Metro Tiles

Metro tiles, also known as subway tiles, are rectangular wall tiles traditionally sized around 75mm x 150mm, inspired by the tiles first used in early 20th-century underground stations. At Hyperion Tiles, we find they remain one of the most enduring choices for kitchens and bathrooms due to their classic yet versatile design. Their sleek shape works well in both traditional and modern interiors, and they can be laid in a variety of patterns such as brick bond, herringbone, vertical stack or chevron to suit your taste. Available in a vast range of colours, finishes and bevelled or flat edges, metro tiles are perfect for splashbacks, shower walls and feature panels. Whether you’re after a crisp white gloss tile for a clean, minimalist look or something bold and colourful for a more dramatic impact, metro tiles provide a timeless backdrop that can evolve with your décor over time.

Yes, metro tiles are an ideal choice for both kitchens and bathrooms, offering practical benefits as well as stylish design. At Hyperion Tiles, we often recommend them for splashbacks behind sinks and hobs in kitchens due to their water resistance and ease of cleaning. In bathrooms, metro tiles work beautifully on shower walls, around bathtubs, or behind basins, where their glazed surface resists moisture and stains. Their compact size also makes them a great fit for smaller spaces or awkward corners. The classic brick-bond pattern is particularly popular in period properties, while herringbone and vertical stack arrangements lend a more contemporary look. Because metro tiles come in such a wide range of colours and finishes, they’re easy to coordinate with cabinetry, flooring, and accessories. Whether you’re renovating a Victorian home or modernising a new build, metro tiles offer the flexibility and durability needed for high-traffic, high-moisture areas.

Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of choosing metro tiles from Hyperion Tiles is how low-maintenance they are. Their glazed ceramic surface is non-porous, meaning water, grease and stains can be easily wiped away with a damp cloth and mild detergent. This makes them ideal for areas like kitchen splashbacks, where spills and splashes are inevitable. In bathrooms, they resist soap scum and condensation, making them just as practical. Regular cleaning helps keep grout lines looking fresh, and we recommend sealing grout to reduce discolouration over time. Unlike natural stone or textured tiles, metro tiles don’t require any specialist cleaning products or sealing treatments. Whether you opt for a gloss or matt finish, you’ll find that metro tiles maintain their good looks with minimal effort. Their practicality, combined with their design appeal, makes them a top choice for homeowners looking for a stylish yet fuss-free tile solution.

Metro tiles offer incredible versatility when it comes to layout patterns, allowing you to tailor the design to your personal style. At Hyperion Tiles, our customers love the creativity that metro tiles allow. The classic layout is the brick bond (or running bond), where each tile is offset by half a tile width—this gives a timeless look reminiscent of traditional subway stations. For a more modern take, try stacking the tiles vertically or horizontally in a grid format. Herringbone layouts, either at 45 or 90 degrees, create a dynamic visual effect and are great for feature walls or splashbacks. You can also use metro tiles to create a chevron pattern or even combine different colours for a more playful or dramatic finish. The size and shape of metro tiles make them perfect for creating defined patterns that can either blend subtly or stand out boldly depending on your palette.

At Hyperion Tiles, we stock a wide range of metro tiles in colours and finishes to suit every style of home. Our collection includes classic white, cream and grey for a neutral, timeless look, as well as more adventurous options like deep navy, emerald green, blush pink, and even rich burgundy. You’ll also find striking gloss, satin and matt finishes, as well as bevelled or flat-edged designs to further customise your look. Gloss tiles reflect light beautifully and are ideal for brightening smaller spaces, while matt finishes offer a more contemporary, understated feel. We also offer crackle-glazed, handmade and artisan-style metro tiles that provide texture and individuality to your walls. Whether you want something subtle to sit quietly in the background or a tile that makes a bold statement, our metro tile range allows you to personalise your kitchen or bathroom walls with ease and elegance.

Yes, mixing metro tiles with other tile styles is a great way to add depth and visual interest to your interior, and it’s something we often encourage at Hyperion Tiles. Metro tiles pair beautifully with larger format floor tiles, whether you opt for natural stone, terrazzo, or porcelain in wood or concrete effect. This contrast between wall and floor tiles helps define zones in kitchens and bathrooms, creating a layered, cohesive look. You can also combine metro tiles with patterned tiles, such as encaustic-style or mosaic borders, to create striking feature areas. In more eclectic interiors, blending metro tiles with textured or handmade tiles can provide a charming, rustic finish. For a more polished and coordinated look, use a tonal colour palette across different tile styles. Whether you're aiming for harmony or contrast, our team can help you select complementary products from across our ranges to achieve the perfect combination.