Subway tiles are a classic and versatile tile style that originated from the ceramic tiles used in the New York city subway system in the early 20th century. Today, subway tiles are widely used in various design applications due to their clean, timeless look. Designers of subway stations used ceramic tiles to create a clean, durable and easy-to-maintain surface. The original subway tiles were simple, white and rectangular.

Over time, the use of subway tiles expanded beyond the standard subway tiles as their clean, versatile design made them popular for various interior applications. This led to the introduction of the crackle or ‘craquelle’ subway tile as it can be traced back to the early 20th century, coinciding with the emergence of subway tiles in urban environments and their subsequent adaptation for use in residential and commercial interiors. This presented an evolution of the traditional, smooth surface. The crackle glaze is a finish applied to the surface of the tiles, creating a network of fine cracks that gives the tiles a vintage, aged or weathered appearance.

crackle glaze

Vintage and artisanal aesthetics

Crackle subway tiles gained popularity for their ability to add character and charm to spaces. The crackled finish provided a sense of history and craftsmanship, resembling artisanal tiles.

Art Deco and mid-century influence

The crackle glaze finish on subway tiles became particularly associated with certain design movements including Art Deco and mid-century modern aesthetics. The unique texture and added look of crackle tiles complemented the eclectic and artistic styles of these periods.

In more recent years, the crackle subway tile has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Tessellated Tile Factory (TTF) offers a variety of craquelle colours allowing for a broad range of design possibilities. Known for their versatility, craquelle subway tiles can be used in kitchens, bathrooms, and other spaces to create a vintage or eclectic atmosphere. Designers often incorporate them into contemporary settings to add a touch of nostalgia and character.

The history of crackle subway tiles is intertwined with the evolution of subway tiles themselves. The introduction of crackle glaze brought a new dimension to the classic subway tiles, allowing for a diverse range of design expressions that blend historical aesthetics with contemporary preferences.

Craquelle decor colours

Light Honey

Light Honey

Light honey is a lighter honeycomb tone that fits perfectly with warm decor colours. Showcased in this bathroom setting is light honey coupled with rose gold bathroom fixtures. The beautiful navy cabinetry and marble vanity top works perfectly with the craquelle Victorian subway tiles. Added are glass mosaics as a feature, introducing an elegant and luxurious vibe to this amazing bathroom.

Heritage Green

Heritage Green

Heritage green craquelle subways are applied to the bar wall creating an excellent focal point for this commercial setting. The bar gives an extra splash of colour to this hospitality space. The furnishings and fixtures work well with heritage green to add a fresh look and feel.

Sky Blue

Sky Blue

Sky blue craquelle Victorian subway presents a more modern contemporary look and feel. The fixtures and furnishings added to this bathroom setting achieve an excellent creative point as the colours chosen work well with this colour tone. The black and blue furnishings and fixtures also complement this colour nicely.

Honey

Honey

Commercial projects demand specified products to have a high level of performance, durability, low maintenance and longevity. Showcased in this hotel lobby is our honey colour, its application as a mass wall tile finish presents a sophisticated and glamorous setting for guests.

Burgundy

Burgundy

The colour burgundy in this bathroom setting has a bold, rich look and feel. Burgundy as a decor colour works perfectly with the white fixtures and furnishings. The light applied really brings out the colour – a way to style your home.

Victorian Ivory

Victorian Ivory

Victorian ivory in a bathroom setting gives a classic vibe – a warm off-white decor colour that provides the perfect base for any design concept. Often Victorian ivory craquelle is used in heritage restorations – the perfect tile solution to accommodate this interior style.

Black

Black

Black in a commercial or residential setting looks absolutely stunning. The level of sophistication and elegance this decor colour brings to an interior bathroom setting is spectacular. The beauty of working with craquelle Victorian subways is that it is easy to maintain – an excellent product to apply to a bathroom wall.

Light Green

Light Green

Light green craquelle is a softer pastel tone. This colour tone reflects a more contemporary feel in your workspace. Craquelle Victorian subways can be applied to exterior walls as they are durable and easy to maintain. The crackle ‘craze’ finish gives an extra texture to this wall.

Bottle Brown

Bottle Brown

Bottle brown craquelle Victorian subways applied to walls bring a sense of elegance to a bathroom setting. The contrast of white fixtures and fittings against bottle brown creates a bold statement. An alternate point of design is to pair with deeper darker tones for a different look and feel.

Dark Blue

Dark Blue

Dark blue craquelle Victorian tile is a brilliant blue that evokes drama and is very dynamic. The look and feel of this decor colour is elegant and coastal. Showcased is dark blue craquelle with white subways – the result is simply beautiful.

Victorian White

Victorian White

Victorian white craquelle subway is the lightest achromatic colour that provides a backdrop to all designs. This colour coupled with wooden furnishings and chrome fixtures sits perfectly together.

Light Teal

Light Teal

Craquelle Victorian subways are a unique wall tile solution. When applied as an entire wall finish, the result is bold and impactful. This light teal decor colour is fresh and vibrant, a statement for any space.

Dark Teal

Dark Teal

Dark teal craquelle Victorian subways are an excellent feature application – a great way to create colour and ambiance in a room. Craquelle subways can be applied in different wall patterns such as herringbone, stacked or a more traditional brick pattern, with each providing a unique finish and aesthetic.

Dark Green

Dark Green

Dark green craquelle Victorian subways can be classic and traditional. Showcased is a dark green used as a feature wall in a residential environment. Adding black and white furnishings and fixtures really makes this remarkable colour pop. The gloss finish of the tile allows for effective reflection of light, creating a luminous surface.

Architecture & Design Team

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Tessellated Tile Factory

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