Metro Tiles

Metro tiles are a timeless favourite for kitchens, bathrooms, and feature walls, loved for their classic proportions and incredible versatility.

Their simple rectangular shape makes them easy to style in both traditional and contemporary homes, while the wide choice of colours, finishes, and sizes means you can tailor the look to suit your space. From crisp white metro tiles to bold coloured designs, gloss or matt finishes, and everything from mini to large formats, there’s a style to suit every interior.

What Are Metro Tiles?

Metro tiles take their inspiration from early 20th‑century subway stations, where their clean lines and reflective surfaces were used to brighten underground spaces. Traditionally, they feature a rectangular shape—often around 75 x 150 mm or similar proportions—and a bevelled edge that adds depth and character.

Modern metro tiles now come in a wide range of variations, including flat‑edged designs, handmade‑look finishes, and larger or smaller formats. Their simplicity is what makes them so adaptable; they work beautifully in classic, industrial, Scandi, and modern interiors alike.

Where to Use Metro Tiles

Kitchens

Metro tiles are a go‑to choice for kitchen splashbacks thanks to their durability and easy‑clean surface. White metro tiles offer a fresh, timeless look, while coloured options—such as green, blue, pink, or grey—add personality and warmth. They can be used as a simple splashback or extended across full walls for a more immersive effect.

Bathrooms

Metro tiles are equally popular in bathrooms, where their clean lines and practical finish make them ideal for showers, bath surrounds, and feature walls. Gloss metro tiles help reflect light in smaller bathrooms, while matt finishes create a softer, contemporary feel.

Utility Rooms & Cloakrooms

Compact spaces benefit from the neat proportions of metro tiles. Mini metro tiles can add texture and detail, while larger formats create a more streamlined look.

Popular Metro Tile Colours

White Metro Tiles

White metro tiles remain the most iconic choice. They’re bright, versatile, and work with almost any interior style. Pair them with white grout for a seamless look or grey grout for a more defined, contemporary finish.

Coloured Metro Tiles

Coloured metro tiles are increasingly popular for homeowners wanting something more expressive.

• Green metro tiles bring a natural, calming feel.
• Blue metro tiles add depth and sophistication.
• Pink metro tiles create a warm, playful atmosphere.
• Grey and black metro tiles offer a sleek, modern edge.

Whether you prefer soft neutrals or bold statement shades, coloured metro tiles allow you to personalise your space with confidence.

Light vs Dark Metro Tiles

Light metro tiles brighten rooms and make smaller spaces feel larger, while darker tones create a dramatic, design‑led look. Both can be styled to suit modern or traditional homes.

Metro Tile Finishes and Styles

Metro tiles come in a variety of finishes and formats, each offering a different aesthetic.

Gloss vs Matt

Gloss metro tiles reflect light and create a clean, polished look—ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. Matt finishes offer a more understated, contemporary feel and pair beautifully with natural materials.

Flat vs Bevelled Edges

Classic metro tiles feature a bevelled edge that adds depth and texture. Flat metro tiles create a more modern, minimalistic appearance and work well in sleek, architectural spaces.

Handmade‑Look Tiles

For a more artisanal feel, handmade‑look metro tiles feature subtle variations in tone and texture, adding warmth and character.

Marble‑Effect Metro Tiles

Marble metro tiles or marble‑effect designs combine the elegance of stone with the practicality of ceramic or porcelain, offering a luxurious twist on the classic metro format.

Metro Tile Layouts and Patterns

The way metro tiles are laid can completely transform the look of a room.

Brick Bond

The traditional layout, where each tile is offset by half its length. It’s timeless, versatile, and works with any colour or finish.

Herringbone

A popular choice for adding movement and visual interest. Herringbone patterns work beautifully behind sinks, in shower areas, or as feature walls.

Vertical Stack

A modern, architectural layout that elongates walls and adds height to a room.

Horizontal Stack

Clean, simple, and contemporary. Perfect for minimalist interiors.

Offset & Mixed Layouts

Experimenting with different offsets or combining patterns can create a unique, design‑led finish.

Choosing the Right Grout for Metro Tiles

Grout colour plays a major role in the final look of your metro tiles.

White Grout

Creates a seamless, bright finish—ideal for white metro tiles or when you want the tiles to blend softly into the background.

Grey Grout

A popular choice for adding definition, especially with white metro tiles. It highlights the tile shape and creates a more contemporary feel.

Coloured Grout

For a bold, design‑forward look, coloured grout can be used to contrast or complement your tiles. Dark grout with light tiles creates a striking effect, while matching grout offers a more subtle finish.

Maintenance Considerations

Darker grout tends to be more forgiving in high‑use areas, while lighter grout may require more frequent cleaning. Choosing the right grout can help balance style and practicality.

FAQs

Are metro tiles suitable for bathrooms?

Yes. Metro tiles are a popular choice for bathrooms due to their durability, water resistance, and timeless style. They work well in showers, around baths, and on feature walls.

Are metro tiles out of fashion?

Not at all. Metro tiles remain a classic design choice and continue to evolve with new colours, finishes, and layouts. Their versatility keeps them relevant in both modern and traditional homes.

What size metro tile should I choose?

Standard metro tiles are ideal for most kitchens and bathrooms, while mini metro tiles add detail and texture. Large metro tiles create a more contemporary, streamlined look.

Do metro tiles work in small spaces?

Yes. Their neat proportions make them perfect for compact rooms. Gloss finishes and light colours can help brighten smaller areas, while bold colours can create a striking focal point.