Metro Tiles

Shop classic metro tiles in green, white, blue and pink, with high gloss finishes sourced from leading European manufacturers. At Top Ceramics, prices are up to 40% lower than the high street, with metro tiles UK customers can order online and have them delivered across the country. Not sure which colour or finish will work best? Order a free sample and see it in your own light before you buy!

[Read more]

What are metro tiles, and why are they so popular?

Metro tiles are classic rectangular ceramic wall tiles, most commonly available in 10×20 cm and 10×30 cm formats. Their simple proportions, glazed surface and choice of flat or bevelled edges make them easy to adapt to both traditional and contemporary interiors.

They remain particularly popular as metro bathroom tiles and kitchen splashbacks because the glazed surface is easy to wipe clean, and the rectangular format works well across different room sizes. The same design can suit retro, Scandi, minimalist and classic interiors simply by changing the colour, grout and laying pattern.

The history of metro tiles – from Paris underground to modern homes

Metro tiles take their name from underground railways, with the familiar format becoming associated with Paris Métro stations and other early 20th-century underground networks. Glazed ceramic was practical for these environments because it was hygienic, easy to clean and helped reflect available light.

The format later moved from public spaces into shops, kitchens and bathrooms, where its practical qualities combined with a distinctive architectural look. More than a century later, the same basic proportions remain popular – which is why metro tiles feel both timeless and fresh.

Why does high gloss finish dominate in 2026?

High gloss is one of the most popular finishes for metro tiles because it reflects light, strengthens the appearance of colour and creates a clean, polished surface. This can be particularly effective in smaller kitchens and bathrooms, where reflected light helps the room feel brighter and more open.

High gloss metro tiles are also straightforward to wipe clean, making them a practical choice for kitchen splashbacks and bathroom walls. Satin and bumpy or ripple-effect finishes offer alternatives when you want less reflection or more surface texture.

Shop metro tiles by colour

The right colour can entirely change the character of a metro tile installation. At Top Ceramics, the collection includes classic neutrals alongside stronger shades for statement walls and splashbacks.

Green metro tiles – the top-selling shade

Our green metro tiles range from softer sage and olive tones to deeper forest and emerald shades. Green works particularly well with natural wood, white grout and brass fittings, making it a natural choice for both retro kitchens and spa-style bathrooms. The popularity of green also fits the wider move towards natural, biophilic colour palettes.

White metro tiles – timeless and universal

White metro tiles remain the classic starting point for kitchens and bathrooms. Their light surface reflects available light and works with almost any interior style, from minimalist and Scandinavian schemes to traditional kitchens. White also gives you more freedom when choosing grout: white creates a seamless finish, grey gives a softer contrast and darker grout creates a more defined brick pattern.

Blue metro tiles – bold and contemporary

Blue metro tiles range from soft powder blue through to deeper teal and navy tones. Lighter blues work particularly well in coastal and relaxed bathrooms, while darker shades create a richer, more dramatic backdrop. Pair blue metro tiles with white sanitaryware and chrome for a clean look, or use brass and gold fittings to create a warmer, more decorative finish.

Pink metro tiles – soft and on-trend

Blush and dusty pink metro tiles bring a softer character to bathrooms and retro-inspired kitchens. They work particularly well with warm white grout, copper or brass fittings and darker contrasting details.

Metro tile sizes: 7.5x30cm, 10x30cm and 10x20cm

The size of a metro tile affects the overall pattern, the number of tiles required and the amount of grout visible across the finished wall. The most popular formats are 7.5×30 cm and 10×30 cm, while the traditional 10×20 cm format is also available but is less commonly chosen today.

Which size suits kitchens vs bathrooms?

The 7.5×30 cm format is currently the most popular choice, offering a slimmer, more elongated take on the classic metro style. It works well in both kitchens and bathrooms, particularly where you want a clean, contemporary wall finish. Unlike some traditional metro tiles, 7.5×30 cm tiles do not feature a bevelled edge, creating a flatter, more modern appearance.

The 10×30 cm format is another popular option, combining the familiar metro proportions with a longer rectangular shape. It works particularly well in larger bathrooms, shower areas and kitchens, where the elongated format can create a more streamlined look.

The 10×20 cm format is the traditional metro tile size. It remains suitable for smaller bathrooms, cloakrooms and classic-style kitchens, although it is less frequently chosen than the 7.5×30 cm and 10×30 cm formats.

How many metro tiles do you need per m²?

A 7.5×30 cm metro tile requires approximately 45 tiles per m², while a 10×30 cm tile requires approximately 34 tiles per m². For the traditional 10×20 cm format, you need approximately 50 tiles per m² before allowing for cuts and waste.

For most installations, it is advisable to order an additional 10–15% to account for cuts, breakages and wastage. More may be required for complex layouts or areas with many corners and fittings.

If you are unsure how many tiles you need, contact our team at support@topceramics.co.uk for advice.

Metro tile finishes: high gloss, satin and bumpy

The surface finish affects how much light the tiles reflect and how the finished wall looks in different lighting conditions. High gloss remains the most popular option, while satin and textured finishes provide alternatives for a softer or more tactile appearance.

High gloss metro tiles – our top recommendation

High gloss is particularly effective in small or darker bathrooms because the reflective surface helps bounce light around the room. It is also a practical choice for kitchen splashbacks, where the smooth glazed surface can be wiped clean easily.

If you are choosing between different edge profiles, our guide to bevelled vs flat metro tiles explains how each option changes the finished look.

Bumpy and ripple effect metro tiles for added texture

Bumpy and ripple-effect metro tiles are a suitable alternative if you want more texture and less uniformity than a standard flat gloss tile. The uneven surface catches the light differently across each tile, creating an artisan or handmade appearance that works particularly well on feature walls and kitchen splashbacks.

How to style metro tiles in your home

Colour, grout and laying pattern all influence the final appearance of metro tiles. For more ideas before choosing your tiles, see our guide to trending metro tile colours 2026.

Metro tiles in kitchens – splashback ideas

Metro tiles are a natural choice for kitchen splashbacks because their glazed surface is easy to wipe clean after cooking. A classic horizontal brick-bond layout gives a traditional look, while vertical or herringbone layouts create a more contemporary focal point.

White metro tiles with dark grout create a strong graphic contrast, while green tiles with a softer grout work particularly well with natural wood and brass fittings. Metro tiles can be used behind the hob and sink or across a larger section of the kitchen wall.

Metro tiles in bathrooms – full wall layouts

In bathrooms, metro tiles can be used behind the basin, around a bath or shower, or across the full height of the walls. A traditional brick-bond layout gives a familiar classic finish, while a stacked layout creates a cleaner, more contemporary appearance.

You can also combine colours, such as using green on the lower section of a wall and white above it. For wet areas, use an appropriate waterproofing system and grout suitable for the installation.

Grout colour guide for metro tiles

Grout has a significant effect on the appearance of metro tiles. Grey grout with white tiles gives a classic, practical finish; white grout makes the joints less noticeable; and black or anthracite grout creates a stronger, more graphic pattern.

With coloured tiles, a grout close to the tile shade gives a softer result, while contrasting grout makes the individual tile shape more prominent. Order a free tile sample first so you can check the tile and grout combination in your own lighting before committing to a full order.

FAQ