15 Chic Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas For a Modern Look
Alright, let’s talk bathrooms. Specifically, let’s talk about the one material that has absolutely refused to go out of style for over a century: the humble subway tile.
I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, “Subway tile? Isn’t that a bit… basic?” Hear me out. Calling subway tile basic is like calling a little black dress basic.
It’s a classic for a reason! Its power lies in its incredible versatility. It’s the ultimate blank canvas for your bathroom dreams.
I’ve been through a bathroom reno myself, and let me tell you, the choices are overwhelming.
But whenever I felt lost in a sea of trendy (and expensive) options, I kept circling back to good ol’ subway tile.
It’s affordable, timeless, and with a few clever twists, it can look utterly modern and chic.
So, if you’re dreaming of a bathroom refresh that feels both fresh and forever, you’re in the right place.
Grab a coffee, and let’s dive into 15 ways to make subway tile look anything but ordinary.
15 Chic Subway Tile Bathroom Ideas
1. Vertical Subway Tiles for a Modern Twist
Let’s start by breaking the number one rule. Who said subway tiles have to be laid horizontally? The traditional brickwork pattern is a classic for a reason, but flipping it 90 degrees is an instant update.
- Why it works: Laying tiles vertically draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of higher ceilings. This is a godsend, especially in smaller bathrooms or powder rooms that can feel a bit squat. It feels sleek, intentional, and just a little bit unexpected.
- Pro Tip: For a truly seamless and modern look, use a thin, matching grout line. This minimizes the grid effect and lets the clean lines of the tile do all the talking. It’s a simple change with a massive impact.
2. Classic White Subway Tiles with Black Grout
This is the combo that made subway tile famous, and it’s still a showstopper. There’s a reason you see it everywhere—it just works.
The high contrast is graphic, bold, and adds definition to what could otherwise be a flat, white wall.
- My Personal Experience: This is what I used in my own shower! I was terrified the black grout would make it look too busy, but it had the opposite effect. It framed each tile perfectly and made the whole wall feel more architectural. A word of caution, though: black grout can be a bit unforgiving with water spots in hard water areas, but a quick squeegee after every shower keeps it looking crisp.
- The Key: The magic is in the grout size. A standard 1/8-inch grout line gives you that perfect, defined grid. Any smaller, and you lose the effect; any larger, and it might start to look a bit industrial (unless that’s your goal!).
3. Herringbone Pattern for a Luxurious Feel
Want to inject a dose of luxury and dynamic energy? The herringbone pattern is your answer.
This zig-zag layout feels artisanal, high-end, and adds movement to your walls. It says, “I didn’t just phone this design in.”
- Why it works: The diagonal lines break up the monotony in the most elegant way possible. It has a traditional vibe that feels fresh again. It works brilliantly as a full shower wall or, even better, as a feature behind the vanity to create a focal point.
- Consider This: Herringbone requires more cuts than a standard grid pattern, which can mean a higher installation cost. But IMO, the wow factor is absolutely worth the splurge. Pair it with a light gray or white grout to keep the focus on the intricate pattern.
Also Read: 15 Gorgeous Bathroom Floor Tile Designs You Must See
4. Subway Tiles on the Bathroom Floor
Wait, tiles on the floor? Aren’t they too slippery? Not necessarily! Unglazed or matte-finish subway tiles often have more texture and grip, making them a fantastic and unexpected choice for flooring.
- The Look: Using the same tile on the wall and floor creates a cohesive, seamless look that expands the space. Imagine a shower wall that flows directly onto the bathroom floor—it’s incredibly chic and modern.
- Crucial Detail: You must ensure the tile is rated for floor use (check its PEI rating; a III or IV is good for residential bathrooms) and that it has a sufficiently non-slip surface. Safety first, style a very close second!
5. Mixing Subway Tiles with Other Textures
Subway tile is the ultimate team player. Its simplicity makes it the perfect partner for other, more dominant textures.
This is where you can really start to build depth and personality.
- Great Partners:
- Natural Wood: Warm wood vanities or open shelving balance the cool, crisp feel of ceramic tile beautifully.
- Textured Wallpaper: A bold wallpaper on the opposite wall or on the ceiling? Yes, please! The plain tile keeps it from feeling overwhelming.
- Rough Concrete: For an industrial-luxe vibe, pair white subway tile with a concrete sink or floor. The contrast between the rough and the smooth is everything.
6. Colorful Subway Tiles for a Pop of Personality
Who said subway tiles only come in white? These days, you can find them in every color of the rainbow.
Choosing a pastel like sage green, a soft sky blue, or even a moody navy can completely transform the feel of your bathroom.
- How to Choose: Soft, muted tones like sage or blush pink feel modern and calming, perfect for creating a spa-like retreat. Deeper shades like emerald or navy create a dramatic, intimate, and incredibly stylish atmosphere.
- My Advice: Love color but feeling hesitant? Start small. Use colored tiles in a powder room or just in the shower niche. It’s a low-commitment way to test the waters and add a huge dose of fun.
7. Subway Tiles Around the Bathtub
There’s nothing more classic than a beautiful tub framed by subway tile.
It creates a clean, waterproof surround that highlights the tub as the star of the room.
- The Layout: For a traditional clawfoot tub, running the tile halfway up the wall (a wainscot) keeps things light and airy. For a built-in tub, tiling all the way to the ceiling creates a stunning, monolithic feel that is pure luxury.
- Think About: How will you cap it off? A bullnose edge tile gives a soft, finished look, while a schluter strip (a thin metal edge) provides a sharp, modern detail.
