Developed in 1904 for the subways of New York City, the subway tile is an iconic design element that has stood the test of time. While they come in various colors and sizes now, my favorite will always be the classic 3×6 in glossy white. They’re versatile and easy to match to any décor atmosphere. The style is perfect on bathroom showers or kitchen backsplashes alike, especially since they’re very easy to maintain and keep clean. While white grout can look sleek, my preference is a medium to dark since grout can pick up stains and turn color over time. The contrast of darker grout brings out the clean lines of the style while keeping the tiles true to their historic roots. As for layout, I’ll always be partial to the classic, staggered brick pattern, but the rectangle shape also looks amazing in a chevron or herringbone arrangement. Over 100 years after their popularity began, subway tiles are all at once antique and modern. Scroll below for some inspiration on how to incorporate this iconic tile in your home!

All images via Tumblr