15 Trendy Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas to Refresh Your Walls

Okay, let’s talk subway tiles. You know those rectangular beauties that make every bathroom look instantly put-together? Yeah, those.

I’ve been obsessed with them ever since I renovated my first bathroom and discovered they’re basically the Swiss Army knife of tile design.

Here’s the thing: subway tiles get a bad rap for being boring. People think they’re just white rectangles slapped on a wall.

But trust me, after spending way too much time on Pinterest and actually installing these bad boys in three different bathrooms, I can tell you they’re anything but basic. Ready to see what I mean?

Classic White Subway Tile Bathroom

Let’s start with the OG – the classic white subway tile. I know what you’re thinking: “How original.” But hear me out. There’s a reason this combo has stuck around since the early 1900s.

White subway tiles are like the perfect white t-shirt – they go with everything and never look dated. I installed them in my master bathroom five years ago, and they still look fresh. The trick? It’s all about the execution.

Want to keep things interesting? Play with the grout width. I went with 1/8-inch spacing instead of the standard 1/16-inch, and it makes such a difference. The slightly wider grout lines create this subtle grid pattern that adds depth without screaming for attention.

Making White Tiles Work

Here’s what I learned the hard way:

• Choose the right white (yes, there are dozens)
• Warm whites work better with wood vanities
• Cool whites pair beautifully with chrome fixtures
• Consider the finish – glossy reflects more light, perfect for small spaces

The beauty of classic white? You can switch up your bathroom’s entire vibe just by changing accessories. One season I’m all about navy towels and brass fixtures, the next I’m going full spa mode with eucalyptus and chrome.

Bold Black Grout Subway Tile Design

Remember when everyone thought I was crazy for suggesting black grout? Now look who’s trending on every design blog! Black grout with white subway tiles creates this graphic, modern look that’s honestly addictive.

I first saw this combo in a Brooklyn coffee shop bathroom (random, I know), and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The contrast makes each tile pop like it’s wearing eyeliner. It’s bold without being overwhelming.

Why Black Grout Works

The maintenance myth needs to die. Everyone warns you about black grout showing everything, but IMO, it’s actually more forgiving than white grout. White grout shows every speck of dirt and starts yellowing after a while. Black grout? It stays looking sharp.

Here’s my pro tip: use an epoxy-based grout. It costs more upfront but saves you from endless scrubbing sessions. Plus, it’s practically stain-proof. I spilled hair dye on mine (don’t ask), and it wiped right off.

The key to nailing this look? Keep everything else simple. Let the graphic pattern be the star. I paired mine with a floating oak vanity and matte black fixtures. Chef’s kiss.

Herringbone Pattern Subway Tile Bathroom

Ever walked into a bathroom and thought, “Wow, that’s fancy”? That’s the herringbone effect. Taking regular subway tiles and arranging them in this zigzag pattern instantly elevates your space from basic to boutique hotel.

I’ll be honest – installing herringbone is not for the faint of heart. My contractor literally sighed when I showed him my inspiration photos. But was it worth the extra labor cost? Absolutely.

Design Tips for Herringbone

The pattern itself creates so much visual interest that you don’t need much else. But here’s what I discovered works best:

• Start with a focal point – usually behind the vanity or in the shower
• Don’t herringbone the entire bathroom (trust me, it’s overwhelming)
• Mix it with standard horizontal tiles for balance
• Consider tile size – 3×6 inches creates a different look than 2×4 inches

What nobody tells you about herringbone? It makes your bathroom look bigger. The diagonal lines trick your eye into seeing more space. My tiny powder room went from cramped to cozy just by adding a herringbone accent wall.

Also Read: 15 Trendy Bathroom Wall Tile Design Ideas for Small Bathrooms

Vertical Subway Tile Accent Wall

Plot twist: who says subway tiles have to run horizontally? Flipping them vertical changes the entire game. I discovered this trick when I had leftover tiles from another project and decided to experiment.

Vertical tiles draw your eye upward, making ceilings look higher. It’s like wearing vertical stripes but for your bathroom. I used this technique in my kids’ bathroom where the ceiling is only 7.5 feet, and now it feels way more spacious.

Creating Impact with Vertical Tiles

Here’s the thing about vertical installation – it’s actually easier than horizontal. No joke. You don’t have to worry as much about keeping level lines since gravity helps the tiles stay aligned.

My favorite application? Creating a statement wall behind a freestanding tub. The vertical lines emphasize the height while framing the tub like a piece of art. Add some dramatic lighting, and you’ve got yourself a spa-worthy setup.

