It doesn't matter what your design aesthetic is or your budget, the subway tile is truly universal and better yet, timeless. With so many options out there, it’s the perfect tile for your bathroom or kitchen. Originally designed in 1904 for the New York subway stations, the subway tiles have come a long way and have since been on the rise. From rustic rooms to modern marvels, the subway tile is featured across some of the best homes internationally. And there is a reason for it; they are durable, classic, endlessly versatile and insanely affordable. They also provide opportunity for bold colour, contrast with grout, play with pattern, or keeping it simple, the limit does not exist. So we're spotlighting the trend that will never die with 15 chic spaces featuring the beloved subway tile.
1. Keep It Classic
Subway tiles are beloved for their classic timeliness, so keep things classic with a white repeating bond pattern with grout to match. If you want something a little more lux opt for a gloss finish.
2. Have it in Herringbone
Another way to bring timelessness to your subway tile is to lay the tile in a herringbone pattern. We absolutely love the earthy feel of this terracotta subway tile!
3. Play with Direction
The subway tile is the perfect option if you want to get creative. Why not play with the direction for an effective and affordable design detail?
4. Great Grouting
Getting creative with the subway tile seems like an obvious choice, but getting creative with the grout is seriously cool. Opting for a matching grout colour and playing with the grout thickness is something we are loving at the moment.
5. Go Colourful
This stunning green subway tile shows that the subway can work in any colour. With endless colour options available, the subway tile is a great choice if you want to bring colour into your bathroom. Mixing with a small amount of marble in this bathroom means this affordable tile looks luxurious.
6. Play with Pattern
One of the best parts of the subway tile is the endless options and patterns you can create. This cross hatch laid subway tile is a great way to bring texture into your bathroom whilst still keeping it timeless. Using a contrasting grout colour will really accentuate the pattern.
7. Dare to go Dark
Matte black subway tiles with grout to match certainly gives you that masculine and moody feel. Using the straight stack pattern provides a more structured aesthetic and we suggest using this if you want to create the ultimate bachelor pad.
8. Meet me Half Way
You don’t have to commit to the subway tile everywhere to get the effect. We love the use of mixing the materials half way, and even better with marble to create a luxurious feel.
9. Get Vertical
Though most opt for the running stack pattern, why not flip it on its head and lay the tiles vertically? This is a great idea if you have low ceiling heights to make the room look taller.
10. Create Contrast
If you want the industrial New York Loft look, opt for a contrasting grout colour. This small decision creates a totally different feel, and certainly makes the tiles more of a feature. We love this bathroom in the beautiful Williamsburg Hotel in NYC.
11. Make it Marble
Looking for a more luxurious look? Why not get marble subway tiles and lay them in a herringbone pattern. The herringbone pattern of the Calacatta floor tile feels classic, luxe, and somehow fresh even though it is a traditional design. We suggest pairing it with gold toned hardware.
12. Size Matters
Whoever says size doesn't matter was wrong! Playing with the size of your subway tiles is another simple and effective option. Using a grout colour to match the tile creates a textured and interesting wall finish.
13. Really Rustic
When we think of the subway tile, the classic white tile comes to mind but recently the Moroccan style subway tile is making a huge appearance in the interior industry. If you are looking for an earthier and more rustic feel we suggest this!
14. Waterproofing Wallpaper
We love the use of wallpaper in a bathroom, as it brings in softness and can certainly help you achieve that show stopping feature. It is however not always great around wet areas, which is where the subway tile comes in. Why not tile the bathroom half way and wallpaper the rest? Talk about green with envy..
15. Mix and Match
Last but certainly not least mix and match your subway tiles! We love the use of mixing black and white subway tiles in this bathroom to create an interesting and unique floor design.
I'm sure by now we have convinced you the subway tile is truly versatile and looks great in any bathroom, regardless of your style and budget.
Any other ideas on the subway tile, we would love to hear. Please share in the comments section below.
