49 Must-Install Black Subway Tile Projects

Black subway tile adds an instant upgrade to any room, from sleek bathrooms to modern kitchens. This guide showcases our top picks, featuring durable options in matte and glossy finishes to help you find the perfect shade of sophistication for your project.

As an Amazon Associate I earn through qualifying purchases at no cost to you.

Reviews

Hand-Painted Black Subway Tile

The Talamex Black Subway Tile brings a unique hand-painted touch to your bathroom or kitchen, with rich blacks that add character through minor variations in color and size from tile to tile. Its elegant subway style makes it perfect for creating a striking focal point or practical liner, where no two pieces quite match the others in the collection.

Bond Turbine Black Glaze Ceramic Tile

Made in Italy, these sleek black ceramic tiles combine durable functionality with sophisticated design. Each box contains 34 tiles covering 10.97 square feet, while the lightweight 7mm thickness makes installation a breeze. The three dynamic patterns in this collection offer endless styling possibilities for both residential and commercial projects.

Merola Tile Santorini Loft Nero Subway Wall Tile

These sleek black subway tiles bring a modern touch to any wall, with their glossy finish and elegant length. At 11.88 inches long and just 8 millimeters thick, they're lightweight yet durable enough for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The water-resistant ceramic tiles install easily with mortar and look stunning both alone and paired with other Santorini Collection pieces.

3" x 12" Qube Tiles Arte Black Subway Style Wall Tile

These sleek 3" x 12" tiles bring modern depth to any wall with their elongated hexagon shape and undulating surface. The crisp white body, available in both glossy and matte finishes, catches the light in unexpected ways, while the matte option adds a warm, textural element. The traditional subway look gets a contemporary twist that works beautifully in both kitchens and bathrooms, though reviewers haven't yet had a chance to share their thoughts on these popular tiles.

Ivy Hill Remington Black Subway Tile

These black porcelain subway tiles bring a modern edge to traditional design with their clean lines and subtle textural detail. The polished finish and consistent size options make them perfect for both residential and commercial projects, while their durability and water resistance prove they're more than just decorative. Users love how these tiles transform bathrooms and kitchens with their sleek appearance and easy installation.

Affinity FMTSHM Metro Soho Black Subway Tile

These subway tiles bring refined black sophistication to any space with their matte finish and slim profile, while their durable vitreous composition makes them a practical choice for both indoor and outdoor projects. With their versatile design perfect for backsplashes, showers, and walls, these lightweight tiles combine timeless style with modern functionality. The consistent shade and low-maintenance finish make them a practical addition to kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways, where their durability and clean lines will enhance any architectural detail.

Merola Kite Black Porcelain Subway Tile

These eye-catching black tiles add a modern touch to any room with their hexagon-inspired picket shape and subtle texture. The premium porcelain construction stands up to heavy use while the satin finish gives your space a sophisticated upgrade. While the tiles are perfect for creating statement backsplashes or feature walls, they're best suited for surfaces that don't get constant foot traffic.

Polished Black Fluted Subway Tile

This elegant black ceramic wall tile combines subtle fluting with a glossy finish to create a sophisticated kitchen or bathroom backsplash with real visual interest. Each case covers 9.68 square feet, so you can easily calculate how many you'll need for your project. The rich black color coordinates beautifully with neutral interiors and adds a touch of sophistication to any space.

Ivy Hill Tile Black Matte Subway Wall Tile

These versatile ceramic subway tiles bring a touch of sophistication to any space with their sleek, matte finish and dynamic design options. The 4-inch by 12-inch plank format makes them perfect for creating impactful backsplashes and walls, while the 7-millimeter thickness ensures they're durable enough for both residential and commercial use. The chemical resistance and water-resistant properties add an extra layer of practicality to these stylish additions.

Artesano Black Ceramic Subway Tile

These glossy black subway tiles bring a sophisticated handmade touch to residential spaces, with their 3-inch width and 12-inch length creating a timeless focal point when installed with a 1/8-inch grout line. The water-resistant ceramic tiles, measuring just 7.3mm thick, are rated at 125 pounds per square inch and require no acclimation period before installation.

Ivy Hill Tile Remington Black Subway Wall Tile

These sleek black porcelain tiles combine durability with refined subway design, featuring a subtle edge finish that adds visual interest without overwhelming the space. Coming in both standard 3x6-inch and modern 4x12-inch formats, they're equally at home in kitchens, bathrooms, andentryways. The 44-piece cases cover 10.76 square feet, making them practical for both residential and commercial projects.