Want to really push boundaries? Mix vertical and horizontal tiles in the same space. I did this in my guest bathroom – vertical on the accent wall, horizontal everywhere else. The contrast is subtle but so effective.

Colorful Subway Tile Bathroom Walls

White tiles are safe, but colored subway tiles? That’s where the fun begins. I went through my “color phase” two years ago and installed seafoam green tiles in my powder room. Best decision ever.

The trick with colored tiles is choosing a shade that won’t make you cringe in five years. Stick with muted tones or classic colors that have staying power. Think sage green, dusty blue, or even a soft pink (yes, pink bathrooms are having a moment).

Color Selection Strategy

Here’s my foolproof approach:

• Test with samples first – colors look different under bathroom lighting
• Consider the mood you want (blue = calming, green = refreshing)
• Pair bold colors with white fixtures for balance
• Use color strategically – maybe just one wall or the shower area

FYI, colored grout can take your design to the next level. I matched my grout to my seafoam tiles, and it creates this seamless, enveloping effect. It’s like being inside a jewel box.

Matte Finish Subway Tile Bathroom

Everyone’s obsessed with shiny tiles, but matte finish subway tiles are the unsung heroes of bathroom design. They bring this understated elegance that glossy tiles just can’t match.

I installed matte white tiles in my main bathroom last year, and the difference is subtle but significant. No more glare from overhead lights, no more seeing every water spot, and the texture adds warmth to what could be a cold space.

Why Choose Matte?

The practical benefits surprised me:

• Better grip when used on floors (safety first!)
• Hides imperfections better than glossy tiles
• Creates a more organic, natural look
• Photographs beautifully (important for us Instagram addicts :))

Matte tiles work especially well in modern or industrial-style bathrooms. I paired mine with concrete-look floors and black fixtures. The contrast between textures creates depth without relying on color.

Also Read: 15 Trendy Bathroom Floor Tile Ideas and Design Inspo

Small Bathroom Subway Tile Layout Ideas

Small bathroom? No problem. Subway tiles might actually be your best friend. I’ve worked with some seriously tiny spaces (we’re talking airplane bathroom small), and the right tile layout makes all the difference.

The secret is thinking strategically about pattern and placement. Running tiles all the way to the ceiling makes walls feel taller. Using larger format subway tiles (like 4×8 instead of 3×6) means fewer grout lines and a cleaner look.

Maximizing Small Spaces

My go-to tricks for tiny bathrooms:

• Install tiles vertically on narrow walls
• Use the same tile on walls and floors for continuity
• Choose light colors and minimal grout contrast
• Consider a border or chair rail to break up the space

Ever considered tiling the ceiling? I did it in my 35-square-foot powder room, and it’s like being in a gorgeous tile cocoon. Just make sure your contractor properly waterproofs everything.

Subway Tile with Marble Accents

Want to look fancy without the fancy price tag? Mix subway tiles with marble accents. This combo gives you that luxe look while keeping costs reasonable.

I learned this trick from a designer friend who used it in million-dollar homes. The subway tile does the heavy lifting coverage-wise, while marble steals the show in key spots. It’s like wearing a simple outfit with one stunning piece of jewelry.

Strategic Marble Placement

Here’s where to splurge on marble:

• Shower niche backing – creates a jewel box effect
• Border or chair rail detail
• Vanity backsplash while walls get subway tile
• Floor pattern insert – like a marble “rug”

The key is restraint. Too much marble competing with subway tile looks confused. I made this mistake in my first attempt and ended up with a bathroom that couldn’t decide what it wanted to be.

Two-Tone Subway Tile Bathroom Design

Why settle for one color when you can have two? Two-tone subway tile designs are having a major moment, and I’m here for it. This approach lets you add personality without going full rainbow.

My current favorite combo? White tiles on top, sage green on bottom, divided at chair rail height. It grounds the space while keeping things light and airy up top. Plus, the darker bottom half hides any splashes from kids’ bath time (parent hack!).

Color Combination Rules

Not all color combos work. Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Stick to the same color family or complementary colors
• Use the 60-30-10 rule (60% dominant color, 30% secondary, 10% accent)
• Consider natural breaking points (chair rail, shower line, etc.)
• Test combinations with samples before committing

The beauty of two-tone? You can create different moods in the same space. Light on top keeps things open, while a moodier bottom half adds sophistication.

Also Read: 15 Inspiring Green Tile Bathroom Ideas for Elegant Spaces

Textured Subway Tile Feature Wall

Flat tiles are fine, but textured subway tiles? That’s next-level design. I discovered beveled subway tiles during a hotel stay and immediately knew I needed them in my life.

