's needed - meaning you won’t have to give up your precious metro tile design. Complement with the same colour grout or a very close match to minimise the appearance of grout lines and you’ll soon see that size really doesn’t matter.
Subway tiles are the masters of blending into almost any interior design theme, be that rustic, vintage, industrial-chic or contemporary. However, their potency can be lost if there’s too much going on around them - so, we’d suggest you optimise their beauty with simple surroundings that complement one another.
For instance, if you opt for bold-coloured brick tiles for your kitchen splashback, offset this with pale-coloured cabinets and walls to let the tiles come to the fore. Alternatively, you can jazz up monochrome tiled areas with pops of bright colour or metallic accents.
An important part of any tiling project, tile grout works to seal tiles and the surface behind against moisture and dirt. But, this practical application can also be use to create striking visual effects to accentuate the finished look of your metro wall tiles.
In contrast to the first concept of using the same or similar coloured grout to minimise the appearance of grout lines, you can, in fact, highlight the lines to give a more dramatic decor style that demands to be noticed.
From vibrantly coloured grout in sunshine yellow, red and blue to dark and dramatic black and grey, if you really want to deliver an impactful look with your metro tiles, this could be the way to go - injecting a funky, contemporary feel to a quintessentially classic tile design.
When it comes to buying brick and metro tiles, we’re confident that our extensive selection of both classic and contemporary designs will provide you with everything you need for sprucing up tired interiors.
With over three decades’ experience in the tile industry, we’ve forged strong relationships with quality suppliers across Europe to bring you the best tiles at the best possible prices on the market. We even offer a price match promise, so, if you find the same tile for a better price elsewhere, we’ll beat it - ensuring you get the best deal around. We’ll even throw in free delivery on any orders over £499.
Found a subway tile that suits you? Simply add them to your basket and head straight to the checkout to place your order. However, if you’re still deciding, you can order a sample online for just £1.99 and get a closer look before you commit to buying in bulk.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore our metro wall tiles range today to bring some classic cool into your contemporary home. Have a question about one of our products? Contact us now and our expert team will be happy to help.