2x8 Arte Matte Black Ceramic Subway Tiles

These 2x8 ceramic subway tiles transform any space with their sophisticated matte black finish and robust construction. Pressed-edge tiles measuring just over 7.87 inches long and 1.97 inches wide come in a practical 7.94 mm thickness, while their 135-pound break strength ensures lasting durability.

Ivy Hill Virtuo Coal Black Subway Tiles

These beautifully crafted 1.45-inch by 9.21-inch coal black tiles bring a touch of Spanish craftsmanship to any wall project, with their subtle texture and glossy finish. The machine-molded design gives them a bit of a crackled look that adds character without sacrificing durability. At 16.5 pounds per case covering 4.65 square feet, they're a practical choice for both residential and commercial spaces where you want that classic subway tile style but with a modern twist.

Barclay 3" x 10" Ceramic Subway Tile with Charcoal Black Ivy Hill Pattern

The Barclay Ivy Hill Charcoal Collection brings an industrial edge to any space with its double-fired ceramic subway tiles. The matte-finished black rectangles, measuring just over 2.5 inches wide and 10.27 inches long, create a striking textural contrast that feels both modern and timeless. Perfect for creating a sleek, concrete-inspired wall surface indoors, these premium tiles come carefully packaged in groups of 34, covering just under 6 square feet per box.

Daltile Restore Glossy Black Subway Tile

Crafted from durable ceramic with a sleek glossy finish, the 3 in. x 6 in. wall tile makes a striking addition to any space. The tile's modern black gloss complements both traditional and contemporary interiors, while its waterproof design brings peace of mind for wet areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

MOLOVO Crystile Black Glass Subway Tile

These sleek black glass tiles bring an extra pop of sophistication to any interior design project. The 3-inch by 6-inch subway-style tiles install easily with mortar and feature a durable glossy finish that's both stylish and practical. At 8 millimeters thick and rated at 130 pounds per tile, they're built to last in even the busiest of spaces.

Qube Tiles Arte 3x12 Subway Wall Tile

These black picket zellige-inspired subway tiles add a touch of Moroccan flair to your wall project, with their unique wavy diamond shape creating an elegant highlight-and-shadow effect. Each box covers 10.4 square feet, making it a practical choice for both full-wall installations and targeted backsplash areas. The matte finish option gives it a modern twist on the classic subway tile look.

Giorbello Black 4x12 Subway Tile

These sleek black glass subway tiles bring a sophisticated touch to any kitchen or bathroom, with their vibrant color standing out more than traditional ceramic alternatives. The pressed edge design and glossy finish give each 4-inch by 12-inch piece a refined appearance that works beautifully as an accent or full-wallcovering solution.

3" x 9" Black Glass Subway Tile

With its modern subway style and impervious durability, the 3" x 9" glass tile brings a sleek water-resistant touch to any wall project. The glossy finish maintains its shine without variation, making cleaning a breeze with just a damp cloth. These first-quality tiles come in cases covering five square feet each, weighing only 18 pounds – ideal for both residential and commercial installations where reliability meets design.

Merola Metro Brick Matte Black Subway Tile

This small matte black tile brings architectural detail to both floors and walls with its brick-inspired metro design. The porcelain mosaic tile is made for durable indoor and outdoor use, with a subtle shine that keeps the focus on its uniform gray-black tone. Each tile measures just 6 inches square, making them perfect for creating impactful patterns or accents in bathrooms, backsplashes, and showers.

Apollo Arte Glossy Black Subway Wall and Floor Tiles

These sleek black tiles transform any space with their glossy sheen and slim subway design. At just over an inch wide, they create pristine lines that stretch for miles on bathroom walls, steam rooms, and kitchen backsplashes alike. The matte base provides exceptional scratch resistance, while the glass-like finish keeps surfaces clean and easy to maintain.

Mallorca 8x2.5" Ceramic Subway Tile

These sleek black subway tiles bring a sophisticated touch to any room with their modern design and premium texture. The glossy finish creates a striking contrast against backsplashes and bathroom walls, while the handcrafted appearance adds an elegant touch. The durable ceramic construction makes them perfect for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where they'll stand up to daily use and moisture.

Itona Guilford Matte Black 3" x 6" Ceramic Subway Tile

These 3" by 6" matte black ceramic tiles bring both strength and subtle elegance to any project, from kitchen backsplashes to bathroom floors. Their durable glazed surface and fire-resistant properties ensure they'll maintain their polish for years to come, while their non-toxic nature makes them perfect for family homes. With each carton covering 12.5 square feet and measuring just over a third of an inch thick, they install easily in standard subway patterns or create striking visual effects when installed in different layouts.

