Subway​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ tile, the design element that has been anything but mundane and has been used in a range of places, from the Parisian metros to the expensive lofts, is still quite popular. 

These new-to-the-market metal-carrying tiles have made a name for themselves as being the product of the past but still trendy, clean, affordable, and highly versatile. 

Sometimes the term "basic" or "overdone" is thrown at the little subway tile without any consideration of the fact that its simplicity is its strength which allows it to accommodate an infinite number of styles and trends. 

We are not stopping with the usual white brick layout but rather looking at 10 creative and trendy ways to show off your kitchen and bathroom with personality and style using this timeless tile.

Rethinking​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ the Pattern of Subway Tile: Beyond the Brick

The classic running bond pattern of subway tile is great, but just changing the direction of your tile is by far the quickest way to give it a new look.

1. The Vertical Stack (Modern & Minimalist)

Apart from shifting tiles sideways, piling them up vertically gives a smooth, new vibe that feels current. This sharp style comes off naturally contemporary, perfect for compact bathrooms since upward lines guide your eyes higher, making ceilings seem loftier.

2. The Herringbone Layout (Classic Elegance)

The pattern of the tiles is a zig-zag, V-shaped one that shows movement and texture and thus is the language of highly personalized bespoke design.

The Herringbone gives a touch of sparkle without going overboard, perfect behind your shower bench or tucked into a kitchen nook. It pairs smoothly with high-end touches such as marble surfaces alongside golden taps.

3. The Basketweave (Unexpected Texture)

The basketweave pattern, which forms a square with two tiles and changes the direction of that square, provides a deep, rich, and historical texture. 

This is the style that brings the charm of the past, a cottage or vintage look, and is just right if you want a handcrafted style. To be able to see this pattern in its full glory, use a different grout color so that the woven effect is clearly ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌visible.

Playing​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ with the Color and Finish of the Subway Tile

Subway tile has no limitation when it comes to colors and finishes. Choosing the right one can have a very large effect on the atmosphere of your room.

4. Matte vs. Glossy: The Texture Debate

A decision between different finishing options is all about how light would interact with the given space. Shiny or glossy tiles are bright, highly reflective, and a real lifesaver in a small bathroom which is the perfect place for them. 

Matt tiles lend a soft, muted, and quite chic feeling, making them ideal for industrial, rustic, or Scandinavian styles.

5. Bold Hues for Drama

Color shouldn't scare you. A bathroom or kitchen feels way more intense and rich when you go for deep green, think forest or emerald or strong navy tones. 

Instead of matching everything, try splitting spaces with shades; say, tile the entire shower in a daring hue while keeping other walls light.

6. Handmade & Zellige-Style Tiles

There’s no match for the richness you get from tiles with tiny differences in color, wavy borders, or a soft, cracked glaze crafted to mimic old-school, hand-chiseled Moroccan Zellige work. 

The flaws give incredible dimension and charm and thus even an all-white tile installation can look rich and ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌tactile.

The Power of Grout (The Design Secret Weapon in Subway Tile)

Grout might be the cheapest part of a subway tile setup, yet it makes a big difference. Picking the right shade changes how your space looks altogether.

7. High Contrast Grout

Black, charcoal, or deep gray grout next to white tiles makes the design pop instantly. If you’re going for a vintage, raw, or bold look, this combo works just right. On top of that, darker grout stays looking clean longer since spills and scuffs aren’t as obvious.

8. Seamless Monochromatic Grout

Go super minimal by picking grout just like your tiles say, white with white. That gives you an even look where the tile edges blend softly into the background, so clean cabinets or bold faucets stand out instead.

9. Metallic or Colored Grout

If you’re after a touch of sparkle, go for pale gray grouting or one with tiny shiny bits. That little trick brings a soft glow, bouncing light around while slipping in elegance quietly, just under the radar.

10. Mixing Tile Sizes

Subway tile isn’t only about 3x6. Try swapping in larger ones like 2x8 instead and mixing them with regular size for a quiet shift that still grabs attention. 

Go with tiny 1x4s if you want fine lines that break up space. It works well when keeping one shade but needing more depth. Build strong horizontals or upright patterns this way, no extra colors needed.

Creative​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Applications in the Kitchen & Bathroom

Choosing subway tile is not the only thing that matters, but also the place where you put them.

The Full-Wall Kitchen Backsplash

Go past just the strip above the counter, run the tiles right up to the ceiling, or stop at the bottom of your wall shelves and upper cabinets. Covering the whole wall makes a stronger impression, so the room feels more open while adding clean, structured flair to how your kitchen looks.

The Half-Wall Bathroom Dado

In a bathroom, tiles running partway up the wall mimic old-school paneling, sometimes called dado. Finish the upper tile edge with a slim coordinating trim while painting the rest of the wall either a contrast or tone-on-tone shade. That adds vintage flair and builds depth in the space.

Incorporating Decorative Trim (Bullnose & Schluter)

The edges on your tiles make a big difference. Go with an old-school bullnose piece, one that’s gently curved for a timeless, clean touch. 

Or pick a slim metal Schluter edge instead; it comes in shiny chrome, warm gold, or flat black, giving a modern, crisp line. A proper border makes the whole setup feel polished and put together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is a subway tile?

It's a ceramic piece, shaped like a rectangle, usually 3x6 inches, fired at low heat, then coated with glaze often found in kitchens or bathrooms.

Q2. Why is it called a subway tile?

Because they first used it inside NYC underground train stations back in the 1900s - picked 'cause it stays shiny, lasts long, yet looks fresh.

Q3. Are subway tiles expensive?

Usually they’re not costly. Plain white ceramic subway tiles tend to cost less than many other types, so they work well when covering big areas without spending much.

Q4. What is the difference between subway tiles and metro tiles?

They’re the same thing - “metro tile” is just what people in Europe call a regular subway tile. 

Q5. Why is subway tile so popular?

Subway tiles are a go-to choice because they look good no matter the trend. They fit just as well in old-school setups as they do in sleek, current ones. These tiles hold up nicely over time without chipping or fading easily. Plus, they don’t burn a hole in your pocket when installing them.

Conclusion

Subway tile isn’t something ordinary; it's popped up everywhere, from Paris undergrounds to fancy city apartments, staying fresh all along. 

Over 100 years ago these metal-backed slabs hit the market as something new; now they're known for being old-school yet sharp, sleek, low-cost, and super flexible. 

People might call them boring or overused, ignoring how their plain look is actually powerful, a simple means that it fits nearly any vibe you want. 

Skip the standard white brick pattern. We’re diving into ten bold, cool ideas to bring character and flair to your kitchen or bathroom using this classic tile.

Learn More: How to Tile over Tile