Textured tiles catch light differently throughout the day, creating an ever-changing display. My beveled tiles look completely different at sunrise versus sunset. It’s like having dynamic art on your walls.

Texture Options to Consider

The variety surprised me:

• Beveled edges – classic and elegant
• Wavy or undulated surfaces – organic and playful
• Crackle glaze – vintage charm
• 3D relief patterns – modern and sculptural

Here’s the thing about textured tiles: a little goes a long way. I used them only on my vanity wall, and it’s enough to make the whole bathroom feel special. Full room coverage would be texture overload.

Subway Tile Shower Niche Ideas

Let’s talk about the most overlooked opportunity in bathroom design: the shower niche. Most people just slap in the same tile and call it a day. But why waste prime real estate?

I’ve turned shower niches into design focal points, and it’s easier than you think. The contained space is perfect for experimenting with patterns, colors, or materials you might not use elsewhere.

Niche Design Strategies

My favorite niche treatments:

• Contrasting grout color just in the niche
• Herringbone pattern while walls stay horizontal
• Marble or decorative tile backing
• LED strip lighting for drama (yes, really!)

Size matters with niches. I learned the hard way that standard shampoo bottles need at least 12 inches of height. Now I always go bigger – 14-16 inches tall and the full width between studs.

Vintage Style Subway Tile Bathroom

There’s something about vintage-style bathrooms that just feels right. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe it’s because those old-school designs have serious staying power.

I went full vintage in my guest bathroom with slightly irregular white tiles, hex floors, and exposed plumbing. The key to nailing vintage style? It’s all in the details.

Authentic Vintage Elements

What makes it feel genuinely vintage:

• Pencil trim borders – those thin accent tiles
• Chair rail trim at appropriate height
• Slightly uneven tile edges (handmade look)
• Traditional running bond pattern (not stacked)

Don’t forget the finishing touches. Vintage-style faucets, a pedestal sink, and classic subway tile create a cohesive look. I even hunted down authentic vintage medicine cabinets on Facebook Marketplace.

Modern Minimalist Subway Tile Bathroom

Minimalism doesn’t mean boring. In fact, modern minimalist bathrooms require more thought because every element has to be perfect. You can’t hide behind clutter or busy patterns.

I channeled my inner minimalist in my master bathroom remodel. Large format subway tiles (4×12) with matching grout create an almost seamless surface. The key is letting the architecture shine.

Minimalist Design Principles

What makes it work:

• Thin grout lines – almost invisible
• Consistent tile from floor to ceiling
• Hidden storage to maintain clean lines
• Quality over quantity in fixtures

The hardest part about minimalist design? Resisting the urge to add more. Every time I want to hang something on the walls, I remind myself that empty space is a design choice.

Subway Tile with Metallic Accents

Who says bathrooms can’t be glamorous? Adding metallic accents to subway tile creates this perfect balance of classic and contemporary.

I went bold in my powder room with brass schluter strips between white subway tiles. The thin metallic lines create a custom look that gets compliments from everyone who visits.

Incorporating Metallics

Ways to add metallic touches:

• Metal edge trim or bullnose alternatives
• Metallic grout (yes, it exists!)
• Mixed metal fixtures against white tiles
• Metallic accent tiles scattered throughout

The trick is consistency. Pick one metal finish and stick with it. My brass strips tie in with the faucets, mirror frame, and light fixtures. It looks intentional rather than random.

Patterned Grout Subway Tile Inspiration

Ready for the wildest trend I’ve tried? Patterned grout. Not just colored grout – actual patterns created by using different grout colors strategically.

I attempted this in my daughter’s bathroom, creating a subtle ombré effect from light to dark blue grout. It took forever but looks absolutely incredible. It’s like having custom tile without the custom price.

Patterned Grout Techniques

Approaches that actually work:

• Gradient effects – gradually changing grout color
• Alternating grout colors in a pattern
• Using grout to create “frames” around tile sections
• Metallic grout for accent rows

Fair warning: this is not a DIY project unless you have serious patience. My contractor thought I was nuts, but even he admitted the result was worth it. Just budget extra time (and wine for afterwards).

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – 15 ways to make subway tile anything but boring. The beauty of these tiles is their versatility. You can go classic, modern, vintage, or completely off the wall (pun intended :/).

The best part? You don’t have to commit to just one idea. I’ve mixed and matched several of these concepts in different bathrooms, and each space has its own personality.

Start with what speaks to you, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries.

Remember, your bathroom should make you happy every single day. Whether that means classic white tiles that’ll look good forever or a bold patterned grout situation that makes you smile, go for it.

After all, life’s too short for boring bathrooms.