MOLOVO Borgo Noir Black Subway Tile Sample

Combining precise craftsmanship with a modern polish, the Borgo Subway tile transforms ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones. At just 0.32 inches thick, this elegant 2.6 in. by 7.9 in. tile installs easily while making a big design statement. Its versatile size works great for both floors and walls, letting you create custom patterns and layouts that fit your style exactly.

Smart Tiles Metro Nero Black Subway Tile

These peel and stick tiles transform any plain wall into a stunning backsplash, with users praising their easy installation and lasting adhesion. The glossy black tiles resist moisture and heat, while the simple 100% DIY process eliminates the mess of traditional tiling. Whether you're updating a kitchen or bathroom, these self-adhesive tiles deliver professional results without the hassle of grout or complex installation.

EliteTile Metro Soho Ceramic Subway Tile - Matte Black

This matte black ceramic subway tile brings a sophisticated touch to any space with its traditional elongated design and frost-resistant durability. The uniform glazing creates a subtle depth that pairs beautifully with both traditional and modern interiors. Whether you're installing new backsplashes, bathroom walls, or kitchen floors, these tiles handle residential projects with ease while offering natural ingredient peace of mind.

Premium Black Subway Tiles

These premium glass tiles bring a modern touch to any space with their 8mm thickness and polished finish. The glossy black surface resists fading and maintains its vibrant color through daily use. Their rectangular shape and precise uniformity create a clean, professional look that's perfect for both residential and commercial projects.

Merola Tile Camden Nero Collection

These sleek ceramic tiles bring a touch of classic English charm to any wall with their four delicate patterns and rich black tone. The high-gloss finish and thin 4-inch width make them ideal for subway-style installations like kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls. Each tile carries a slight variation in shade, creating a sophisticated visual texture that's both modern and timeless.

Apollo Black Honed Marble Subway Tiles

These sleek black subway tiles bring a sophisticated touch to any room with their subtle honed finish and classic marble veining. At just the right 3x6 inch size, they'reeasy to install while their 3/8 inch thickness makes them incredibly durable, standing up to daily use in busy kitchens and bathrooms. The natural stone character in each piece adds an authentic touch that's hard to find in modern tiles.

Affinity Projectos Black Matte Subway Tile

These black subway tiles bring a sophisticated touch to any space with their matte finish and consistent tone. At 4 inches by 8 inches, they're larger than traditional subway tiles but maintain that timeless design element that works in both modern and classic setups. The Portuguese-made ceramic has a natural ingredient composition that's free from common allergens, making it a great choice for your home renovation project.

Giorbello Classic Premium Black Subway Tile

These 6x12 inch glass subway tiles bring a sleek contemporary touch to any wall, with their full 8mm thickness creating a striking visual impact that's perfect for both residential and commercial spaces. The glossy black finish, combined with the tight 1/16-inch grout joint, creates a modern look that's both elegant and practical, while the waterproof construction ensures lasting durability. Installing these premium tiles is as simple as using thinset mortar, with each box containing enough material to cover 5 square feet of wall space.

Ivy Hill Amagansett Black Subway Tile

This black subway tile brings a sophisticated contemporary touch to any bathroom or kitchen wall, with its sleek finish and classic format. The 76-piece box covers 10.76 square feet, making it a practical choice for both residential and commercial spaces. The slight variation in gloss within each box means you'll want to mix the shades before grouting for the best look.

Daltile Restore Black Glazed Subway Tile

This sleek black subway tile brings a sophisticated touch to kitchen backsplashes and shower walls, measuring 4 inches by 16 inches with a sturdy 120-pound break strength. With its matte finish and chemical resistance, it's perfect for both residential and commercial spaces where durability meets style. The 9-millimeter thick tile installs easily with mortar, requiring no acclimation period before use.

MOLOVO Kezma Black Polished Ceramic Subway Wall Tile

These black ceramic subway tiles bring a sophisticated touch to any wall with their sleek, glossy finish and textured edges. At 3x12 inches, they're larger than standard subway tiles, creating a cleaner, more modern look. The durable tiles can handle 340 pounds per piece and come fully waterproof right from the box, making them ideal for both residential and commercial spaces.

