33+ Subway Tile Ideas That Deliver Timeless Design

Get inspired with our subway tile ideas

In this post, we will be walking you through the numerous classic subway tile ideas and patterns. Subway tiles have been around for many years and they remain as popular as ever. Although they are available in a plethora of styles and colors, the basic shades remain the most popular.

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Modern bathroom trends come and go. Some stay for many years…this is an example of a design style that is here to stay. You may call this a timeless design style, and be confidently correct.

What is it that makes them so popular? The main reason is the cost, they are cheap….very cheap. This is important to a significant segment of the ceramic tile market, but don’t let the cost fool you. This is a traditional subway tile that can deliver a designer look to match any high end tile design.

Check out these subway tile bathroom ideas for a little inspiration

To make it a little easier for you to analyse the subway tile patterns, we have split them under a styling that sits under the subway tile styles. Take a look at the set up to see what you like…remember, you don’t have to choose one style, many bathrooms integrate a couple of styles to add a little more depth to the design.

Herringbone Subway Tiles (chevron subway tile)

This herringbone pattern style is causing waves, the herringbone subway tile design is the modern take on the standard stacked style. It adds more dynamic lines which plays delightfully with the space available. If you are looking for a more modern take, this may be the style for you. Remember, sometimes less is more with this style. Consider doing one accent tile wall in this chevron pattern and sticking to the traditional wall tile styling with the remainder…it really focuses the eye, much like a feature wall.

This example of subway tile shower ideas really shows the potential

Hexagon Bathroom Tile Ideas

If you are looking for something bang on trend, consider these hexagon tile styles

Stackbond Subway Tiles

This continues to be a popular choice. This rectangular tile with it’s simple clean lines and organized look, stack bond subway tiles are a simple solution that are simple to install. They offer a timeless design that is modern, yet gives a hint of retro goodness.

Runningbond Subway Tiles

Another interesting take on the subway tile, this isn’t the most common design, but in the right space, it can give a very elegant look. It works especially well if you have tall ceilings, making the most of the verticals.

Basket Weave Subway Tiles

This is another design that isn’t overly common, yet in the right space, it can give a very nice look. It works by stacking stiles together to create squares and rectangles. This breaks up the space and makes it appear much more compact. It does give a retro vibe so if that’s your thing, this beveled subway tile pattern may be perfect for you.

Metro Tile Ideas

This is the classic style that is utterly timeless. This will stand the test of time which is why it remains as popular as ever. Simple ‘brick like’ tile placings deliver a simple, yet aesthetically pleasing look. If you are unsure what you want and want to play it safe, this is the style you want. As you can see from the images below, it may be ‘safe’ but still delivers plenty of style and class.

Subway tile bathroom ideas don’t need to be plain, create interest. The grey hexagon floor tiles really create interest

This bathroom subway tile adds elegance to the design

These subway tile patterns and tile pattern ideas, should really help to inform your style…

The number of colored subway tile options is unlimited. There really is a ceramic subway tile option out there for you. Be it a green subway tile, a gray subway tile, a black subway tile…or just a simple white tile. You also have more interesting innovations such as a mirrored subway tile, marble subway tile, or a glass subway tile.

Subway tile designs and grout

A key aspect that is often missed is the grout. It is this aspect that really brings out the beauty of the patterns. Often, you will see contrasting grout color, be that a gray grout, white grout with a gray tile, and even black grout, which looks fantastic with a simple white subway tile.

It’s not just a subway tile shower enclosure where subway tiles are in their element, nor is it necessarily with your bathroom remodel. A key use is in kitchen design where a subway tile backsplash forms the key design feature. Although there is no shortage of kitchen backsplash options…glass tile, marble tile or a mosaic tile, a subway backsplash tile with a herringbone tile pattern is all the rage.

I hope that our subway tile ideas have got your creative juices flowing. What is your preferred style? Something classic or something with a little more of a modern edge? Remember, you can mix and match them to create a very eclectic feel…sometimes, patterns can become overwhelming…so whatever you do, make sure the room retains it’s balance.

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