Subway Tile Ideas That Feel Classic, Not Basic

Let’s talk tile, friends. It’s only natural to get bored with something after you’ve seen it a million times on Pinterest, Instagram, or installed in five of your neighbors’ kitchens and baths. Something becomes “trendy” and runs the risk of feeling dated when a material or design is overused. That doesn’t mean a material is no longer relevant— it just means you have to be thoughtful in how you install and design it, if you want it to withstand the test of time. The key to using subway tile in a way that won’t get old is to look to history for inspiration. In doing so, you’ll find craftsmanship and intentional design. I want to share some subway tile ideas for making this amazing and affordable option feel fresh again!

When I originally wrote this post, I was about to install subway tile in our guest bathroom. There was a reason I chose it then, and there is a reason I still love it now, nearly a decade later. Subway tile is an affordable classic that can take on almost any personality. We have used these subway tile ideas in many of our bathroom and kitchen renovations. Most recently we color blocked the shower in our cabin main bath. I can’t wait to show you the tile we are using in our primary bath renovation– stay tuned for that reveal (it’s also subway). Scroll on to see my best tips for how to make subway tile feel timeless…

Use Tile Trim Pieces

This applies to any tile installation: if you want it to look finished and tailored, use trim pieces… like we did in our basement bathroom (pictured above). No matter your aesthetic, make sure the visible edges look and feel finished. Even if you’re shooting for a modern aesthetic, be sure to cap the tile with a line of simple bullnose tile or install a piece of pencil trim. I’m a details person and I promise— finishing pieces make all the difference!

Consider a Subway Tile Border

The beautiful thing about subway tile is that it comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Don’t be afraid to add a little contrast with an inset border. I implemented a contrasting border in our guest bath. I used a glossy black base tile, pencil liner, glossy white subway tile, and glossy white chair rail tile for a cohesive look. That graphic detail was one of the parts of the design I was most excited to see installed. You could even use a different material! Carrara marble, for example, pairs beautifully with classic white subway tile. This technique can be found in historic bathrooms, where borders were used to create structure and definition. The key is restraint. A border should relate to the architecture or another material in the room.

Try Color Blocking

This is a great way to elongate a space or break up a field of tile. It can also make a bathroom feel more architectural without requiring an expensive decorative tile. Pay close attention to where the color changes. Aligning that transition with a ledge, window, vanity, or another architectural feature will make the installation feel much more intentional. In our cabin main bath reveal (pictured above), I elongated this wall with color blocking… which is where my idea to install two-toned handmade tile came from. By keeping the darker tile weighted toward the tub, and the lighter at the top, with the right proportions, the ceiling suddenly feels taller, and the vignette more interesting.

Give Colored Subway Tile a Try

White is not the only classic option. Creamy neutrals, blue, green, and other muted shades can give subway tile more depth while maintaining its familiar shape. Choosing colored subway tile is one of the easiest ways to make this material feel fresh without relying on an overly trendy pattern. Always bring samples into the room before making a final decision. Tile color can change dramatically depending on the lighting, cabinetry, and countertops surrounding it. The kale green subway tile in our cabin mail bath reveal is a great example of colored subway tile (pictured above.)

Use a Different Subway Tile Pattern

Try running subway tile in a different direction or pattern. This is the easiest way to make an impact using what you already have. A traditional running bond feels familiar and historic. A stacked layout looks clean and contemporary. Layered herringbone fields add movement in a niche, while a vertical pattern draws the eye upward. Let the room guide the pattern. If you already have patterned flooring, prominent stone, or detailed cabinetry, a simple layout may be best. If the other finishes are restrained, the tile pattern can carry more visual interest. Remember, when I ran the tile in my previous bathroom vertically to trick the eye into thinking the ceiling height was taller than it actually was? That’s another designer trick using tile orientation.

Experiment With Subway Tile Scale

Traditional subway tile measures 3×6 inches, but there are plenty of options that push the scale of subway tile in a unique direction. An elongated subway tile can make a room feel more contemporary. Smaller formats often work beautifully in older homes and compact spaces. Before ordering, arrange several samples together or tape the tile dimensions onto the wall. One loose tile does not always tell you how the full installation will feel.

Explore Textured Subway Tile

I’m still loving textural tile. These handmade and hand glazed subway tiles take on a very organic and natural feel that add a ton of depth and variety to any wall. They feel timeless and effortless, yet updated. The textured tiles certainly give off a more casual vibe. In our kitchen(pictured above) we used a stunning gray Bedrosians backsplash tile.

Create a Unique Tile Niche or Ledge

For added interest, I prefer to install a little contrast in the niche, or add dimension with an architectural ledge. Whether it’s the backsplash in the kitchen behind the range or cooktop, or a simple shower niche, a little contrast and depth goes a long way! You could trim it out with a different color, switch up the tile completely, run a different pattern, or play with scale. However you choose to highlight the recessed area, it will certainly add instant a designerly element. Here is how to plan and design a shower niche. Remember, we’re trying to steer clear of trendy.

Design the Surroundings

Lastly, the surroundings and accompanying design elements in a space highly influence a room’s look and feel. For example, if you’re installing subway tile because it’s a classic material, consider purchasing plumbing fixtures that will also withstand the test of time. Everything that goes into a space plays a part in making it feel timeless, trendy, or dated. If you’re wondering about grout, that’s an entirely different ballgame. For more help with that decision, definitely save these two posts: how we choose grout for tile and the best mapei grout colors (designer tile pairings & advice).

Subway Tile Planning Checklist

As you’re making tile selections, keep the following in mind… planning these details before installation can prevent awkward cuts, odd layouts, and unfinished looking transitions:

• Choose a tile size that suits the scale of the room.
• Decide whether the layout should blend in or make a statement.
• Plan how every visible edge and outside corner will be finished (preferably with tile trim, not Schluter).
• Choose the grout color and grout joint width.
• Align borders and color changes with architectural features.
• Plan tile placement around niches, outlets, windows, and fixtures.
• Create a dry layout before setting the tile.

Questions?

Related Posts

Looking for more posts on tile installation, or maybe you’d like to see some of my recent top picks? I’ll link them for you below…

• Timeless Tile Picks from Wayfair
• How to Tile a Backsplash the Easy Way Using Mussel Bound
• How to Easily Tile Over an Existing Concrete Patio
• The Best Mapei Grout Colors (Designer Tile Pairings & Advice)
• How to Plan and Design a Shower Niche
• Our Entryway Tile + Alternative Options
• DIY Heated Floor Tile

At the end of the day, subway tile is a classic material— even if it’s everywhere. To sum things up, I’ll use this little analogy… subway tile is like a basic tee. You can wear it every single day and it can look fresh and new depending on how you style it. That’s exactly how I like to think of subway tile! It’s so versatile and can morph into any aesthetic… it just depends on how you install it. Subway tile will never really go out of style, but it can look boring if you don’t pay attention to the details. Give those details the attention they deserve, and this affordable classic can look every bit as thoughtful as a much more expensive material. I want your feedback in the comments below!