8. Subway Tiles with Gold Accents
This combo is a match made in heaven. The cool, crispness of white subway tile provides the perfect backdrop for the warm, luxurious glow of gold fixtures and hardware. It’s a total vibe.
- How to Nail It: It’s all about the undertones. Stick with polished or brushed gold (or champagne bronze) fixtures rather than brass with too much orange. The goal is elegance, not nostalgia for the 1980s.
- Beyond the Faucet: Don’t stop at the tap! Incorporate gold through your mirror frame, light fixtures, towel bars, and even statement gold accessories like a soap dispenser or tumbler. This ties the whole look together beautifully.
9. Mixing Different Sizes of Subway Tiles
The standard 3×6 inch tile is just the beginning.
Now you can find subway tiles in a huge range of sizes, from tiny 1×2 inch bricks to large-format 4×12 planks. Mixing these sizes creates custom, eye-catching patterns.
- A Popular Combo: Using a larger format tile, like 4×12 or 4×16, on the walls and a smaller, classic 3×6 on a shower niche or accent strip. This play on scale adds a layer of sophisticated detail that is very designer-driven.
- The Effect: Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which can make a small bathroom feel larger and less busy. It’s a super modern take on the trend.
Also Read: 15 Stunning Bathroom Tile Ideas You’ll Love This Year
10. Subway Tiles in the Shower Niche
Every shower needs a spot for shampoo, and the humble niche is the best solution.
But why make it boring? Your subway tile niche can be a secret design feature.
Light it: Install a waterproof LED strip light at the top of the niche. It’s practical for seeing your products and looks incredibly luxe.y.
Ideas to Steal:
Frame it: Use a bullnose or pencil liner tile to frame the inside of the niche, giving it a built-in, finished look.
Accent it: Use a different color or pattern of tile just inside the niche. A pop of navy or a few rows of herringbone inside the niche is a fantastic surprise detail.
11. Subway Tile Backsplash with Patterned Floors
Can’t decide between a bold pattern and a neutral? Do both! A simple white subway tile backsplash acts as a calming neutral, allowing you to go wild with your floor choice.
- The Balance: This is the perfect balance of yin and yang. The busy, beautiful floor becomes the artwork, and the plain walls ensure the room doesn’t feel chaotic. Think encaustic cement tiles, bold geometric patterns, or classic black and white checkerboard.
- Why it’s a Win: It’s a great way to incorporate a trend you love without it feeling permanent or overwhelming. If you ever tire of the floor, it’s easier to change than an entire wall of tile.
12. Subway Tiles with Marble Finishes
Marble exudes luxury, but it can be pricey and high-maintenance. Enter the perfect compromise: subway tile with a marble veining pattern.
- The Best of Both Worlds: You get the elegant, organic look of marble with the affordability and practicality of ceramic or porcelain. Modern digital printing is so good that these tiles can look incredibly realistic.
- Styling Tip: Because the veining is already providing the pattern, keep everything else simple. Use a thin, light gray or white grout to create a slab-like effect, and pair it with simple, elegant fixtures to let the tile shine.
13. Subway Tiles with Matte Finish for a Subtle Look
Forget the glossy shine. A matte finish subway tile feels soft, contemporary, and incredibly sophisticated.
It absorbs light rather than reflecting it, which gives the room a calm, serene atmosphere.
- Perfect For: Creating that spa-like tranquility we all crave. It feels less commercial and more residential, like a high-end hotel.
- A Quick Note: Matte tiles, especially in a light color, can be slightly more prone to showing water spots or soap residue than glossy ones. But a quick wipe-down is usually all it takes to keep them looking perfect. A small price to pay for such a cool look, right? 🙂
14. Subway Tiles with Geometric Patterns
If you’re truly brave and want to make a major statement, geometric-patterned subway tiles are for you.
Think tiles with embossed patterns, fish scales (hexagon), or even more intricate designs.
- How to Use It: Less is more. This type of tile is best used as a stunning accent wall. Behind the vanity or in the shower is the perfect spot. You want it to be a focal point, not a overwhelming force.
- The Grout Choice: With such a busy tile, your grout color is key. A matching grout will allow the pattern to flow seamlessly, while a contrasting grout will hyper-define each shape and make the pattern even bolder. Choose your adventure!
15. Full Subway Tile Wall for a Seamless Look
Go big or go home? Sometimes, the most powerful statement is one of simplicity.
Tiling one entire wall—or even every wall—from floor to ceiling in a simple subway tile creates a clean, expansive, and incredibly modern look.
- The Impact: This approach eliminates visual clutter and makes the space feel like a curated canvas. It’s minimalist, yes, but far from boring. The repetition of the pattern becomes a textural element in itself.
- Maximizing the Effect: To really make this sing, carry the tile all the way to the ceiling and use a tight, matching grout line. This minimizes interruptions and makes the room feel taller and larger. It’s a bold commitment to a classic.
Conclusion
See? I told you subway tile was anything but basic. From the timeless contrast of black and white to the modern drama of a full matte wall, this humble tile can do it all.
The best part is that you can mix and match these ideas to create a space that is uniquely yours.
The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to play with layout, color, grout, and scale. These are the levers you pull to take a classic material and make it feel fresh and personal.
Your bathroom should be a place you love to be in, not just a functional room you rush through.
So, which idea has you most excited? Maybe it’s the luxurious herringbone or the bold colored tiles.
Whatever it is, run with it. Your dream, modern subway tile bathroom is totally within reach. Now, who’s ready to start demo?