Apollo Tile Arte Matte Black Ceramic Subway Wall and Floor Tile (5.4 Sq ft/case)

When you're ready to transform your space with premium ceramic subway tiles, look no further than this expertly crafted matte black collection. Each meticulously measured tile brings just the right amount of visual interest to your project, whether you're covering an entire wall or simply adding a sophisticated accent. The attention to detail, from the baked-on finish to the uniform sizing, shows in every carefully placed piece – making this not just a practical addition, but a statement piece for any room.

Catalina Ceramic Subway Tile

These glossy black subway tiles bring a sophisticated touch to any wall, whether you're revamping a kitchen backsplash or adding interest to a bathroom. Each piece measures a tidy 3 by 6 inches and packs quite a visual punch thanks to its high-shine finish. The slightly textured surface adds an unexpected depth that prevents the look from feeling too sterile.

Chester Nero Black Subway Wall Tile

The Chester Nero Wall Tile brings a touch of artisanal sophistication to any space with its handcrafted black glazed surface and subtle variations in color and texture. These 3-inch by 6-inch subway tiles are both striking and versatile, making a bold statement whether used as an accent or the main feature of your wall project. Each package includes 44 carefully crafted tiles, covering just over 6 square feet of wall space.

3x12" Glossy Black Subway Tile

These glossy black subway tiles bring a sleek, modern touch to bathroom or kitchen walls with their flat surface and premium ceramic construction. The 3" by 12" size makes for efficient installation, while the 0.374" thickness keeps them practical for everyday use. The weight at just 19.75 pounds per carton means easy handling during the tiling process.

Apollo 2.5" x 8" Black Polished Ceramic Subway Mosaic Tile

These black subway tiles add a sophisticated touch to any room with their polished finish and sleek design, measuring just over 2 inches by 8 inches. The natural gray undertones give them a handcrafted quality that shines through in every piece. Installed as a backsplash or tile wall, these dark tiles bring a stylish sophistication to both kitchen and bathroom spaces.

Merola Tile Chester Matte Nero 3x12 Wall Subway Tile

The Chester Matte Nero adds a sophisticated touch to walls with its subtly textured black glaze and natural variations. At 12 inches long and 3 inches wide, these durable ceramic tiles create an impactful statement without overwhelming space. Perfect for both kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls, they bring a warm, handmade quality to modern interiors.

Premium Hand Painted Black Subway Tiles

These hand-painted glass tiles combine durability with a touch of artistic flair, measuring a generous 4 inches by 12 inches each. The glossy black finish adds a sophisticated touch to any wall or surface, while their frost-resistant properties make them suitable for outdoor use. Their elegant simplicity makes them a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects where a high-quality, low-maintenance tile is needed.

Stacy Garcia Olimar Grooved Black Subway Wall Tile

These subway tiles blend modern minimalist luxury with architectural impact through their sleek, elongated design and sophisticated neutral palette. Available in five shades with three distinctive finishes, the collection brings an elevated touch to both residential and commercial spaces. The frost-resistant tiles, which can be used in showers, kitchens, and patios, are known for their durability and ease of maintenance.

Merola Metro Soho Subway Tile

This thin black subway tile brings a subtle sophistication to any space with its matte finish and elegant proportions. While some users have noted issues with breakage during shipping, those who've given it a chance seem to appreciate its refined appearance as both a floor and wall tile option.

Harper Black Matte Porcelain Subway Floor and Wall Tile

These USA-made subway tiles bring a modern twist to traditional design with their mixed-pattern imprint and textured surface. Available in three premium colorways, each 4x12 inch tile adds an element of natural beauty to any wall or floor project. The water-resistant porcelain tiles come packaged in convenient 30-piece cartons, covering 8.72 square feet per box.

Tennessee Zellige Subway Wall Tile

Handcrafted in Spain by Ape Grupo, these black zellige subway tiles bring a Mediterranean touch to your project with their vibrant color and intricate design variations. The detailed craftsmanship is showcased in every one of the 85 pieces per box, which covers just over 7 square feet when installed - perfect for transforming a small area into a statement piece. The unique V4-high variations create a truly distinctive backsplash or shower wall, though we recommend ordering a sample first to ensure the rich black hue looks exactly how you envision in your space.

Boutique Caviar Black Subway Wall Tile

These elegant black subway tiles transform any wall into a sleek statement piece, with their glossy finish and consistent 3-inch by 12-inch size making them perfect for creating clean-lined patterns. The water-resistant ceramic construction allows for versatile applications in both wet and dry areas, while the easy-care surface requires only a soft cloth for maintenance. The subtle color variation adds a sophisticated depth to your project, though careful measurement is recommended for precise installations.

