Quick verdict
If your project is a shower wall, kitchen backsplash, or any vertical surface that gets wet, go with the Vintage Blue Ceramic Tile. If your project is a floor in a kitchen, hallway, or utility room, the Laufen African Slate tile is the better match - and it's the lower-priced option.
Price and attribute comparison
| Product | Listed Price | Format & Finish | Condition | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage Blue Ceramic Tile 4.25 in Subway Square Shower Kitchen Wall Backsplash | USD 41.57 | 4.25 in square, glossy | New | Shower wall, kitchen backsplash |
| 4 PIECES) 12" x 12" LAUFEN CERAMIC TILE, AFRICAN SLATE DESIGN/COLOR, USA MADE | USD 38.50 | 12 in square, matte | Open box | Kitchen, hallway, utility/laundry floor |
Both tiles are made in the United States, so country of origin is a shared detail rather than a deciding difference.
Where each product wins
Vintage Blue Ceramic Tile wins for wall projects. Its square format keeps a classic look, and the blue finish gives a surface a distinct mid-century feel. The tile is waterproof and water-resistant, which makes it a natural fit for showers and backsplashes. It also has a DCOF slip-resistance rating of 0.42-0.44.
Laufen African Slate tile wins for floor projects. The brown African Slate design with a textured finish is suited to floors in kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and utility/laundry rooms, and it comes in a four-piece pack.
Product notes
Vintage Blue Ceramic Tile 4.25 in Subway Square Shower Kitchen Wall Backsplash
This is the tile to choose when you want a wall surface with personality. Each 10-piece pack covers roughly 1 square foot, so for anything larger than a small backsplash you'll need to multiply your order accordingly - that's the biggest practical limitation. The glossy finish and blue color carry the vintage mid-century look, and the tile is waterproof and water-resistant, which is a meaningful advantage for shower walls and kitchen surfaces. It has a straight-edge design and a DCOF slip-resistance rating. If your project is a bathroom wall or a kitchen backsplash where you want a classic subway feel in a brighter color, this tile makes the decision easy.
4 PIECES) 12" x 12" LAUFEN CERAMIC TILE, AFRICAN SLATE DESIGN/COLOR, USA MADE
For a floor tile with texture, the Laufen option is the more practical pick. The 12-inch square format gives you larger individual tiles, and the brown African Slate design brings a natural, earthy tone to a room. It's suited for kitchens, living rooms, hallways, and utility/laundry rooms. The main caveats: it's sold as open box, and the textured surface shows in some areas, so you're not getting a perfectly uniform face. If you're okay with that character, the matte finish and lower listed price make it a sensible floor choice. At $38.50, it's the less expensive option of the two.
Final choice by use case
For a blue wall tile, choose the Vintage Blue Ceramic Tile. For a brown floor tile, choose the Laufen African Slate tile. And if you want a brand-new option, the Daltile wall tile is the one sold as new - but keep it on walls, not floors.
