11 Beautiful Bathrooms With Subway Tile (With Photos!)
Perfect for every style.
Subway tile has become a popular addition to homes because of its ability to create a polished look in kitchens, powder rooms, and bathrooms. Subway tiles are typically rectangular with a brick-like look that is reminiscent of subway stations. Subway tiles have a clean, traditional look and are affordable compared to other types of tile. Whether you want to go for a traditional white look or add a bold color to your bathroom, subway tiles are a versatile choice for any space. We’ve put together a list of 11 beautiful bathrooms with subway tile to inspire you and help you find the perfect tile idea for your bathroom.
Bathrooms With Subway Tile
1. Paired With Patterns
While subway tile gives off a clean, traditional look, it certainly doesn’t have to be boring. Pair subway tiles with bold patterns to create a unique look in your bathroom. Consider tiling the bottom half of your wall and then covering the upper half with patterned wallpaper. The simple tile keeps the bathroom from feeling too busy, while the patterned paper adds a fun detail to the space. If wallpaper isn’t your thing, consider pairing the subway tile with a patterned floor tile.
Go for a traditional look by opting for white subway tile with a darker grout. The darker grout creates contrast and adds visual interest to your wall. The repeating pattern gives off a retro subway station feel while the white helps brighten up your bathroom. Pair with a dark, monochromatic patterned floor to complete the black-and-white color palette.
3. A Moody Feel
Create a moody atmosphere in your bathroom by opting for a darker subway tile color, like dark gray. To lighten up the bathroom, opt for a white grout – it can help the color of the tiles pop without diminishing the moody feel of the bathroom. Dark subway tiles are perfect for modern, refined industrial, or brooding glam bathrooms.
Add some color to your bathroom by opting for subway tile in a pretty pastel color. Despite being an unexpected yet bold move for adding color to your bathroom, the pastel colors can offer a soft feel rather than an overwhelming one. Pair with white accents (like a white vanity or white decor) to keep the color palette light.
Go for a half-wall look by adding subway tile to only half of your wall. Choose a darker paint color, like gray, to balance the light color of the tile and add contrast to your bathroom. The tile paired with paint not only helps add more color to your room but also adds different textures. Pair the tile with a hardwood floor and plants to help accentuate the different textures throughout your bathroom.
Get creative with your tile design. While the colors are still neutral, the tiles' orientation on the wall helps accentuate the tiles and make them feel unique, turning a classic and understated tile design into a custom look for your bathroom. Darker grout makes a subtle statement and helps to showcase the design.
7. Simple & Traditional
Showcase the traditional look that subway tile is known for by letting the white tile be the star of your bathroom. Paired with white grout, it creates a clean, crisp look for your bathroom. Use your decor and bathroom accessories (such as towels and wall art) to bring color to your space.
Opt for a stacked look (instead of a staggered one) by lining the tiles up neatly to create a cool grid design. Laying the tiles on top of each other creates horizontal and vertical lines to help elongate the space while creating a minimal but modern feel. Brighten up the space by adding white grout and white furniture. A hardwood floor can help add natural elements to your bathroom and warm up the room.
9. An Accent Tile
Spice up your white subway tile by adding in a darker tile which can separate the subway tile and create a unique accent in your bathroom. For a bold statement that doesn’t overpower the room, opt for a smaller tile in a color that matches your wall color to create a dividing line. The simple addition of the tile will make a big statement, while the matching colors will create a cohesive look throughout your bathroom. To make an even bigger statement, opt for large patterned or brightly colored accent tiles; they will help draw the eye around the room while adding a splash of color. Add towels in your accent color to highlight the accents even more.
If you love the look of marble, consider adding marble subway tiles to your shower. They offer a unique textured look without overpowering the rest of the bathroom. These marble tiles can give your shower a natural, stonelike look that can make your morning shower feel more luxurious. Opt for white grout to soften the look while letting the marble detailing draw the eye.
If you are looking for a unique twist on a traditional concept, opt for larger tiles that resemble standard subway tiles. Ditch the smaller size and opt for a larger tile size; it will create a different look in your bathroom. To step up your tile game, opt for tiles in a variety of shades. While the shades of the above subway tiles are similar, the slight variation creates interest on your walls while adding color to the space. To let the colored tiles be the star of the show, keep your floor tiles and decor throughout your bathroom in neutral or light shades.