Black Zellige Look Subway Tile

These glossy black wall tiles bring a modern twist to traditional subway tile design with their wavy, undulating surface that creates dynamic highlights and shadows. At 3" by 12", each tile covers just over 3.5 square inches, making them perfect for both kitchen backsplashes and bathroom walls. The matte finish version gives you even more options to match your space's personality. Available in pairs of 23 tiles per box, these durable wall tiles combine timeless craftsmanship with contemporary styling.

Merola WDC36CSM Wall Tile

Merola's Castillo collection brings a touch of Spanish craftsmanship to modern interiors with its subway-style tiles that combine a smooth matte finish with subtle texture. Each piece measures a practical 3 by 6 inches, making them ideal for creating both subtle accents and expansive wall coverage throughout your home. Their water-resistant properties and ease of maintenance make them a smart choice for busy areas like kitchens and showers.

Andova Splash Ink Subway Tile

These black ceramic subway tiles bring serious style to any wall with their glossy finish and textured surface. The 3x12 inch pieces are perfect for creating impactful backsplashes and shower walls, though their durability means they're suitable for both residential and commercial spaces. While the tiles do have some natural variations and are a bit more fragile than traditional ceramic, the premium finish and consistent quality make them worth the extra care during installation.

Buyer's Guide

Black subway tiles add a sophisticated touch to any bathroom or kitchen, with their clean lines and durable finish. Understanding key aspects of these tiles helps in making an informed choice that matches both style preferences and practical needs.

Size and Layout Options

Black subway tiles typically measure 2x4 inches, though smaller 1.5x4-inch sizes are also available for more detailed patterns. Consider whether you want a traditional single row layout or a staggered pattern for both visual interest and improved durability at corners and edges.

Finish Variations

Black subway tiles come in matte, glossy, and textured finishes. Glossy tiles reflect light beautifully but require more regular cleaning, while matte options hide fingerprints better. Textured finishes offer a middle ground, combining visual interest with practicality.

Installation Requirements

Proper preparation of your surface is crucial for successful installation. Ensure the substrate is level, clean, and free of dust and debris. Black subway tiles may need specific adhesives or grout colors, particularly when installed next to lighter materials.

Cost Considerations

Price varies based on quality, size, and brand. Higher-end options offer better durability and design consistency. Factor in installation costs, as professional installation may be necessary for optimal results, especially if you're new to tiling projects.

FAQ

What is black subway tile?

Black subway tile refers to ceramic or porcelain tiles featuring a dark shade of black, often with subtle variations in color. These tiles are cut into standard 2x4 inch sizes, similar to traditional subway tiles, giving them their characteristic name.

Black subway tiles are known for their durability, easy maintenance, and modern aesthetic appeal. Their darker color makes them ideal for creating dramatic focal points in kitchens, bathrooms, and other living spaces.

Are black subway tiles water-resistant?

Yes, black subway tiles are water-resistant due to their ceramic or porcelain composition. They are suitable for both wet and dry areas, though sealing the grout is recommended to prevent moisture penetration.

These tiles perform well in high-humidity environments like showers and steam rooms, making them a practical choice for bathroom renovations.

How easy is it to clean black subway tiles?

Black subway tiles are highly resistant to stains and easy to maintain. Regular cleaning with mild soap and water, or commercial tile cleaners, removes dirt and grime effectively.

The flat surface and lack of intricate designs make these tiles resistant to bacterial growth and easier to sanitize compared to textured alternatives.

What types of grout work best with black subway tiles?

The most effective grout colors for black subway tiles are white, gray, or contrasting shades of black. These grout colors enhance the tile's appearance and hide dirt and grime more effectively than darker grouts.

Sealing the grout is essential for extended durability and regular maintenance, as it waterproofs the joints and prevents color transfer from spills.

Can I install black subway tiles indoors and outdoors?

While black subway tiles excel indoors, particularly in bathrooms and kitchens, their exposure to extreme weather conditions limits outdoor applications. Indoor installations ensure optimal performance and longevity.

For outdoor use, consider similar ceramic or porcelain tiles specifically designed for exterior environments, as they offer enhanced weather resistance and durability.

What's the typical lifespan of black subway tiles?

With proper installation and maintenance, black subway tiles can last upwards of 25-30 years, providing long-term durability and reduced maintenance costs.

The consistent color and minimal design features of these tiles make them particularly resistant to wear and color fading over time.