Subway tile has become a staple choice for kitchen backsplashes, making waves in the 2000s as a stylish, pristine option for a sophisticated yet contemporary kitchen. What might surprise some is the historical depth of this tiling style. Contrary to the belief of some designers that subway tiles fit within the mid-century modern (MCM) design framework, this tile style actually existed long before the 1950s and ’60s. This revelation might be unexpected for MCM enthusiasts who saw subway tile as emblematic of that era. Yet, this could be the tile mistake you’re making in your mid-century kitchen.
So, where did subway tile actually originate? Emerging in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, subway tiles were innovations born from technological advancements both in and out of homes. Some attribute their creation to the need for easily cleaned surfaces in underground train stations, while others believe the rise of indoor plumbing in late-Victorian homes demanded a sanitary, easy-to-clean building material. Regardless of their true origin, subway tiles are not as in line with mid-century design as other materials that better suit a mid-century modern kitchen.
Accurate Mid-Century Modern Tile Choices
It’s easy to see why subway tiles are often mistaken for a mid-century design element, given their clean lines and minimalist qualities typical of MCM design. While it’s common today to find vintage elements in homes with 90s-inspired design choices, subway tiles wouldn’t have been the go-to material in that era. What were the true trends of the time, then?
In the ’50s and ’60s, colorful tile backsplashes were indeed the fashion-forward choice, with geometric tiles frequently adorning kitchen walls. While mid-century design emphasized sleekness, boldness and vibrancy were also key in backsplash design. Diamond-shaped, hexagonal, micro-square, or herringbone pattern tiles were popular in MCM kitchens, sometimes featuring vibrant colors. Typically made from ceramic or porcelain, these tiles echoed the cleanliness that subway tiles are known for.
Another favored kitchen material during the mid-century was terrazzo, a composite material with a cement base embedded with marble chips and fragments. Today, terrazzo is trending in bathrooms and may soon regain popularity in kitchens. In the ’50s and ’60s, a terrazzo tile backsplash represented cutting-edge décor, despite its origins in ancient Venetian flooring traditions.
An In-Depth History of Subway Tile That Will Surprise You
As previously mentioned, subway tile has a debated origin, ranging from subterranean train stations to hygienic indoor bathroom spaces. However, it’s generally accepted that subway tiles were developed in response to the burgeoning industrial and technological landscape, where modern innovations like subways required new materials. Subway tile was first utilized in a train station at New York City’s City Hall Station in 1904. Its bright white surface enhanced illumination, making the dark, grimy station appear cleaner—a quality the Victorians, with their emphasis on hygiene, likely appreciated.
Today, the subway tile backsplash trend might seem a bit outdated for the kitchen, while mid-century tiles are making a significant resurgence. This mirrors the historical trajectory from the early 20th century to the mid-century: subway tile was once a trendy Victorian and Edwardian choice until the geometric ceramics and terrazzo tiles of the ’50s took over. Fashion may indeed be cyclical, but if you’re aiming for period accuracy in your MCM kitchen, consider this historical context when selecting your backsplash tile.
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